James (Jim) Oliver Brown passed away on February 27, 2025 at the ripe old age of 88. Jim was born on September 3, 1936 in Missoula, Montana to Percy and Martina (Casey) Brown. Jim, along with his younger sister Edie, moved extensively in the first few years. Living in tar paper shacks and tents, in logging and mining camps; they toured the Northwest. Jim attended four different schools before the second grade. Finally, Martina put her foot down and said no more and they settled in Helena where he split his time between the sawmill above York and Helena. He attended Helena schools and in 1956 he was part of the first class to graduate from the “new” Helena High.
After graduating, he spent a year attending Northern Montana College in Havre before returning to Helena. Jim met Betty Stickney in 1955 when she recruited him for an ice-skating show. Skating led to dating and they were married in 1958. They spent the next 66 years together until Betty’s passing last spring. They had four children, David, Janet, Diane and Susan.
In 1964, they acquired the land on First Street thus beginning a lifelong endeavor in the landlord business. They built the first set of apartments on First Street, living in each as they were finished; before moving “up” the hill to the house which was the site of numerous (some say legendary) celebrations, parties and gatherings with neighbors and friends alike.
Jim worked at Casey Lumber and UBC before taking a job with the State of Montana Disaster and Emergency Services where he worked until he retired. Jim really never did retire; he worked as a reservist for FEMA responding to many natural disasters across the United States while continuing to manage and maintain their many properties. Jim and Betty spent a significant amount of time “relaxing” at the cabin on the Little Blackfoot. Of course, his idea of relaxing was to fix fence, cut firewood or tinker with something new on the cabin. Despite this, they always seemed to find some time for a few parties and celebrations. As well, he and Betty traveled and volunteered at the VA thrift shop. In their later years, Jim and Betty were inseparable.
Jim was particularly proud of his service in the Montana Army National Guard. He enlisted at the age of 17 and served in 3669 Heavy Equipment Ordinance Company where he rose through the ranks, commissioned as an officer in 1962, before reluctantly retiring as a Colonel after over 35 years of service.
Jim had a number of other notable accomplishments. He overcame throat cancer, stroke and other serious health concerns. He eventually got both an Associate of Applied Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree. He spent the last few years taking care of Betty before her passing.
He is survived by his four children, David (Ann) of Sheridan WY, Janet (Lane) of Helena, Diane (Tim) of Boise, ID and Susan (Jeff) of Boise ID; his sister, Edie Landry; along with 7 grandchildren, one great granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a number of close friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N. Montana Avenue followed by a reception in the social center of the funeral home. After the reception, at 1:30 p.m., inurnment of his cremated remains, with full military honors, will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery – Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VA Thrift Shop scholarship fund, the Montana Military Museum or a charity of your choice in memory of James O. Brown.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following His Celebration of Life
Friday March 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Appx 1:30 p.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Columbarium Niche Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following His Celebration of Life
Friday March 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Appx 1:30 p.m.
Friday March 14, 2025
Columbarium Niche Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Judy kembel says
So sorry for the loss of your parent father Grandfather. Jim and Betty were the best landlords ever so pleasant so accommodating and so darn much fun the best years of our life worth living in their neighborhood. Jim and Bette will greatly be missed because of them. We have remained good friends with all of your family we had so many parties at the Browns and so many great memories. Blessings to all of you from me and my entire family.
Jan and Jim Anderson says
We are so sorry to hear of the death of your Dad and Grandpa. Jim and Betty were such good people, and we are honored to call them our friends. We will not be able to attend his service as we are in Hawaii for the winter. We will keep your family in our prayers. Jim and Jan
John & Cherie Dahl says
Jim was a friend from our National Guard days and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Wanda Hooper says
I rented from Jim and Betty when I returned to Helena. Was needing a job while attending school and Betty helped me get mu first job. They always remained friends and would often visit with them on Sunday mornings at the Mother Lode. Miss them
Jeff Havens says
Jim and Betty were wonderful landlords!
I always enjoyed my chats with Jim on a variety of local and state topics and am grateful for the opportunities they provided to not only be fair but help cultivate tenants’ hopes and ambitions.
Thank you, Jim and Betty!
Liz Scholz says
I can’t remember how I met Betty and Jim, but over the years, they became my friends. They were willing to help me every time I called on them. Many times took some of my treasures to the VA Thrift Store, loyal members for many years. Not a moment was wasted, and if any, no matter what or where, they were always together. I will miss Betty’s soft voice and smile and Jim’s jokes.
Robert Jeffrey says
Jim and Betty were nice folks and good landlords! We enjoyed our many (~15) years in their small rental house on Rhode Island that’s across the street from their home. In fact, if we could have convinced Jim and Betty to let us have a dog, we probably would still be renting from them! Remembering Betty and Jim fondly with warm thoughts.
Bob and Carol
Tami (Bartraw) Miller says
I am so sorry for your loss. I may have lost touch with Diane & Susan but my heart goes out to you and your entire family for the loss of your Husband, Dad, granddad.
May the happy memories you have bring you comfort as you grieve.