On the evening of September 23, 2024, James Joseph Pomroy (Jim) age 78 passed away unexpectedly.
Jim was born September 6, 1946, to Jack and Dorothy Pomroy in Butte, Montana. Jim was the youngest of five children. Jim graduated from Butte high school in 1964 and earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana. In 1973, he received a master’s degree in social work from Tulane University in New Orleans.
To finance his educational pursuits, Jim learned to play the guitar and along with his lifelong friend, Bob Bock, continued to play and sing together at every opportunity including the most recent fundraiser for Wild About Cats Rescue and Sanctuary.
Jim’s professional career started as a social worker in Dillon, Montana. From there, he moved to the State of Montana’s Department of Corrections in Helena. Jim held various positions within the Department during his many years of service to the state. He retired from the department in the position of Division Administrator of Corrections in 1993.
Jim was an avid runner completing his first Governor’s Cup Marathon in 1977. After that race, he decided to quit smoking and become a serious runner. He began running numerous marathons including qualifying and running the Boston Marathon in 1982. Since the marathons became so “easy”, he moved up to ultra marathons. For his first attempt at ultras, he chose to run LeGrizz, a 50 miler in Hungry Horse, Montana. Then, of course, he reasoned if he could run 50 miles, why not a 100 miler and so, in 1986 Jim ran and completed the prestigious Western States 100 miler in California. He went on to run and complete the Leadville Trail 100, Leadville, CO; Wasatch 100, Layton, UT; and Old Dominion 100, Front Royal, VA.
Since running in other states was so much fun, Jim decided to bring all his running friends to Montana’s beautiful Elkhorn Mountains. He established the Elkhorn Endurance 100k trail race which was ranked by the U.S. Ultra Running Magazine as the toughest 100k trail race in the United States. The first race was held in 1989 and is now Montana’s oldest trail ultra. The race is still held annually on the first Saturday in August.
In 2001, when his running legs began to give out, he switched to horses and started competing in 25- and 50-mile endurance rides on his favorite horses “Hot Shot” and “Bo”.
Jim married Pat Mulligan in 1966 and together they had three children, Jody, Kelly and Warren.
In 1993, Jim and Bobbie were married and Bobbie brought three children to the marriage, Tracey, Robert, and Nikki.
Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Jack and Dorothy Pomroy, his stepson, Robert Eide, his brother Jack Pomroy and his sister Dorothy Sullivan.
Jim is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his three children, Jody (Brian) Wooden, Kelly (Matt) Johnson, and Warren Pomroy. Stepchildren, Tracey (Ben) Tintinger and Nikki (Rich) Foley. He is also survived by his brother Tom Pomroy and sister Pat Dixon and eight grandchildren, Jake and Logan Lester; Jon, Sam, Jaylen and Trey Tintinger; Millie and Hattie Foley.
Services to honor Jim’s life will be held Monday, October 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home located at 3750 N. Montana Avenue.
Memorials in Jim’s name are preferred to Wild About Cats Rescue and Sanctuary, P.O. Box 7688, Helena, MT 59624.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Monday October 14, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the funeral service
Monday October 14, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Monday October 14, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Reception
Following the funeral service
Monday October 14, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Jim and Sally says
We are very very sad to see that our very dear friend passed away. Bobbi, our hearts go out to you and we are here if you need anything.
We can’t believe this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and the days ahead. We love you. 🙏🙏🙏💔💔💔💔😭😭🙏🙏🙏
Connie Perrin says
Dear Bobbi, Jodi and Kelley,
I am so sad about Jim’s passing. Recently I was having some flash backs about past work at the Department and began remembering co-workers I had. I thought about Jim! He was so funny to work with. He was always friendly , caring, thoughtful as ever, witty and usually had us laughing at something he would say. He made times easier when we were stressed out at our jobs.. He will truly be missed by anyone who knew him..
Connie Perrin
Pat Caffrey says
Many fond memories of Jim’s fortitude @ Le Grizz.
Dennis Clute says
Remember Jim as a very easy going and very likeable guy. Enjoyed his presence at LeGrizz over the years and running his Elkhorn runs on several occasions. I’m hoping the family will all be together for his memorial and sad that my wife Mary Ann and I have previous engagements that can’t be cancelled. Hugs to all.
Jan Paulsen says
Bobbie, so sorry you lost your sweet Man. He was your partner with all your adventures. Hugs to you! Jan P.
Steve (Skookumtumtum) Heaps says
Bobbie: my heart aches for you and the kids. The loss of Jim will be felt by many in the ultra community and beyond. I remember meeting you guys in 1982 at the first Le Grizz. Karen and I have fond memories of you guys there and at your spectacular creation, the Elkhorn. Dang, Jim seemed indestructible. I treasured his warmth and humor and appreciated his steady encouragement. Rarely have I laughed as hard as during his monologues at the Elkhorn breakfast awards ceremony. His infectious smile snd storytelling touched me deeply. His was a life well-lived.
Kathy and Rich says
Dear Bobbie
Remember our Saturday runs with Jim..
He made the time fly by, with his humorous jokes, lengthy stories & an occasional song.
He will be greatly missed.
Love and God bless my friend
Kathy &Rich
Bob Amundson says
Bobbie I was so sorry to hear about Jim you guys were so good friends to Barb and me and Bob and Sue Feeney I will always be there if you ever need anything.Blessings for you and your family
Gail Zimmer says
Bobbie and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ELIZABETH SCHOLZ says
A dear old Montana City neighbor, he was so easy and fun to talk to. Montana City School was a center where kids and parents enjoyed interacting with teachers and parents. He was always involved in his kids’ lives. My condolences to Jody, Kelly and Warren your father was a dear person and will be missed. Elizabeth Scholz
Deanna Zangenberg says
Uncle Jim to me will always be remembered by his wonderful smile and laugh – such a joyful guy and nice person –
He loved his kids , Patsey and was a die hard runner – tough guy who loved the outdoors, fishing , his mother Dorothy and his dear siblings –
He came shortly after he broke his hip to visit my mom just to cheer her up and give her hope –
My prayers go out to this dear man – I hope he is in his loving mothers arms – We should continue to pray for his soul and for his joyful eternal rest
Deanna
Bob & Sue Feeney says
Bobbie and family, It is so hard to believe Jim is not with all of you and his many friends anymore. We met at Elkhorn 100km 1992. One race turned into 32 years of great friendship-10.8 races for Bob-many visits-great times together with stories that became more grand with every visit. The smile and laughter just got bigger and better with every visit! Unfortunately Sue and I have prior travel plans and are not able to be with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Bob and Sue Feeney
Doug Clark says
My contact with Jim is through the Le Grizz 50 Miler. In 1984 I ran 7:09. So, I thought if I could run 40 minutes faster I had a chance to win. In 1985 I did run 39 minutes faster but darn that Jim he ran 22 minutes faster and won again! But, Jim had a wonderful quality, he was a humble/gracious winner/person. Not once did I feel like a “Bridesmaid”!
Kathy Means says
Jim will be missed so very much. God bless him.
Pat Dietrich says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.