On the morning of December 17, 2015, Jim passed away peacefully from complications after a stroke he had on October 22nd. He was 72 years old.
Jim was born in Seattle, WA on February 14, 1943. He was the only child of Dan and Irma Lemieux. Jim and his parents moved to Deer Lodge, MT when he was a small boy, to be closer to their family. He grew up in Deer Lodge and graduated from Powell County High School, where he enjoyed being on the swim team and in the school choir. Jim had a work ethic second to none, and held many jobs during his younger years, from delivering the Silver State Post newspaper, to working at Johnson’s Gas Station, and Wallin Ford.
Jim met Pam Krause at the Tastee Freeze in Anaconda in the summer of 1961. He gave her a ride in his shiny, black 1957 Chevy and so began their 50+ year relationship. They dated for four years, then married on July 23, 1966, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deer Lodge. Jim and Pam moved to Helena later that year. They were blessed with two daughters, Lisa and Lori, and together the four of them had many adventures. Jim impressed his love of the outdoors on his daughters and they have abundant memories of snowmobiling, camping, ATV’ing, boating at the Gates of the Mountains, horseback riding, and spending countless weekends at the family cabin at Rock Creek Lake as well as their Seeley Lake cabin.
Jim was an amazingly talented handy man and could build or fix just about anything. He re-built several cars and trucks, and built houses, garages, and shops. After working at Capital Ford for many years as a parts man, he branched out and bought his own auto parts store. He ran Parts Supply for almost 20 years, then sold it and went to work for Johnson Controls. He did plumbing, electrical, and boiler work, among other things. From there he moved on to Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), where he did much of the same work. He retired from BCBS in 2006.
In 2009, Jim and Pam sold their house in Helena and moved to Deer Lodge. With the help of family and friends, he built another huge shop. He loved helping out on the McQueary Ranch and spent time ATV’ing, fishing, and hunting in the same places he did as teenager. He enjoyed time spent with the Deer Lodge Elks Club and the Deer Lodge Volunteer Fire Department.
In January 2015 Jim and Pam sold their house in Deer Lodge and moved back to Helena to be closer to their girls and families. He loved watching their sporting events, taking them fishing at Tizer Lakes, going camping, and just spending family time together. His three granddaughters, grandson, and great grandson were the light of his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Irma. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Pam, daughter Lisa (Taz) Zubiate, daughter Lori (Gabe) Witham, granddaughter Kinsey Super, granddaughter Bailee (Jake) Ward, granddaughter Abbie Witham, grandson Gabe Witham, and great grandson Ryan Hughes. He is also survived by his very special pets, Bubba and Kitty.
Jim’s family would like to thank Hospice of St. Peter’s and the staff at the Rosetta House for the wonderful care they provided Jim in his final days. The family would also like to thank everyone who called, visited, hugged, and cried with us. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s, The Rosetta House, West Valley Fire Department, and the Deer Lodge Elks Club.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14th at the Elks Lodge #193, 330 Lola Street in Helena, with a luncheon reception following the service. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim.
Dave Quick says
Pam, Lori
So very sorry for your loss.
Bill Moore says
pam was shocked to see jims name in the obits did not think jim had any medical issues he will be missed by many Bill
Larry & Sharon Pfeiffer says
Pam,
So sorry.
His talents were many and you knew where he stood on his feelings, good or bad, and I think at one time or another I was on both ends. Know you will be in our thoughts and will remember the good times. He was one of a kind and will be missed……….
Sherri Staats says
Pam,
I am so sorry for sorry for the loss of your loving husband. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherri Staats
sharle says
Dear Pam and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. You both were wonderful friends and neighbors.
Thinking of you, Sharlene and Keith Stav
Dan Mattfeldt says
Pam and girl s so sorry for your lose Jim was a good man
Rae Bakken says
Dear Friend Pam,
So, so sorry for your loss of Jim. Our sincere sympathy for you and all your loved ones. Don’t ever remember seeing him without a smile. God love him and all of you.
Duane & Rae Bakken
Don & Charla Bacon says
Dear Pam & family,
We were so shocked to read of Jim’s passing. We had no idea that he had suffered a stroke in October. Don always enjoyed snowmobiling with him behind Elliston. It was always fun to visit with him at the annual Avon Harvest Dinner. He will be missed. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Ruth Galbraith says
My dear friend, Pam and your family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Jim was a special guy and we were lucky to have had him as a friend. Our love to you all.
Chris Juhl Love says
Pam and family – I was so sorry to read of Jim’s passing. Although it has been many years since we have connected, you and your family have always been in my Helena thoughts. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. He was taken too young. He joins mom and dad watching down on all of us from God’s heaven. God bless you and keep you all.
Tom & Lynn says
Dear Pam, you are in Tom’s and my thoughts and prayers! We hope family and friends and faith will help get you through these difficult time…God bless, Tom & Lynn Campbell
Jim and Betsy Phillips says
Pam, Lisa, & Lori
I don’t know what to say except what a shock this was. Jim and I are so sorry for your loss, and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We were reminicing about all the time we spent together when the girlls were younger and all of the great times we shared. Jim will be missed by all of us. Remember we love you and are here for you. Love Jim and Betsy
Leslie Clack says
Pam, Lisa, Lori and families,
Our hearts go out to you in this very painful time. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hoge family -Patty, Cindy, Vickie and Leslie
David Doig says
Dear Pam and family. You and Jim were such wonderful friends I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a wonderful person. We all will miss him so much I love you and will pray that you can get through this with the help of the many friends that you have. David Doig
Bob & Donna Fischer says
Pam, Lisa, and Family, Lori and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to ask. God be with you in this very difficult time. Bob & Donna Fischer
Janet and Dan Coughlin says
Pam,
We are so sorry for Jim’s struggle after his stroke and now the loss of him. We enjoyed his visits when you moved back to Helena. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Debbie Olson says
Pam, Dave and I were so shocked and saddened to see Jim had passed away. He was such a great guy! We have so many wonderful memories with you both at the Gates of the Mountains. You are in our prayers and thoughts, we will see you in January at the service. Deb and Dave
Terri and Bob Kunz says
Pam, My heart aches at your loss of your best friend, husband and so much more. I loved the way Jim “showed” me how to do things I had never done. Talks about snow mobiling, electrical stuff and fishing! What a guy. I know that although he is gone he will be with you as your angel until you meet again.
Lori and Lisa, I can not begin to tell you or show you the ache I feel for you. I lost my mother a month ago and the pain is like your skin burning aching to have one more conversation. I know it gets easier and it will for you as well. Keep the memories strong for your children.
May God continue to bless all of you and find comfort in knowing that his pain is gone and he is fishing and laughing next to a stream abundant. Hugs, Bob and Terri
Phyllis Lane Mason says
Pam, Jim & I graduated from PCHS together – have many fond memories of him & his folks. Will be praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Fred and Pat Jense says
Pam,
We are very sorry for your sudden loss. We know you will going thru some very tough times.
So stay Anaconda strong and courageous.
We will be gone over the hoidays, so take care of yourself and stay healthy.
Deb Crawford says
Pam
Words cannot express my sorrow at the loss of Jim. So many memories of snowmobiling, the Seeley Lake Cabin and his infectious laugh. May you forever hold “your” memories close to your heart.
I’m sending love and prayers from across the ocean.
Deb Crawford
Judy Gardner says
Pam,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and I think about you often since I just went through this losing Dale a year ago. Remember all the good times you and Jim and your girls had and keep them close to your heart. Looking through pictures brings back lots of memories which you are probably doing.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Pam and girls. The Lord must have needed a good story teller and handyman. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts gets are with you.
Rick and Jan O’Connell
Lewis says
I am sorry for the family’s loss. Please take comfort in the promise of the resurrection mentioned in the Bible at 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22.
Debbie Dahl says
Jim was a good man, one that I have remembered years after having worked at BCBS. God bless and comfort those he has left behind.
Gary and Alice says
May God bless you and help you through this very difficult time in your grief. It had to have been so hard to see the last part of his life end in such a sad way. Knowing he is not suffering any longer has to be a comfort. Having your family so close by is such a blessing. My heart goes out to you for your loss.
Dawn Allen says
Pam, Lisa, and Lori,
We have so many great memories of your dad. He and my dad, Bill Allen, always seemed to give each other a bad time! He always welcomed us into your home and made us feel very special. He touched so many lives in such a special way. Cherish the memories and continue living his legacy.
All my thoughts and prayers,
Dawn “Noochie” Allen
Nicole Duvernay says
Pam, Lori and family.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Jim. I remember all the support he gave us during all of our sporting events, even when we didn’t do much on the court to cheer about. I pray that your hearts are warmed by all the loving memories you have from over the years.
Nicole
marlys weatherwax says
Very sorry for your loss. Knowing Jim at B.C and B.S. he was such a fun and big bear of a man.
His kindness and gentle spirit was always present.
Marlys
Tabby Hall-Morley says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was always quick with a hello and a warm smile whenever I ran into him. Prayers and hugs for all of you! ~ Tabby~
Jim & Linda Price says
Pam, Lori and Lisa,
Jim and I were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Know that he is smiling down from heaven and watching always. Cherish your memories and share his stories often. Take care and many blessings to you! God bless you!
Shelley Sharp says
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May all your wonderful memories comfort you during these hard days and bring joy as the years go by. God bless.
Kim Lineaweaver says
Dear Pam & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. My heart and prayers are with you. I often thought of you over the years after we both moved away from Helena. We moved back after losing our eldest son Jason in 2011. I often think of the talks we had while you were doing my hair and I so enjoyed those times. God is with you and your family Pam and I am praying that your hearts will be comforted with His peace during this difficult time. God Bless You Always~ Kim
Jamie Moe says
Dear Pam and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We meet Jim in Helena at your hair salon. He was a very nice guy and always friendly.
God blessings to you and your family Pam. We will be praying for God’s peace and comfort for you all in this very difficult time. The Lord bless you all.
Love and Prayers, Jamie & Dave
L Gray says
My condolences to the family at this very difficult time. Please accept deepest sympathy for you loss. May you find comfort in God’s word the Bible at Revelation 21:3,4.
Gretchen Rooney says
I thank God for all the good times you all shared. I know Jim’s death leaves a huge hole in your lives. He lived life fully. I hope we can all do the same. Love and prayers to you.
Jackie sampson says
What great wonderful forever friends. Jim has left behind fond memories and his love for his family. We will always have you in our thoughts and prayers. With friendship and hugs. Steve and Jackie Sampson
Erin Snyder says
Hi Pam, Lori & Lisa (& Gabe & Taz), Jim has a special place in all of our hearts, especially yours. Praying for all of you. *love*
Dianna Goodman says
Pam, We have you and your family in our prayers. May God comfort you with his love at this difficult time.
Mark and Dianna Goodman
Vangie says
Lisa and family. I am praying for healing an comfort for your family. A celebration is continuing for your Dad, he will continue the joy forever, and will welcome his family to him in future times.
Natreese White says
My most sincere condolences to your family. I do pray God gives you peace during this most difficult time.
Jason Allen says
Lisa,
I wanted to give my deepest condolences to you and your family. I pray GOD will comfort you all during this time.
Sara Evans says
Lisa,
Keeping your family in my prayers at this time.
Ken & Paula says
Pam and family, We just visited with Mark Langdorf and heard of Jim’s passing. We will miss seeing his face at the ball games. Thoughts and prayers are with you. There are many memories of Jim that we see here at your house that we now have the pleasure and privilege to live in.
Ken & Paula Hassler
Rosemary and Chuck Jacoby says
Rosemary and Chuck Jacoby
Pam and Family: We loved the years when our boat was docked next to yours at the Gates of the Mountains. Jim was always working on a project or preparing for the “next adventure.” And looking at your beautiful photo albums, Pam, was a delight. Our visits with you and Jim were cherished. We look back at those days with fondness.
John L Bink says
Lee, Its been a long time. Sorry to read of your brothers passing. Please know that my thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. Take care.
Sincerely,
John Bink