Jim Crea Stevick wants you all to know that he is free of pain, in fact he has “never felt better”, and is now busy playing with his beloved pets who have been watching over him (Maggie, Zeke, Baron, Jackson, Bruiser, Smudge, JC & Samantha). Jim dealt with the sudden diagnosis of cancer in his own way of acceptance, saying “It is what it is!” Under the tender care of his family and Hospice, Jim simply loved his family and his dog, Charlie, to the end of his life in the early morning hours of Friday, March 24, 2017. He was 68 years old.
The youngest child of Geraldine Straugh, Jim was born on his grandparent’s ranch near White Sulphur Springs on August 20, 1948. He lived with his grandparents, Charles and Ruby Straugh, until about the age of 4, when he moved to Laurel to live with his mother, Geraldine, and step father, Dale Stevick, and his brothers. He attended school in Laurel and graduated from Laurel High School in 1966. Jim attended the University of Montana, graduating from Pharmacy School in 1971. He married Cindy Johnson (a Miles City girl) on November 24, 1979 in Billings, Montana. They welcomed Jim’s son Colin into their family. Later, they were blessed with their daughter, Ashley Kristin Stevick (1982) and son, Andrew Kenneth Stevick (1985) who both brought much joy into Jim’s life.
As a licensed registered pharmacist, Jim worked in both retail and hospital pharmacy, mostly in Billings, Helena and Townsend. Jim prided himself in his uncanny ability to detect a forged prescription, and uncovered many who were “abusing the system” in any way. Jim was an excellent pharmacist who was proud of his commitment to accuracy and the safety of his customers. While working in hospitals, Jim realized how much he missed his personal connection with the people he served, and balanced that by working part-time for Townsend Drug. There, Jim was fortunate to work for his pharmacy school classmate, Peter Wolfgram and later with Pete’s son Seth. The staff at Townsend Drug and the customers Jim grew to know, were truly a blessing in his life.
Jim was a valued member of the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department and was sorely missed when he retired from the department in 2006. He was committed to doing his best… “when he was there he did what needed to be done and gave it his all. He was a great teacher to the new volunteers and he was good at calming the stress of new people with this wonderful sense of humor. He was a warm and welcoming presence on the department. One of his proudest moments was responding to the Bucksnort Fire in 2000, driving a rig and defending structures knowing that he and his fellow firefighters were in a very dangerous environment. He was one of those heroes on that fire!”
Hunting brought him to the Elkhorn Mountains near Clancy for many years prior to moving his family to Montana City in 1989. Jim seemed to thrive in the outdoors and enjoyed hiking the mountains with both family and friends. At home, he enjoyed watching the wildlife that make frequent visits to the area, and was always there to help a wandering dog, giving them a safe place and a doggy treat while he located their owners. Nature provided Jim with peace of mind and laughter. He was in awe as he watched flowers blooming and trees leafing out and often pointed out the newest blossoms to his wife, Cindy.
He enjoyed the fast cars of the 60’s and 70’s! Jim’s favorite was his Datsun 280Z. When Cindy wrecked his “Z Car” a month after they met, she knew he was a very good man when his concern was for her well-being, and not about the damage to the car. At that point Cindy knew Jim was definitely a “keeper”! On Jim’s 60th Birthday, Cindy thanked him with a “Z-Car”, his beautiful red 1983 Datsun Nissan 280ZX
Jim was proceeded in death by his mother Geraldine Straugh Stevick, step-father Dale Stevick, brothers Steven Ward and Larry Ward, nephew Mark Ward, niece Cheryl Ward, and a favorite cousin Ron Straugh. Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy Johnson Stevick, daughter Ashley Kristin Stevick of John Day, Oregon, son Andrew Kenneth Stevick, daughter-in law Jordan Weidman Stevick and grandson James Mark Weidman all of Helena; son Colin Bruce Stevick (Missouri), daughter-in-law Julia Stevick, and granddaughters Rachel and Rebecca Stevick; brother Jerry Stevick (Phoenix, Arizona), sister-in-law Betty Stevick; sister-in laws Anne Ward and Sharon Ward; step-brother Doug Stevick (Minot, ND); nephews Dale Stevick, Dan, Tim and Jon Ward, Chris and Michael Johnson, and nieces Lisa Johnson, Katherine and Cindy Ward, Debbie, Terri and LaNae Stevick; and recently discovered family members Hugh Callery and Mike and Linda Callery of Oklahoma. Jim is also survived by many wonderful friends, colleagues and hunting and fishing buddies whom he held dear and considered part of his family. We are grateful for the friendship and support of so many wonderful people who touched Jim’s life is such a positive way.
Cremation has taken place, as Jim wished A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 7th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A pot-luck reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make memorial contributions to Compassus Hospice, 1075 N. Rodney Street, Helena, MT 59601, Montana City Fire Department, 1192 Hwy 282, Montana City, MT 59634 or the Lewis & Clark Humane Society P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 7, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Friday April 7, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday April 7, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Friday April 7, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H. Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Marsha Alsbury says
Cindy, Ashley and Andy,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. We are sending our love and prayers to you all.
Ron and Marsha Alsbury
Mark, Wendy, Cuyler & Traci Tonkovich says
Our hearts were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers and sending lots of hugs your way.
Reggie Scott says
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was one of my college classmates. He will be missed.
Tom Literski says
Very sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I worked with Jim for a number of years and he will be missed. Wishing the best for all his family at this difficult time.
Bob Kelley says
So sorry to hear about Jim. We were classmates and worked together for a while. My thoughts go out to his family.
He will be missed.
Cleo says
Cindy and family, we were so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I worked at KMart when he worked there years ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Cleo and Butch Schultz
Pam & Larry Trettin says
Cindy and family, Our prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Jim was a great guy and will be missed.
Ron Goodnough says
RIP Jim…..you were a dedicated study partner back in the day st U of M pharmacy school.
VR, Ron G
Sigrid Anders-Olson says
So sorry to hear of Jims passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sigrid Anders-Olson
Felicity McFerrin says
Cindy–so sorry for your loss.
Jerry & Barb Hamlin says
Cindy and family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. We are praying for peace and comfort for all as you begin this new journey. Bless you.
Jerry & Barb
Mandy Stevens says
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a kind and giving man. I really enjoyed working with him – he would always bring treats to share and made me laugh! I will miss him.
C Cain says
Andy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss! You’re in my thoughts.
Marty & Kelly Calnan says
We are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We have such fond memories of sharing time with Jim at various fire department functions. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and the rest of Jim’s family during this difficult time.
Jim & Arlene Pearson says
When we had the open house at the new fire hall, we brought out some of the old photo albums from years past and Jim was in there in most of them. He was such a good guy in the fire fighting realm but I also got the biggest kick out of him as a person too. He had a great sense of humor and he was always sharing things about his family, work and play. He always had such a funny way of telling stories about life going on around him you couldn’t help but laugh with him. I’m gonna miss him! Cindy and family, you were fortunate to have him in your life. God bless all of you.
Betty Ellis says
Cindy and family, we just learned today of Jim’s passing. So sad. My heart goes out to all of you and you are in my prayers.
Paula (Anders) Strand says
Cindy, Ashley, Andy, and family,I am very saddened at your loss. Please know that my prayers are with you at this difficult time, and indeed always.
Dan Brimhall says
Cindy, Andy and Ashley, I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We all had a lot of fun times back in the day. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jean Youngbauer says
I am sorry that Jim had to leave this world, He will be missed deeply I just wish I could have seen him before this happen. My prayers go out to the family and especially to you,love Jean Youngbauer
Allan Stricker says
Cindy, I am s sorry for your loss. You have done so much good for so many people, including me; even over a short period of time – I hope that your memories are comforting and your future is good.
Von and Ron says
When I joined the Montana City VFD just after the fires of 2000, Jim was one of the first to make me feel welcome. Some time later I was at station 2 and he stopped by and spent about 45 minutes visiting with me, again making me feel welcome and hence a true friendship was born. Several occasions when my body felt bad, I called Jim and he helped me through it with his advise. He will be missed by us all.
Dave and Jill Noell says
Many years ago when we first moved to Montana, Jim and Cindy were neighbors and then friends. Jim was talented in so many areas. It is with sadness that we learn of his passing. Cindy you are in our thoughts.
Christine Muri says
I am very sorry to hear of Jims passing. We worked together in Billings at Skaggs. May your memories carry you through these days.
Jeff and Elaine Applin says
Cindy, Ashley and Andy,
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. We are praying for you.
Jeff & Elaine Applin
Caprice Gregory says
Dear Cindy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Jim, although we did not know him,
we know that he was a wonderful husband and father, and will be so missed.
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now and always.
Caprice and Butch Gregory
Florence Armagost says
Cindy and family. Thoughts and prayers are being sent to you. It has been many years since we lived at end of Jackson creek, but have fond memories of visiting Jim whenever he was outside.
Ann Ford says
Much love to you, Cindy, along with Ashley and Andy, as you keep each other close during this time of great loss. Jim was absolutely a wonderful man. I shall never forget the many times he sat with you and me as we talked, and he was always willing to laugh and visit right along with us. His love for Maggie, and for his sweet red car, are indelible in my mind. But his love for you is what made him so special! He was quietly protective, and he kept you safe from the storms that life can bring. He will be missed by all of your many friends – but ,mostly by you. I wish for you healing and the realization that he is right there near you – just a heartbeat away – and if you watch, you’ll “see” him around the next corner. With great love and caring about you…..Ann Ford
Joanne K Richardson says
Cindy and family
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Even though it was a long time since you lived in Miles City it was so nice to see you from time to time and catch up on your growing family. My sincere prayers go out to you and your family.
Jon and Eva Ward & kids says
We are so saddened by the loss of Uncle Jim. All our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Cindy and the family. We regret not being able to travel as we are very close with delivering and are not medically cleared to do so. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Sending you all our love.
Linda Lindsay says
Cindy, we were sad to read about Jim’s passing. We know how happy you were and how much you will miss him. Know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Terry & Linda Lindsay.
Melinda Hoskins says
Cindy,
I was so sad to read of your husband’s death. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melinda Hoskins
Charles Briggs says
Cindy, Ashley and Andy – we are so sorry for your loss of Jim. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlie & Christie Briggs
Sandi Meyers says
Jim was an awesome guy when he worked at Super Save Drug when it was in the mall. He was a super pharmacist and was very good to my girls. He will be missed.