James L. (Jim) (Bug) Brenden, cattleman, father and friend to everyone, passed away June 25, 2019.
Jim was born to O.A. and Harriet Brenden in Bozeman on June 24, 1935 and attended school in the Gallatin Valley. Jim married Betty Ann Swinton and ranched in Bozeman until moving their family to their ranch in Canyon Creek in December 1969. He later married Marilynn Miller.
As with most ranchers, Jim was a devoted steward of the land. He was recognized for his innovative design of a water system on his ranch. In addition, Jim served on many ag boards and was a member of the Canyon Creek Volunteer Fire Auxiliary. He was a huge supporter of 4-H and played an integral role many years ago in combining the 4-H fair with the Last Chance Stampede.
Jim was active in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, driving countless miles on the rodeo trail, and helping to raise many a 4-H lamb, pig and grand champion steer.
He took on the role of surrogate father to many and he was always willing to help young ranchers who were just starting out. During his retirement years, he enjoyed keeping his hand in the lifestyle he loved by working for the Sieben and Wirth ranches. Also, Jim spent many winters working with the Miller family at the Elkhorn Ranch in Tucson, AZ. There, he will be remembered for his unique fashion sense, and his tendency to wear cowboy boots with his shorts.
Jim celebrated his sobriety daily. He was a grateful member of AA and “Cowboy Jim” helped many achieve and maintain sobriety over the years.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Richard and Bob, sister, Ruth, son, Jack and countless good cattle dogs.
He is survived by his sons and daughter, Tim (Kristie) of Helena; Tad (Marianne) of Billings; and Wendy of Helena; his grandchildren, Jarrod, Lindsay, Alice, Cale, Brandi, Samantha and Caitlyn; sisters, Betty Wohlfrum of Spokane; Barb Jensen of Bozeman; and Pat Allen of Spokane; friend, Lu Gardella of Lincoln; his faithful border collie, Too; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place Saturday, August 10, at Noon, at the Bill Hamilton 4-H Building at the L&C Fairgrounds, Helena. Please bring a potluck dish or dessert to share.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the L&C 4-H Building Fund, 100 W. Custer, Helena, MT 59602.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2019
Bill Hamilton 4H Building at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Saturday August 10, 2019
Bill Hamilton 4H Building at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds
Helena, Montana 59602
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deb stansberry says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will always remember him as a great friend and neighbor. RIP jim…….
Rick and Jan O’Connell says
Wow. How do you eulogize a larger than life human. Bugs influenced so many lives. He was always there with a smile or helping hand. We’ll miss you my friend. Happy trails from
Earl and Lucille.
Kevin Collins says
Jim, May you rest in peace! It was always great to see you when we were back home, the hay rides at Canyon Creek and hooking up with another friend of Bill W.
Vicki Poepping says
My family owned the Canyon Creek Store at one point, and I always remember Jim as a very friendly and respectful member of the community with a great sense of humor. He was always busy either with his own “chores” or helping someone with theirs. Unfortunately, it was too early for his cowboy boots and shorts era … sorry to have missed it! R.I.P. Jim and so nice to have known you.
dick weston says
had never met you JIm, but i too spent a lot of time in canyon creek in my younger days .i worked for MERL DONALDSON RANCH BUY THE STORE when i was 13 ..i too have been a good friend of BILL W.for the past 38 1/2 yre.may you rip JIM,say hello to BILL AND BOB for me and have a good meeting
Sharlene Stav says
To all of Jim’s family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was one of our first clients when we purchased our clinic, and it grew into a friendship. We know that you will miss his wisdom and his humor. It was always easy to remember his dog’s name as it never differed, we will miss him.
Please take care,
Keith and Sharlene Stav
Barbara Nye says
We will miss Jim forever. He and Marilyn were so good to me when I moved to Canyon Creek in 1989 and we became instant friends, and we remained friends until his passing. Jim was always willing to help and support us in any endeavor with love and smiles. He was one of the kindest humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
RIP my friend.
Barbara and John
michael wall says
Will miss the sage wisdom and the great humor around the ice cream table at the canyon Creek store
Jody Williams says
It was always a good day when I got to see you and the pup, Jim. You were the epitome of a true Montana cowboy. Good memories at the ranch with you and Marilyn. Stubby and I are eternally grateful for your friendship and guidance. I will remember you often and with great fondness.
Deziah says
Jim was a great neighbor and friend, so sad to say good bye so will say see yah later instead. sure will miss his smile and wave as he drove down the road.