James Joseph "Jim Big Jim Papa" Marshall

James Joseph "Jim," "Big Jim," Papa" Marshall went to fly with the eagles he loved to photograph. On Tuesday, April 8, 2014, while in the arms of his loving wife Ruth, he passed away from cancer. Jim spent the last days of his life at home surrounded by his family, friends who loved him – the people who were blessed with his love, strength, compassion and generosity. His genuine smile helping hand and enthusiasm for life will be missed but the legacy he has left behind will live forever in the countless lives he has touched. He will always be the best of role models for all of us. Everywhere he went, Jim made friends, many of whom he made to feel like family.

Papa Jim's grandkids were his pride and extra special interest. He spent all the time he could supporting them, being with them, loving them. Jim even became "Papa" to all the kids that he got to know.

Jim was born Feb. 11, 1924, to Marguerite Ramspeck Marshall and Joseph Marshall in Columbus. At age 18 he joined the Air Force and then served in the Army as a staff sergeant in the 97th Infantry Division in Czechoslovakia in World War II. He returned a hero with a Purple Heart and attend Montana State University.

Jim met his beautiful wife Ruth, who was a nurse at the student health service at MSU. They married March 15, 1947, in Livingston. Jim and Ruth just celebrated 67 wonderful years together. During his college days their children, Vicki, Leann and James, were born.

Jim completed a B.S. degree in industrial arts in 1953. Jim taught in Bozeman and then in Billings. Jim built the family home in Billings. Finding that teaching did not provide enough income to support a family of five (not much different today) Jim took a job selling school supplies for Northern School Supply and the family moved to Great Falls in 1958 and was transferred to Missoula. Jim built the current family home in 1968. Jim became the purchasing agent for Missoula School District 1. As purchasing agent, Jim implemented the security systems that are in Missoula schools and started a district printing operation, both programs saving the school system millions of dollars. In 1985, Jim retired wearing three hats: purchasing agent, chief security officer and print shop manager.

Jim joined the Missoula Downtown Lions Club in 1959. He was passionate about community service his whole life. He sold a lot of Christmas trees in his 55 years as a member.

In 1960 Jim and his longtime friend Jack Roemer bought lakeshore property on the new Noxon Rapids Reservoir at Trout Creek. With Jim's carpentry background and following his explicit directions the families built cabins and established a beautiful summer retreat that we call our Heaven on Earth. Jim's sister Dawn and the Woody and Jo Erickson family built cabins later in the same area. Jim and Ruth were instrumental in establishing the Noxon Cabinet Lakeshore Coalition to protect this beautiful area. Until the end of his life Jim was involved with protection of the reservoir and recently in the effort to eradicate noxious weeds in the reservoir and Montana.

Jim graduated a Bobcat but he was an ardent Griz fan who loved his season tickets in the north end zone. Jim's other love was photography. He was self-taught and his favorite subjects were eagles, leaving us a treasure of photographs.

The epitome of Jim's life is summed up by Terry Cromwell, "Please know that you couldn't possibly have done more than you did for so many if you had another 90 years."

Mother Marguerite Mann and brother George Marshall preceded Jim in death.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Ruth; his sister Dawn Robanske; daughter Vicki Cocchiarella, former son-in-law Larry Cocchiarella of Missoula; Leann Johnson (Kent) of Missoula; son Jim Marshall (Jackie) of Cave Creek, Ariz. His grandchildren, who will miss their Papa are Cara Cocchiarella of Portland Ore., Michael Cocchiarella (partner Mindy Erb) of Seattle, Abby O'Connor (Nick) of Billings; Alexandria Marshall and Tyler Marshall of Cave Creek; great-grandchildren Gracie Johnson, Tripp O'Connor, Chase O'Connor of Billings.

Jim's life will be celebrated Monday, April 14, at 1 p.m. with military honors and a memorial at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St., Missoula. A reception will follow at the Missoula Country Club, 3850 Highway 93 S.

In lieu of flowers you may make contributions to Big Sky Honor Flight, P.O. Box 80201, Billings, MT 59108; Missoula Aging Services, 337 Stevens Ave., Missoula 59801; Partners Hospice 2687 Palmer St. Suite B, Missoula 59808, or a charity of your choice.
Read James Marshall's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.