On August 24, 2023, Elden “E.J.” James Sheridan, 68 years old, passed away peacefully at his home after a 10-month battle with esophageal cancer. On his passing E.J. was surrounded and comforted by his family.
E.J. was born to Donn and Beulah (Reel) Sheridan on June 24, 1955, at St Peters Hospital in Helena, Montana. He was the first child of three children E.J., Donna, and Susan. Sometime later, Donn and Beulah divorced and Donn re-married Clara French. Donn and Clara had two children Angelia, and James making a combined family of five siblings. The combined family made many trips to the Okanagan in British Columbia, Canada to visit relatives on Donn’s side. Beulah had a son Butch from a previous union 5 years older than E.J.
E.J. grew up in Helena and East Helena, at an early age of 7, he started selling newspapers at local Helena “downtown Main Street” drinking establishments, to earn enough money to buy his first baseball glove. E. J. loved sports, but later in life he had a fond personal love of golf in the summer, and bowling in the winter. In his younger years, he played a lot of baseball and softball, and sometimes had to hitchhike to make it to his game on time. He never shied from working and was always on time.
E.J. worked at the American Smelting and Refinery Company (A.S.A.R.CO.) in East Helena, and while employed he took a leave to join the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict, where he was stationed in Bamburg, Germany. After serving his country he returned to Helena and continued to work 30 years for A.S.A.R.CO until his retirement on June 30, 2003. He then started another 15-year career working for the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison. E.J. appreciated the people he worked with and fostered long-lasting friendships.
E.J. married Lora Harnden February 2, 1980, in Helena Montana. E.J. and Lora had two children, Lucas (Ashlee), and Crystal. They divorced in 1988 and on one summer day in 1988, E.J. went golfing with his friend and had a great round. They decided to stop by the Silver-Spur to have a drink. E.J. ran into an old friend who introduced him to Barbara Doig-Haskin. E.J. and Barb danced the night away, fell in love, and have been together since.
Barbara had two children of her own, Kathleen, and David (Julie). E.J. adopted David at a very young age and made him his own. E.J. was a very active father of 4 children. Family vacations were mostly trips to Seattle, amusement parks and zoos. E.J. coached his kids in bowling and baseball. He was proud of all his children and their accomplishments. He taught them the value of hard work, doing it right the first time, and to be on time. E.J. and Barbara also raised two of Kathleens young sons Alex Meza and Isaiah Meza, with a third son Christopher Meza joining the family at 14 years old.
E.J. was preceded in death by both of his parents Donn and Beulah, his stepmother Claira, his brother, Butch, his sisters, Donna, Susan, and Angelia. He is survived by his brother, James (Kelly) Sheridan, his sons Lucas (Ashlee) Sheridan, David (Julie) Sheridan, his daughters, Kathleen Sullivan, and Crystal Dugger; grandchildren, Alex, Isaiah, Christopher, Isabele, Stefanie, Nicole, Ayden, Brycen, Aniah, Jacob, Cierra, Hailey, Hanna, Isaiah, and Josiah and many nephews and nieces.
In Memory of EJ, the family would like donations to be made to the State Junior Bowling Scholarship in E.J.’s name. Please address checks to Helena USBC and either drop off or mail to the Sleeping Giant Lanes, 3355 Tricia St. Helena, MT 59601 in memory of EJ.
A memorial service celebrating E.J.’s life will be held at Helena First Church, 2210 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11:00am, with a reception at Helena First Church to follow. E.J.’s cremated remains will be placed in the columbarium niche at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison.
A special thanks to E.J.’s V.A. Caregivers, and the St. Peters Hospice team. Everyone had an equal part of his care, and all were compassionate to him and Barbara until he went to be with our Lord.
Proverbs; 3:5-6 5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Roy Moreno says
I grew up with EJ on the upper side of Helena between Mount Helena and Mount Ascension we would hike up to Devils Kitchen and a hill behind our house that the neighbor hood kids called Billy Goat we would sit up on the wall of Hale Resivior throwing beer bottles and can in the water shooting them with my bb gun until a man from the city said we should not be up there doing that because it was our drinking water and he feared we might fall in well we quit throwing bottles and cans into the water and started throwing rocks in instead I spent many of nights sleeping over at EJ he lived on the corner of Warren & Cutler and I lived on the corner of State Street & Warren we considered ourselves like brothers I also worked at ASARCO he would stop by and we talked and planned on what bar we would go to after work when I was on days hit I spoke to EJ for the last time on the phone about 3 or for weeks ago after we hung up I sensed that would be the last time I would hear his voice my deepest condolences to Barbara and his family he told me he didn’t want to leave you but he was ready to meet God I will miss my bother and will cherish all the fun times we spent together RIP MY FRIEND
Hugh McWhorter says
E J was my hero. Taking an active role in raising three step grandsons was a first class act and earned him the title bestowed. E J was the E in the golf team BEACH Boys. I was the H. I very much enjoyed the time shared with him on and off the course. A good man, a good golfer but most importantly a great friend. Miss ya already mister. Barbara, so sorry for your loss. Your big loss.
Sharon Wigren says
I remember meeting EJ once. There could have been other meetings but the first one sticks out because I remember how kind and easy-going he was. We also discovered that our birthdays were 10 days apart although he was a year older. You were taken too soon EJ, RIP
Harry "Salty" Payne says
I worked with EJ at ASARCO. Even though we were on opposite sides (Union – Management) EJ was a straight up guy. It was an honor to know and work with him.
Nancy Mickelson Haley says
My condolences to the family. EJ was my cousin but have not seen him since we were children. My father Marvin was Bealah’s step brother. Beulah and kids would visit us in Fargo during the summers. I remember EJ being a nice behaved young boy and a good guest. I know when they came to North Dakota they also spent a lot of time in Shelly Mn at aunt Irene’s. It so sad that the whole family of Bealah’s is now gone. They all died to young. I just recently lost my husband of COVID so I understand the grief.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cynthia Thomas says
The loss of EJ is a heavy one for those of us who knew and worked with him at Fort Harrison. He welcomed me in 2012 upon my arrival to the OR and kept the levity continuous throughout his working there. He was always ready with a smile, a funny statement, and supportive when the chips were down. He was and has always been an asset to the OR and to the veterans he served. Many never saw him, but his work was always apparent. I feel blessed to have known and worked beside EJ. May he rest in peace and know he made a huge difference in so many lives.
John & Michele Brodersen says
Barb and family;
We are so deeply saddened by E.J.’s passing. He will always be remembered as a straight shooter, believer in Christ, and an overall good human being. May the Lord look over you and provide strength at this time and always.
Amy Marshall says
Barb and Family,
I met the both of you in 2009-2010. That’s when EJ introduced me to some great new music and then off to concerts we all went! I still have all the CD’s he burned for me and they are some of my very favorites. EJ was someone you could visit with for a long time over music, baseball, golf, etc.. he was one of a kind! He was so active and positive about life. I’m so sad of EJ’s passing. Barb, I’m truly thinking of you and your family and may you find peace in all your sweet memories you had together.
My prayers go out to all of your family.
Jim Sampson says
Barb and family, so sorry for your loss. E.J. was a great guy and it was always fun bowling with him on my team. I hope you find comfort in your memories as he will be missed by many
Bobbie Guerechit says
I’m so sorry to learn of EJ’s passing. We were neighbors as small children. I remember all the fun times we all had pretending and playing in our yards and at each others homes. He always had the best ideas!
Belinda Humphrey says
I met EJ many years ago when he worked for Asarco. He was a great guy and when he was married to Lora we went to Lincoln and kalispell for a pool tournament. We had a lot of fun and also bowled for the smelter league. Had the opportunity to work and get to know his sister Susan. Sorry to hear of his loss. Happy to have known some of his family. Prayers to his family and healing for his loss!
The 'Blossom' Family says
We lived just down the street from EJ & Barb and their Grandkids and our kids were great friends. He hosted a lot of memorable ‘Super Bowl parties’ and we enjoyed EJ and his family for the past 2 decades. Happy trails EJ! The ‘Blossom’s’
Jim Pellegrini says
I am sorry for your loss. EJ was one of the first guys I met when I moved to Helena. He was there at softball, bowling and golf with a smile and a greeting. What a great guy. He will be missed.
Jim Verbanac says
I worked with EJ at the ASARCO smelter for quite a few years, but the most fondest memories were worshipping Jesus with him in various Christian venues. I am sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed!