James L. Chamberlain III, 72, (Clancy, MT) was called home by his heavenly Father on February 11, 2012.
Jim was born July 5, 1939 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania to James and Marion (Brusch) Chamberlain, Jr.
He attended Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, PA and enlisted in the Air Force as a ground refueling specialist shortly after graduation. After a tour of duty in England, Jim received an honorable discharge and began a brief career in minor league baseball.
In 1964, Jim married Diane Flack and had four children; James IV, Cheryl, Tammy, and Jason. They lived on the east coast and moved out west to Roundup, Montana in 1971. While in Roundup, Jim was elected Musselshell County tax assessor. In 1983, Jim and family moved to Helena where he worked and retired from the Montana State Department of Revenue. Jim married Lynette Betlach in 1988 and they spent the last 23 years hiking, gardening, cross country skiing, camping, golfing, backpacking, and being happy. He loved to travel and was an avid photographer. He created many videos of their travels. Above all else, Jim loved being with his family and friends.
He will be remembered by so many in the community for his sense of humor, great smile, and spirit. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marion “Betty” Lyons. He is survived by his sisters, Dotty (Bill) Bertholf of Horsham, PA and Peggy (Jim) Veith of Fresno, CA. He shared in raising six children: James IV (Tina) Chamberlain of Montana City, Cheryl Tucker of Daytona Beach, FL, Tammy (Tom) Chvilicek of Helena, Jason (Suzy) Chamberlain of Tolland, CT, Audie (Mike) Edwards of East Helena, and Chris (Michele) Fuller of Cedar Hill, TX. Jim was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Tara, Allyssa, Jarred, Joey, Katie, Ryan, James V, Erika, Gage, Ava, Vivian, and one great-granddaughter, Lillian.
He was loved by his numerous nephews, nieces, and their families, and will be fondly remembered.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.aswfuneralhome.com
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Carol L. Smith says
With deepest sympathy my consolences to Lynette and family. Though I can’t feel your pain, I do share your sorrow. Please take strength in your memories, and have faith in tomorrow.
Carrie Bodin says
Jim’s smiles and laughter are being celebrated in heaven today as our tears are felt here on earth. Aunt Lynette and family, we love you and our prayers are with you. Love, Carrie & family
Dolores Cooney says
My thoughts are with Jim’s family at this time. He will be sorely missed. He was a wonderful man.
Floyd Garrett says
James and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dad. You are in our thoughts, Floyd
Genii & Jay Skoog says
Lynette and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was a good man with a big heart and smile. Peace to you all.
John Biegger says
James,
My condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
John Biegger, CAE USA
Josie Steffans Shaw says
My thoughts and prays are with you!
Les Saisbury says
Lynette and family,
I am so stunned at Jim’s passing. What a wonderful man and friend. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for many years, and I so enjoyed his wry wit and easy-going personality. He’ll be truly missed by all of his retired cohorts and friends.
Ron Bennick says
James,
My condolences to you and your family. May you and your family be comforted by the good memories you shared with your dad.
Ron Bennick
CAE USA
Sandy and Buzz Sysum says
James,Cheryl,Tammy and Jason,
We are sorry for your loss of your father. May you find comfort in knowing he is at peace and is with you always.
Love,
Sandy and Buzz Sysum
Shanon Bartosik says
Dear Lynette and family, I am so sorry for your loss. At the same time, I am so thankful that you were blessed to have 23 happy years together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Shanon
Sharon Hubbell says
Tom and I saw Jim and Lynette about a week before he was hospitalized. We laughed until we nearly cried. I will always remember how Jim embraced joy and life. We will miss him deeply.
Shawn Jackson Swift says
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, but I do know that my step siblings loved him very much and were very close. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Shelley Stewart says
Dear Lynette and family,
I was shocked and saddened with the news of Jim’s passing. It is with a heavy heart that I am sending my deepest sympathy for you. He was such a kind, caring , wonderful man that he will be missed by all that knew him. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Shelley
Shirley Battershell says
Jim’s friendly infectious smile made it easy to want to get acquainted. Wish I could have known him longer.
Steve Davis says
James and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Steve Davis
CAE USA
Tim & Paula Betlach says
Dear Lynette,
You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. We have fond memories of Jim. He had a zest for life, adventure and valued family. May all of these memories and the promise of everlasting life be a comfort to you.
Love,
Tim, Paula & family