James "Jim" Backus

James Sallee Backus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend passed from this earth on March 29th, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Missoula, Montana. Born on May 3, 1935, to William and Lizbeth Backus in Dillon, Montana, Jim's life journey was marked by warmth, kindness, resilience, and an unwavering love for those around him.

Jim spent his early years in Seattle and San Francisco before moving to Armstead, Montana, where he graduated from Beaverhead County High School. As a young adult, he served in the United States Navy for four years at the end of the Korean War. In the years after, he wore his USS Columbus hat proudly anytime he left the house. During his work career, Jim worked at the Dillon Safeway grocery store as an assistant manager before embarking on a lifelong career with Procter and Gamble selling Folgers coffee, covering Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. To this day, Folgers coffee is the only coffee kept in the kitchen cabinet. Jim made his home in Spokane, Washington until 1978. That year, he moved to Missoula, where he continued his career with P & G until his retirement.

A man who thrived on human interaction, Jim had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Whether at a Griz game, in the grocery store, at the gym, or while standing in a checkout line, he liked to connect. His open heart and welcoming spirit made his home a place where friends and family alike felt comfortable. Jim was not one to hold a grudge. He had the capacity to forgive and move forward in a spirit of understanding and reconciliation.

Above all, Jim cherished his family. He proposed to Beverley Peterson when she was just 16 and he was 18. They married in July 1955. This summer, they would have celebrated an incredible 70 years of marriage. Through life's many ups and downs, Beverley remained his steadfast rock, and he was hers. Together, they raised four sons, instilling in them the values of love, respect, and hard work. Jim took pride in the men his sons became, loving them fiercely and ending every visit with a heartfelt hug and "I love you." He was happiest when his house was full of family and especially when they were gathered around the dining room table enjoying a prime rib dinner.

While living in Spokane, Jim had fun coaching Little League Baseball and refereeing local high school football games. Summers were spent taking his family on camping trips to Montana to visit extended family and to do some fishing. Later on, he did the same with his grandchildren. Jim was a loyal Griz football fan as one could tell by his wardrobe. He enjoyed following politics, was a voracious reader, liked to golf now and then, loved a good steak, and always wanted to make one more trip back to his hometown of Dillon.

Jim leaves behind his devoted wife of 69 years, Beverley Peterson Backus; his sons, Perry Backus (Audrey) of Stevensville, MT, Scott Backus (Patti) of Bigfork, MT, and Tim Backus (Laura) of Missoula, MT; his cherished grandchildren, Luke Backus, Jessi Tackaberry, Caleb Backus, Alyse Sharpe, and Jake Backus; as well as four great-grandchildren, Tucker, Henry, Owen, and Tallulah. Daughter in law, Kim Backus. He was predeceased by his youngest son, Bill Backus, who tragically passed away in 1986, his parents, and two siblings, Nancy Owen and Fred Backus.

As we remember Jim, we celebrate a life well-lived with a steadfast commitment to family and friends. His legacy will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him as we learn to live life without him.

A graveside service will be held on May 3, 2025, at 2:00, Mountain View Cemetery, Dillon MT.

Special thanks to the Hospice staff at Partners in Home Care and the VA who provided support to Jim and his family in his final weeks.

“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. …And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”