James (Jim) Edward Wilson, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Helena on January 3rd with his wife by his side. He was 73 years old.
Jim was born on July 28, 1939 in Tiff City, Oklahoma to Frank and Gladys Wilson. He proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Coast Guard as a Quartermaster Chief. Once retired, he moved his family to Kalispell where he excelled at numerous professions including farming, carpentry and auctioneering.
Jim loved hunting and fishing in Alaska and the Big Sky country. He was a wood crafter extraordinaire, a horse trainer and loved racing stock cars. Jim was an avid family man.
Jim is survived by Louise, his wife of 51 years, daughter Willa Sheard (Mike), son James (Roberta), 5 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and two sisters, Nomi and Jean.
There was a private family gathering to celebrate Jim’s life. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
“To say that our time together has been an adventure would be an understatement. He will be missed!”
To offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Jim, please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Gordon Gibbs says
I worked with Jim for a few years in the early eighties and really enjoyed his sense of humor and ability to get things done. He was truely one of the good guys.
Gordon
Celena says
I remember visiting Katie down in Kalispell when she was at her grandparents house. Jim (and Louise) were so welcoming, it felt like I was visiting my own grandparents. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May God give peace to those missing him.
Dave & Linda Franklin says
Louise and Willa,
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We know he will be missed. Reflection and memories are treasurers forever.
Duane Braaten says
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. As I think of him and our involvement with him and the rest in his family I’m flooded with memories. Things that stand out are things like his kindness and upbeat attitude. He was such a help and support to us especially when we lost Ken. I know Ken and my dad and all who worked with Jim loved him. Later he and Louise were such an encouragement to us in our business. I will miss his smile! Best to you Louise,Willa and Mike. You all have such a big place in our hearts. Please stop and say hi next time your in Kalispell. With love Duane and Janette Braaten
Gerry Thompson says
So sorry for your loss. I hav e fond memories of Jim. Its been a few years since I have seen Jim but I have strong memories of him at the dairy. He was never afraid to tackle a thorny problem and always seemed to work things out well. He excelled on machinery and I remember him loading lots of manure. Probably not his favorite activity but he was cheerful and always seemed to have a smile on his face. Our thought are with Louise and all the family…. Love Gerry and Kay Thompson
Gerry Thompson says
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Jim. Its been a few years since I have seen Jim but I have strong memories of him at the dairy. He was never afraid to tackle a thorny problem and always seemed to work things out well. He excelled on machinery and I remember him loading lots of manure. Probably not his favorite activity but he was cheerful and always seemed to have a smile on his face. Our thought are with Louise and all the family…. Love Gerry and Kay Thompson
Jeanie (Braaten) Henderson says
Just thinking of you now too Louise, and Willa and Mike…Duane and Janette told me of Jim’s passing. Those were good days on the dairy with lots of work to get done! and some were such big help. Jim was one of them. (You too Mike) Know your hearts feel so heavy missing such a special man, husband, and father. Your lifetime of wonderful family memories will grow to mean even more to you in the days ahead. Sending care and love — special to think of times past, and how much you all meant to Ken. With deepest sympathy and care, Jeanie
Cheryl Wardell says
Louise, Willa and Jim,
Sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in your memories. We know that there will frever be an empty place in uour hearts. Thinking of you all.
Cheryl
Pat Hendricks says
Louise, Willa, family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a pleasure to be around and always had such a inviting smile. Remember him always having a bit of time to help someone, somewhere.
May you find strength, comfort that he now is looking down from Heaven and keeping is eye on you all. My prayers and a few hugs to you Louise.
Roberta Wilson says
Jim, grandpa,great grandpa . – he was a man of few words, a happy chuckle and a smile.
To our children he was grandpa and who didn’t love grandpa! From teaching to story telling to just enjoying his company our kids are blessed with miles of memories.
Our grandkids remember great papa for his candy jar that was by his chair and his huge kind heart .
I will always remember a sweet man that made me feel welcome from the first time I met him. He always had a great hug for me and it was always a treat to go “shopping” in his shop in Kalispell. Many a treasure was found there and the price was always right!!
Thank you for being the best father- in- law!! You are already missed!
Mari and Dennis Anderson says
Louise, Willa, and Family.
We were sad to hear about Jim’s passing.Memories are the greatest treasure there is!
I’ll never forget that smile!!