James (Jim) Robert McGowan was born January 18, 1927 and died at his home with family on December 30, 2016.
Jim was born in Whitehall to James Joseph McGowan and Margaret Smith Dundas, the family lived in the Boulder Valley. When he was 15 he joined the Navy and was a Seaman Second Class on the USS Langley during WWII. After being honorably discharged from the Navy when he was 19 years old he started college at Montana State University where he helped start the first College Rodeo program and won 2 Golden Glove awards boxing. Jim was an ironworker until the age of 75, a union member of Ironworkers Local 81 1/2.
Jim and his “partner” of more than 60 years, Peggy Ann Wolff have 3 children: Roberta Hicks, Toston, Bill (Vicki) McGowan, Helena and Peggy Huntington, Helena. They have 7 grandchildren; Peggy (Steve) Bartmess, Beau (Danielle) Harrell, Allen (Brandy) Huntington, Melissa Huntington, Mandy McGowan, Shawna (Scott) Owens, Casey (Jaycee) McGowan and 11.5 great grandchildren.
Besides family, some other favorites of Jim’s included: racing and raising horses, riding and fighting bulls, hunting and poking fun at everyone he ran into. He never knew a stranger and if you ever lost your kids you could find them in Grandpa Jim’s capable hands.
Jim is survived by his wife Peggy, sister Florence (Gale) Jerome, Helena, and sister-in-law, Betty Reinoehl, Greenough. He has been preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Pat and Lois McGowan, Boulder his sister Dorothy Walling, Helena and brothers-in-law Claude Reinoehl, Greenough and Ernest (Lena) Wolff, Missoula.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a reception to follow the service in the Banquet Hall of the funeral home. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday January 6, 2017
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 6, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Friday January 6, 2017
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Steve Sampson says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with Jim. He was a wonderful man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bj Benjamin says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family
Vonnie Jenkins says
To the McGowan family,
You are all in my thoughts in prayers.
Vonnie
Jessica Dutton says
Thank you for being “Grandpa Jim” to so many; you will forever be an indelible part of my Montana life; we are all better horsemen and tougher women because of you.
Bridger veterinary hospital says
To the whole McGown Clan,
The picture of Jim captures him perfectly! We will miss his bantering and his twinkling eyes, as will you. Jim and Peggy were very good to us when we first started and we appreciated their support. It was always a family affair when an animal came in and you never knew what stories you would hear. Please know that we are thinking of all of you, and we’re here if you need anything.
Yours, Keith, Shar, Steve and all of our staff here at Bridger
Keith and Gail Hatch says
Always a joke and a smile. So sorry for your loss, he was a really great man.
Bobbie Shular says
My heart hurts for the pain and empty spot I know your family is experiencing. Some people we get the joy of knowing and visiting with in person, others we get to know thru their kids. I always enjoy time spent with Bill and Peggy (Huntington) when I see them, appreciate their insight and wisdom and their generosity, and acts of service with the organizations they are involved in. The people they are give testimony to who James is. Hugs and prayers to James’s family, you are heavy on my heart today.
Bobbie
Betty and Cheryl Uphaus says
So sorry we always enjoyed Jim at the race track.
Greg and Susan Egbert says
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a special one-of-a-kind person with a heart of gold. His spunk and work ethic could not be rivaled. He would help anyone in need. Jim always took time to visit and enjoyed giving you a hard time. He so loved his family and his horses and took great pride in their accomplishments…of which there were many! Jim’s legacy will surely live on in his children and grandchildren. Prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Skeeter and Margaret Baertsch says
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by those who knew him. Our prayers for all of you.
Mary Boerner says
So sorry for your loss. I remember him from growing up next door to the Holmes family in Helena on Spencer st. He always had as smile a joke and would tease us Always their to help and give advice. He will be missed by many. You are all in my prayers and thoughts
Mary Monroe Boerner
Janie Petaja says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all. I know he was deeply loved.
Johnny Monahan says
Always a cowboy, always an Ironworkers and always a good friend. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Alvin Wagner says
Peggy and Family………Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing….Will always remember him for his laugh and we all knew if we needed anything, just call Jim…………Raised a bunch of really good kids
Linda Freer Carlson says
Lots of prayers for the family.. Jim and well, the whole family taught me so much back in the day of OMoksee.. I especially remember Iron Kid.. Jim was one of the best..
Shirley Herrin says
My Deepest Sympathy for the loss of Jim – he was a pillar of the McGowan Family. Prayers for all of you. In Jesus’ Love.
Charli Prowell says
My heart goes out to your family and friends. May your memories aid in your strength and healing.
Liz tobel says
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was such a good kind man. Hugs to your family.
Mary Howard says
So sorry to hear if the loss of your sweet grandpa. I did not know him, but from the comments and description, I know he was very special and well loved. Thoughts and prayers for You and your family.
Clay Pipinich says
To the McGowan family, Bill I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad.
You are all in my thoughts in prayers.
Clay Pipinich Family
Tom Brown says
Peggy & Family – We are sorry for your loss. My Dad appreciated and respected Jim and your horses. They ran many races. Jim was also one of the stalwarts that always stepped up to make the Helena race meet great.
sharon wilson says
The Wilson family from Billings sends our most heartfelt sympathy to our cousins Peg, Bobbie, Bill – Vicki and Lil Peg and all the grand babies as well. He taught me how to ride my first horse! Good memories – May he fly with the angels- Rest in Peace – Love Sharon Wilson and Family
Misty Hammerbacker says
So sorry for your families loss. Prayers to all.