Michael “Mike” James, age 65, of Glasgow, Montana passed away surrounded by his family on October 20, 2021.
Mike was born July 8th, 1956, in Denver, Colorado to Thomas and Mildred (Wilson) James. He joined one brother at home, Bill. He graduated from Eureka High School in 1975. Mike joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1979. After the Army he worked as a crane operator for his family’s business.
He met the love of his life, Terri, in 1985. They welcomed their first child together, Nathan, into the world in 1987. Shortly after they moved to Helena, Montana and Mike started school at the Vo-Tech. He graduated with an Electronics Degree. Mike started working for the U.S. Geological Survey as a student and shortly after was hired into a full-time position of a Hydrological Technician. Shortly after this, Mike and Terri welcomed their daughter, Jenni, in 1989. In 1995, Mike’s job transferred them to Glasgow, Montana. He wound up retiring from the Geological Survey in 2000 and started his very reputable company, Royal Image Construction, which kept him busy year-round. He built his company based off of his meticulous skills and worked hard to make sure his customers were happy with every job.
Every year he made time for hunting and fishing, and even after moving to Glasgow, the hunting traditions with friends from Helena continued. His most recent adventure was checking a tuna fishing trip off of his bucket list. Mike enjoyed taking trips and adventures with his wife and his grandkids. He had a love for a good drive with some even better company, showing Terri and the grandkids some new country along the way. He was an avid Fox News watcher and couldn’t wait to bend your ear about events going on in the world. Mike loved his grandchildren and spent most of his spare time teaching them new skills, doing projects, and sugaring them up. He always had a shoulder to lean on while he sipped a hot cup of coffee and listened to a story. Mike had so much love to give that together with Terri over the last 15 years they took in numerous foster children and even accepted guardianship of two girls, Berta and Ava. Mike was so proud of his family and the life he had built together with his beautiful wife over the last 36 years.
He is survived by his wife, Terri; brother, Bill; sons, Tom (Elizabeth), Nathan, and Michael (Carrisa); daughters, Cheryl, Michelle (Darrel), Jenni (Josh), Roberta, and Ava and grandchildren Karsyn, Grace, Oakley, and CJ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mildred.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at Bell Mortuary on 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 5th, 2021 with Pastor Doris Tollefson officiating. Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday November 5, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave S
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday November 5, 2021
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Ave S
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Lorraine Hughes says
Terri and family…I always enjoyed and appreciated Mike. His expertise, craftsmanship, his smile and gentle ways but most of all his love for all his family. I pray your warm memories comfort you now. My sympathies to all of you. Lorraine and Mike Hughes
Wanda Dale says
Terri and Family, we are so sorry for the loss of Mike, wonderful and kind man. Praying for peace, comfort, for all of you. Stephen, Wanda, & Lennox
Lynne says
Our hearts are broken for all. Such an amazing man who loved his family so very much. Love,hugs and prayers
Michelle gilpin says
Dad I may not have alot of memories of you but the few memories I have I will always cherish forever and I love you so very much and my heart breaks knowing you are no longer with us and am sending my condolences and prayers to Terri, jenni ,Nathan, Tommy and Tommy and to my dad’s brother Bill James and to all his grandchildren
Marie says
Terri, Jenni and family, Mike was such a kind and wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers to you all. Remember his smile and the good times. Wishing you love and peace, Marie Duke and family
Sharon Fagan says
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our prayers and love.
Morgen & Sharon Fagan
Marisa Palazzo Brockmier says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May he rest in peace. Much love. Marisa
Michelle Jefferson says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Terri. Condolences to you all & many prayers sent. 🙏🙏
Joanna Thamke says
Mike was a well-liked and respected USGS colleague. I especially appreciated his calm demeanor and enjoyed working with him. My deepest sympathy is extended to Mike’s family. Wishing you all strength and comfort.
Gary and Donna Dascher says
I am so sad to just hear this news. I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold you close during this time of heartache and loss.