James Lee Hiltz “Jim”, age 69, of Elliston, MT passed away at his home peacefully on August 22, 2014 after a two and half year battle with cancer.
Jim was born to Ruby and Chris Hiltz on December 11, 1944 in Deer Lodge, MT. He attended school in Garrison and Deer Lodge. Jim joined the army on January 9, 1964 and was enlisted until January 21, 1966. He married, Sue Thomas, his childhood sweetheart, on December 8, 1973 in Avon, MT.
Jim worked at the Stillwater Mine in Absarokee, MT, from 1987-1994, a job where he met a lot of great guys he enjoyed working with. Jim was a carpenter and spent the last 20 years of his life in construction with his son, Dan. His favorite activities included hunting, fishing, horseshoes and camping and his favorite days were spent antler hunting on the Cobb Ranch with his sons and friends. Jim attended St. Theodore’s Catholic Church of Avon and St. Helena’s Cathedral of Helena. He had a strong faith which was very comforting in his life’s trials and important part of his life. Jim was a member of the Elliston Cemetery Committee, Men’s Monday night golf in Elliston, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the NRA.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sue Hiltz of Elliston, MT; his children, Alan Antila of Bellingham, WA, Rich Antila and Gabby Isaacson of Green River, WY, Wayne and Nila Antila of Bellingham, WA, Shawn and Kendra Antila of Lebanon, OR, Dan and Luanne Antila of Elliston, MT; his former daughter-in-laws, Christy Antila and Paula Antila; his siblings, Chris and Lee Hiltz, Ed Sanderson, Chuck and Opal Sanderson; grandchildren, Zack, Katlyn, Tanner, Tiffany, Preston, Tim, Seth, Slade, Kaycee, Shane, Kenzie, Kayla, Brandon and Bo; his great-grandchildren, Krypton and Camdon; and brother-in-laws, Bill and Marilyn Thomas, Bob and Sherry Thomas, Bruce and Cheryl Thomas, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chris Hiltz; mother, Ruby Sanderson; step-father, Woody Sanderson; sister, Jean Sanderson; and son, Wylie Antila.
Jim left us too soon; he was the “rock” of the family. He was said to be a legend when it came to hunting. He will be missed more than words can say.
A vigil service and celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, Montana 59602. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing, Helena, at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2014. Burial with military honors will take place at the Elliston Cemetery, Elliston, MT at 2:00 p.m. with a potluck reception to follow at the Elliston Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers please make memorials in Jim’s name to a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim. To offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jim please visit below.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 28, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 28, 2014
Elliston Cemetery
Elliston, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday August 28, 2014
Elliston School Gymnasium
Elliston, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday August 27, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 28, 2014
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Thursday August 28, 2014
Elliston Cemetery
Elliston, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Thursday August 28, 2014
Elliston School Gymnasium
Elliston, Montana
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Anita Jackson says
Suzie, words can’t even begin to explain the sadness and loss to describe how you must feel. I’ve just been through the same situation with the loss of the love of my life of 53 years. When people tell me, I know how you feel; they haven’t a clue unless they’ve been through the horrible devastation, lonesomeness, & sadness,you’re going through. You are such a loving, caring, giving, creative person. My sympathy goes out to you’re entire family. Please come visit me anytime. You are so much fun and a very “classy” lady. I’ll be thinking of you at this time in a very special way, more deeply and sincerely than words can ever say. Love, Anita
Alvin and Denise Rich says
Suzie, we are so sad to hear of Jims passing. This must be such a hard time for you.
I have thought of both of you often and actually this past week you were very much so in my thoughts. Please know that our hearts and sympathy go out to you and your family and that you all, will be in our constant prayers. God Bless & love to you. Denise and Alvin
Darrell Miller says
Suzie and Family – So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I enjoyed Jim when he was cutting posts and falling timber for us. He was always in good humor and fun to be around. I was lucky to run into Jim this spring in Helena and had a good visit. I am leaving town for a few days so will not be able to attend the services but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the Boys. Take care.
Darrell
Rita McNees says
Chris, Lee, and family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. If there is anything I can do please let me know. May God bless.
T.J. McNeill says
Sue and Family, Jim was one of the best men I worked with at the Stillwater Mine. When I arrived from New Mexico, he made me feel welcome. Our family enjoyed rasberries from the starts we dug at your home in Fishtail. I know he has taught you well and with your faith and hope you will carry on. Sue, look at the picture we gave you at Wylie’s passing, perhaps you will now recognize two individuals. Your friends always, T.J. & Shauna McNeill
Ron Williams says
I stopped by a few years back to visit Jim. I am sorry I missed him. Jim was a great fellow and a very hard working person. Been along time since Jim mined slate for my dad, but lots of fond memories. And some sad ones too, like the day Jim and Chuck helped me take my father to town, the day he lost his right arm in an accident at the Slate mine. My heart felt wishes are givin to you Suzy at your loss. Sorry that I am in Europe or I would attend Jim’s memorial and be telling you this in person. We will all miss Jim very much. But not as much as you. My prayers are for you and your family as you celebrate Jim’s life. I am proud to say I have known Jim over 40 years and worked with him a few.
Theodore Nelson (bob) says
I am just now finding out about Jims demise Am so sorry about your loss I know how you feel as Patty also passed away. I hope everthing is ok with you , i,m as healthday as a horse