James Elliott Werner was born on June 11, 1937, in Cut Bank, Mt to Mabel Forrester Werner and Carl Edison Werner and died on February 24, 2012 at his home in Helena, Mt.
He was the youngest of seven children and faced many challenges and adventures. The loss of his mother Mabel at 6 weeks of age, his eye in a bow and arrow accident at age 6, and the loss of his father Carl, at age 12 helped shape him into the wonderful, compassionate and caring man we remember. He graduated from high school in 1956, and went onto graduate with his B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Montana-School of Pharmacy in 1964. It was here while in his senior year of Pharmacy school he met his lifelong sweetheart Lynne M. Wanderer. Lynne and Jim were married on September 6, 1964 in Philipsburg, Mt. Early married life found him practicing pharmacy in Big Sandy and Havre. Upon his return to Philipsburg, he and Lynne bought Doe’s Rexall Drug in September of 1965. They owned and operated the drugstore from 1965-1979 when he sold the store and moved the family to the Bitteroot where he continued to practice pharmacy and pastor the Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Hamilton for 18 years.
Retirement found him continuing to practice pharmacy on a “relief’ basis in Troy and Libby Montana. In November 2010 he & Lynne moved to Helena to fully enjoy being able to spoil their grandchildren.
He was predeceased by sisters: Colleen Heynes, Annette Sutera, Lyla Dwello, Joan Kraft, brother Benjamin Werner, infant daughter Rennee Werner, Lucille and Laurence Wanderer and his mother and father Mabel Forrester Werner and Carl Edison Werner. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Lynne M. Werner, daughter & son-in-law Andrea & Sean Edgar, son James L. Werner, grandchildren Michaela, Abigael, Seamus, and Brennaugh Edgar; brothers, Don Werner and families, Carl Werner and families; many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home 315 Sixth Avenue, Helena, Mt. from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday March 2, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Retz Funeral Home Chapel 315 Sixth Avenue, Helena, Mt with reception following at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Helena, Mt. Interment will be held at the Philipsburg Cemetery in Philipsburg, MT on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Memorials may be made to: Lynne M. Werner c/o Andrea Edgar, 4010 Camrose Circle, East Helena, MT 59635 or Rocky Mountain Hospice 1075 N. Rodney, Helena, Mt 59601. To share a condolence to the family or a memory of James, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Andrea Werner-Edgar says
Daddy- It was a great honor to journey with you until you were called home to be with Jesus and our loved ones. Words cannot express how much I miss you but I will continue to cherish those moments we shared. I promise to look out for Mom and Bo Bo and the rest of the family.
Your Andididy Kae
Barbara L. Owens says
God’s love to my Pastor of 18 years and his loving wife,Lynn. In these last 2 days I can only remember what a great teacher he was and all the trials and tribulations that he walked through with me and my son. I am a better person because God lead me to him and his wife who taught me the real Love of Jesus. He taught us that it is better to be an outcast and know that we have a personal walk with Jesus. I have never forgot his teachings and all the fresh bread. He was the greatest Pastor I have ever know. My love to Lynn, Andrea,and Jimmy. Love Barb
CAROLYN OLSON says
Rest in peace, dear friend!
Louise LeVeque Sturdivant says
I enjoyed going to school with Jimmy from second grade until I left Cut Bank in 1953. He was always the most positive, likeable person I have ever met. My condolences go out to his family as I know the loss they are feeling but also that they are secure knowing he is in a peaceful place.
Denise & John Hartman says
Jimmy was a wonderful, kind, and loving person. He was so up-beat and full of life and you knew his love for our Wonderful Lord directed everything he did. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to met him. Treasure the many wonderful memories you all have. We are saddened to hear that he has left this world, but we know he has gone home. No more suffering, only joy and peace will be with him for eternity!
Memory is a loving thing
It lasts the longest day
It can never be spent,
Never be lent,
Never be taken away.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love from the Hartmans
Meredith and Alan Czarnek says
Oh My Dear Ones, I’m very sorry for your loss. I am praying that you are comforted by knowing that your Jim is with Our Father and is enjoying the beauty beyond compare where there is no more pain, no more death and no more tears. Please know we’re praying for your peace and strength. Love to you all.
Meredith (Jones) and Alan Czarnek
Dayle Langley says
My heart is heavy but my spirit is happy to know Bro. Werner is in glory. He taught me so much about the Word of God and His ways. He taught me to be honest with God and honest with myself. I will always think of him fondly and remeber all the fun we all had camping and just plain cutting up. To God be the Glory! My own husband passed to glory just a short time after in Oregon. The two will have a lot to talk about with Jesus. Are there maple bars in heaven I wonder?
James L. Werner says
Dad, I love and miss you sooo much! I miss all of our fun times together and feel a huge emptiness. You were the best Dad a son could ever ask for. xoxo
Roy Morton says
Dear Sister Lynne,Amdrea,and Jimmy,I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Jim. He was a great Pastor and a true Man of God. Jim helped me many times in problem and decisions I had to make in this life. He was my best friend and a wonderful counselor. I’ve never known a man as Kind and Decent as Jim Werner. I pray that Jesus will comfort you all during this time of loss. Love Roy
JANICE SCHENK says
Lynn, I have just met you and Jimmy, but enjoyed your positive spirit and laughter. I am so sorry for your loss. Jan