James A. Surdock
James A. Surdock passed away June 9, 2012 of cancer at the age of 67.
James was born the second of three children on February 17, 1945 in Pontiac Michigan to Pete William and Marcella Surdock. His family moved to Conrad Montana in 1952. At the age of 17, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Vietnam War. He served our country for 4 years and was honorably discharged as Sergeant September 2, 1966. While enlisted he received Rifle Expert Badge, M-14; National Defense Service Medal; two Good Conduct Medals and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He Married Constance Edith Berube on August 12, 1967 in Long Beach. There were two daughters born to this marriage. James raised his family in Long Beach, California and had a long successful career working in Loss and Recovery. During James’ free time his passion was fishing and if he wasn’t fishing he was either barbecuing or gardening.
In 2002 James was challenged with health issues and relied on his strength and determination to get him from one day to the next. Despite his failing eyesight and other challenges he faced in recent years, James approached life with a positive outlook and sunny disposition. He was very meticulous and organized in every aspect of his life from the way he dressed, to the way he kept his house and organized all of his important records.
James always spoke about moving back to Montana where he would be most happy. In 2007 his brother Pete Surdock gave him this opportunity. James moved back to Montana with his mother Marcella Surdock. James immediately became active in the Marine Corps league where he made many friendships. He prepared the cake designs for the Marine Ball. In 2008 James was presented with the Marine of the year award by the lieutenant governor of Montana. On May 16, 2009 he was presented the Distinguished Citizen Award. He continued to remain active in the Marine Corps League until his passing. James favorite charities were toys for tots and food share.
James was preceded in death by his father Pete William Surdock and the mother of his children Constance Edith Surdock. He is survived by his daughter, Lorraine Ann Huseman and grandchildren Teague Tyler Sivertson and Briaunna Bethannie Huseman and her husband Mitchell McParlon, of Orange County California; his daughter Carolyn Denise Friedman and her husband Kevin Daniel Friedman and grandchildren, Nathan James Friedman, Bailee Rian Friedman and Dryden Daniel Friedman, of Riverside California; his mother Marcella Surdock, of Helena Montana; his brother Pete William Surdock Jr. and wife Cathy Surdock of Helena Montana; his brother John Surdock, of Sacramento California; his Marine Corps family and many other loved ones spread throughout our states.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Community at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 14. Rite of committal, with full military honors, will follow at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will be held in the lower level of St. Mary’s Catholic Community immediately following the burial. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations made to the Helena Food Share, P.O. Box 943 Helena, MT 59624 or mailed the family to help cover funeral expenses at 1606 Solvay Aisle, Irvine CA 92606. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
Jean Robertson says
Pete, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your brother. Jean
Michelle Harbosen says
Dear Pete,
I was so sorry to see that your brother died. My sympathy and prayers for you and your family.
Michelle Harbosen
Pennie Kittilson says
It was a pleasure getting to know Jim and his love for life. We will miss him at Cooney Home. I believe that his ability to see the positive in any thing helped him get through the last days. He was truly an inspiration to me and others at Cooney Home. Helena lost a special man my Love and prayers to your family at this time. Your Dad and Brother and Son is a great man
Pennie Kittilson
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Pete and Cathy,
With sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your brother James.
We hope you are both well and often remember our good days in MT. on Birch St. with you as neighbors.
your friends in FL.
Val and Bob