James A. Papke

James 'Jim' A. Papke, 90 of Missoula passed away at home on January 13, 2014. As husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather he will be greatly missed by his family.
Jim was born December 18, 1923 in Preston, MN to Adolph and Doris Papke, the oldest of 3 children. The family moved to Polson, MT when Jim was just a small boy, and he grew up and attended school there until he joined the military.
James joined the Army Air Corp in 1941 at the onset of WWII. Connected with the 12th Troop Carrier Squadron, flying 55 missions in the Balkans, Italy, Egypt and N. Africa between 1941-1945. After his service in the Army Air Corp., he completed training to be an aircraft mechanic and started work with the Pacific Northern Airlines(PNA) in Seattle. His real passion in life was in the mountains, so he returned to Montana and began doing timber sale assessments for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Kalispell. Later moving to Missoula to work for Evans Products and then Plumb Creek Lumber Products .
Jim married Linda (Conkling) Papke in 1955 and they had two children, Jean and Curt. The family enjoyed family time camping, skiing and playing at Flathead Lake. After retirement, Jim perfected his woodworking skills creating beautiful cedar canoes, boats and toys for his great-grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife Linda and children, Jean (Ben )Hagyard of Missoula, Curt (Cheryl) Papke of Idaho Falls, 2 grandchildren, James C .(Celi) Papke, Charlotte NC, Rayel (David )McKennett, Bristow VA, and 7 great grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway, Missoula on 25 January at 1:30 pm.



Read James Papke's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.