James “Jim” Arthur Floding – faithful husband, loving father, doting grandfather, avid fisherman – passed away peacefully on February 18, 2019 at Edgewood Assisted Living Center in Helena, Montana.
Jim was born on July 21, 1928 in Blue Earth County, Minnesota to Enar “Pete” Floding and Mamie (Personious) Floding. He was the eldest of four children, followed by Robert Irwin Floding (deceased), Ethel Marie (Lundgren) Floding, and Sharon Kay (Goreham) Floding.
From the beginning of his life, Jim exhibited a strong work ethic balanced with a zest for enjoying life and all of its unearthed adventures. He graduated from high school in Alexandria, MN and shortly thereafter met the love of his life, Veronica “Ronnie” Lambertz while working at Woolworth’s. Anybody who asked Jim about first seeing Ronnie would hear about the “most beautiful woman he’d ever seen,” “love at first sight,” and the courage that he mustered up to first ask her out. After one year of courtship, Jim and Ronnie were married in Alexandria on September 1, 1948. Over the next seventy years, Jim and Ronnie shared a one-of-a-kind, inextinguishable love fueled by laughter, companionship, teamwork, travel, compromise, and unwavering devotion to their children and grandchildren.
In 1975, Jim fulfilled a longstanding dream to start his own business and opened a Ben Franklin Crafts in Helena, Montana. Montana offered Jim the opportunity to continue enjoying many of his favorite pastime passions, including fishing and camping. After running a successful business for decades, Jim and Ronnie sold Ben Franklin Crafts to their only son, Steve Floding, and his wife Ronell (Lamping) Floding. Steve and Ronell continued to grow the business as a thriving staple of the Helena community for years to come. While Jim continued to be a part of the Ben Franklin legacy, this period allowed him and Ronnie time to travel around the U.S. in their motor home to visit family and friends, fish, camp, and explore beautiful country that he never took for granted.
When Jim wasn’t working, traveling, fishing, socializing, or teaching his granddaughters how to play cribbage and fish, one might find him watching old Western movies, playing cards, reading Louis L’Amour novels, tending his yard and garden, or catching a matinee at the movie theatre. Jim also loved the rodeo and did not miss a single Last Chance Stampede Rodeo between 1976-2018. In addition to his many hobbies, Jim was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks Club, Ducks Unlimited, the Helena Exchange Club, and Montana Walleyes Unlimited and frequented banquets when possible.
Jim had a magnetic personality, a selfless soul, and a heart larger than the state of Montana. People and dogs alike would gravitate towards Jim and would immediately feel enlightened by his animated stories, contagious laughter, and warm presence. To say that Jim will be missed is an enormous understatement; however the truth will remain set in stone that he left the world and the people around him better for having known him, learned from him, and been a part of his journey.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ronnie Floding, his two younger sisters, Ethel Marie Lundgren and Sharon Kay Goreham (Don Goreham), and his cousin Debbie Ashbridge (Tom Asbridge) among numerous other relatives who held a special place in his heart. Jim also leaves behind four children and six grandchildren: daughter Mary Lohrman; daughter Jane Erickson and her husband Mark Erickson along with their daughters Sarah Yanker (Nick Yanker) and Nicole Erickson; son Steve Floding and his wife Ronell Floding along with their daughters Sadie Floding and Madison Floding; and daughter Jackie MacDonald and her husband Jeff MacDonald along with their daughters Kylie MacDonald and Jamie MacDonald.
Jim’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the Edgewood nurses and staff for their support, care, and guidance throughout the past few months of Jim’s life. Their thoughtfulness and genuine, warm-hearted presence have brought peace and solace to Jim and his family during this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, MT with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the Helena Exchange Club (https://helenaexchangeclub.org), an organization that was near and dear to Jim’s heart. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday February 22, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Steve Floding says
Hey Dad,
I once again wanted to thank you for being such a great father. Thank you for teaching me the fundamentals of life. Thank you for teaching me to hunt, fish, and to be a good businessman. Thank you for teaching me to be respectful, and to find the good in others. Thank you for teaching me how to raise my kids. You led by great example.
Please never forget how much you were loved, by all of us. We will miss you deeply. I will do my best to keep your legacy alive.
And Dad, don’t worry about mom, we will take good care of her.
Love your son,
Steve
carol anderson says
It’s with sadness to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a delight to know. His sense of humor was quite obvious, when talking with him. Jim was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word.
My deepest sympathy to Jim’s family.
Carol Anderson
Sister Cordy Korkowski says
Dear family of Uncle Jim and Aunt Ronnie,
First of all, deepest sympathy to you in the death of your loved one, Jim. It was always a good day when it was announced we would be going to the lake to visit the Floding. Jim was a gentle, even tempered person, respectful, fun and kind. Thanks for filling our world with goodness. I remember attending their wedding and I thought Aunt Ronnie was such a beautiful bride. I am sure Jim looked handsome too.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Bill Franzen says
Floding Family,
A time to remember back in the days gone by the Floding family on top of the hill in Alexandria, MN I’ll take time to pay respect to Jim in the quiet of my eve and remember the hardy laughter and smile when I was just a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Bill Franzen
Alexandria MN
Paulette Durrah says
To my Uncle Jim and Aunt Ronnie,
I will always remember the fun times at your home near lake LaHommedue. Uncle Jim loved to take out the snowmobile and we would ride on a tobaggan behind it. You loved to fish with my dad and mom (David and Mary Lambertz Revering) and I remember many times just being with Mary and Jane. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace, Uncle Jim
Paulette (Revering) Durrah
Andy Nickol says
It was a bit of a shock to find Jim had crossed the finish line, but I certain he did so in the style of a champion. It was an honor to know Jim, he lived an extraordinary life and has an extraordinary family. My favorite memory of Jim is him catching me working as he was on his way out for some evening fishing and saying “That’s the beauty of self-employment. You can work all the overtime you want and nobody cares.” The world will miss his wisdom, kindness and joy.
Brian and Donna Mullaney and family says
Our sincere condolences go out to all of Jim’s family at this very hard time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sherry Gunter says
Dear Jackie and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My prayers are with you all for peace and comfort.
Dolly Pentecost says
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a very special guy! Hugs to the whole family!
Darlene Fezler says
Our times at the point with you and Jim , ill alays have a special place in my heart. Love you much! Darlene Fezler
Mary Lohrman says
• I would like to give a heartfelt thank-you… for all the things you did for me (ie helping with my businesses, husbands or men in my life 😊 and many other things.
• My assurance…that I really do remember the things you taught me and I always will.
• A sincere apology…for any headaches I may have caused you when I was growing up.
• My promise…that no matter how far apart we may be, you are never far from my heart.
• My continued commitment…to our family and the values you have taught me.
• Recognition…for all the great things you have done in life.
• An invitation…you will always be a part of my life.
• A BUNCH OF WISHES…that you have peace, joy and happiness in your new adventure.
My Love Forever and Always, Mary
Jerry Fezler says
My thoughts & prayers to Ronnie & the family
Thinking about Jim every time I open my book.
Going to miss my book swapping cousin.
Love to all Jerry
Beverly Korkowski says
Great memories of family gatherings in Montana! On our first trip out, which I believe was the 50th wedding anniversary, I just dragged my feet about driving that far and it just being miserable. Oh, how wrong I was!! Our van with Theresa and Gerald, plus me and Cliff, was NEVER dull! And then we get to Helena, and the fun simply morphed into more and more fun. No one had to convince me to go to Helena 10 years later! We have a special place in our hearts for your family. And, we just know that Jim has the cards dealt and is chuckling at his good cards! Peace and love to you all 🙂
Kathy Floding says
My sympathies to Ronnie and family. I remember going to school with Jane and your home close to Janice and Swede Floding and family. A lot of good memories.
Kathy Floding (daughter of the late Lloyd and Millie Floding)
Paul Osmanson says
To the family of Jim I offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of Jim, my second dad for 53+ years. I will never forget the BF shows we went to and the cocktails and dinners we shared. The many times our group met in your store and lucky enough to catch you there. My dad and mom shared good times with you also, especially one you shared in New Orleans. You were a hard boss but enjoyable as our layout man when we opened our store in Butte and actually spent 2 days and a 40 footer emptying the fixtures in the Helena store and transporting them to Butte. You almost killed my brother and I but we were not to be denied. Funny how it worked out that you then bought the same Helena location and opened your own store there. Have been around you ever since and have always enjoyed your company. You and Ronnie have been like second parents to me and I will never forget that. My prayers to dear Ronnie and your family. My dear friend Steve was only 1 yr old when we met in Butte and will always be a close friend until one of us goes your way. Thanks Jim for all you have been to both my Dad and I. You will be missed. My prayers are with all of your family that I knew loved you to pieces.PaulO
Wendy Graveley says
Ronnie and family I am deeply sorry for your loss. Ronnie you and Jim you have been a big part of my life since I was a young child. Thanks to the great friendship you have had with my parents. I remember years ago, My dad told me he knew who his true friends were. He said, “They are the people who our family could call upon at any given moment and ask for help in any given situation.” And, Yes, he was completely right! Jim and Ronnie have been the most supportive, loving, caring, and true friends anyone could ask for. It has truly been a pleasure to know Jim and Ronnie all these years and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to call “The Flodings” are dear family friends. The good lord earned a good one at those pearly gates of heaven! I’m sure there will be many laughs and Martinis along the way. My prayers are with the entire Floding gang. God Bless!
Rev. Richard G. Francesco says
Condolences and prayers to all Jim’s family and friends from Saint Mary Catholic Community, especially the hospital and pastoral care ministers who visited him.
Dennis & Christella Korkowski says
Aunt Ronnie,
Condolences to you and your family. I always thought of Uncle Jim as a very great person, and both of you as a very special couple.
I remember how much my Dad enjoyed playing cards with Jim. There was never a quiet moment, and Jim always kept the game lively. In the early 60’s I remember going pheasant hunting with Jim on my parent’s farm near Millerville. He’s the only one that got pheasants.
We remember how happy we were to be invited to Helena to celebrate your 60th. We had a very good trip out and a very good time with you and your family.
We’ll keep you and family in our prayers. Dennis and Christella Korkowski
Bettie Flatt says
I first had the privilege to meet Jim in Nov. 1990 when I began a seasonal job at Ben Franklin Crafts. He taught me so much over the years I was employed by him and Ronnie, and later by Steve and Ronell. I enjoyed our coffee breaks and morning visits when he would stop in after he retired. He and Ronnie will forever have a place in my heart. Thank you, Jim. You will be missed! My prayers to the Folding family.
Joy Lundgren Branson says
Red River Valley–abridged Gene Autry version
From this valley they say you are going
I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile
For they say you are taking the sunshine
That has brightened our pathways a while.
Come and sit by my side if you love me
Do not hasten to bid me adieu
But remember the Red River Valley
And the one who has loved you so true.
I cannot think of the Flodings and Lundgrens without having songs like this in my mind.
Are you driving your Scout, Uncle Jim?
LOVE TO ALL
Jackie MacDonald says
Dad ‘Daddy-O” not sure how to write this without tears flowing. I want to thank you for being such a great role model for my family and I, and instilling a strong work ethic that reflects in our girls today. We don’t take anything for granted. I loved all the camping and fishing trips over the years. Not sure if I mowed your yard to your specification or not, you would sit on the porch and watch me and when I was done you would just smile even if the rows were uneven. You sure loved your big beautiful yard, the nicest one on Motsiff! You will be greatly missed. Here’s to red beers and fishing for walleye. Cheers! All my love, Jackie
bill says
To the family of Jim, I’m sorry for your loss. Certainly the death of one we dearly love is very saddening. I too have experienced such heart break over someone near and dear to me. Revelation 21:4 has provided comfort for me, where is says “And he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore”
Dawn Winkels says
Sympathies, prayers and hugs to all my cousins. Dawn (Alm) And Dwaine Winkels