James J. Baumgardner

Jim Baumgardner, 81, passed away on Friday August 26, 2016 at his home in Missoula.
Jim was born on November 18, 1934 to Jake and Katherine “Katie” Baumgardner in Missoula, MT. Jim was the second of three children. After growing up on a sugar beet farm on Mullan Road, Jim served in the Army during the Korean War and was active in services until 1955.
Upon returning from military service, Jim met the love of his life, Dolly. Jim married Dolly Charlton on April 12, 1956. Together they raised three wonderful children Lance, Dana and Shanna; although at times it seemed that Dolly was also raising Jim.
In 1968 Jim and Dolly moved their family to Seattle for a year before returning to Missoula and starting his career as a truck driver. While working for U&R Express, Jim cultivated many lifelong friendships.
In 1990 Jim retired at the young age of 56 to pursue other interest, including working for the State of Montana for four years. In Jim’s free time he enjoyed watching football, horse racing, gardening, hunting, bargain shopping, watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, hanging out with family and friends, endless hours of listening to country music, and testing out new jokes. Jim’s contagious sense of humor is a defining feature that sets him apart from most.
Not only was Jim a loving husband, father, and grandfather, but also a friend to all he met.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Dolly, his parents, his grandson Baby Jake Baumgardner, his mother and father-in-law Earl and Wavie Charlton, in-laws Helen Santa Cruz, Laurel “Lolly” and Vern Schneiter, Shirley and Bob Charlton, Jack Charlton, Jim Charlton, and his beloved dogs Buffy and Molly.
Survivors include his children Lance and Becky of Seattle, Dana and Vicki of Frenchtown, Shanna and Jim Featherman of Missoula; his brother Jack (Rita) Baumgardner, and sister Darlene (Bill) Richardson, grandchildren include Justin (Libby) Miller, Matthew (Kelly) Baumgardner, Andreas (Chance) Landon, Andrew (Micheala) Baumgardner, Austin Baumgardner, Daniel Featherman, Jordan (Kendra) Featherman, and Taylor Featherman; uncle Pete Sacks; seven great grandchildren and one on the way; many other cousins not listed and his incredibly caring special friend Dixie Friedrichs.
A graveside service will be held at 4:00PM, Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Sunset Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10AM to 2PM at Garden City Funeral Home, a reception will follow in the Sunset Memorial community room.
Our last words to our dad is, we understand when you saw mom you didn’t want to come back. You’re together again and in our hearts forever.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Gardencityfh.com