James Rambo

James R. Rambo, Jr. died at home on Monday, June 15, 2015, from complications resulting from a battle with cancer. He was born in Missoula, on May 28, 1927, to Ilene and James R. Rambo Sr. He graduated from Missoula County High School in 1945; married the love of his life, Mary Lou Stevens, on July 26, 1950; served as a clerk in Korea; employed by the Missoulian in a variety of positions (from paperboy to Circulation Manager) over 45 years; raised and provided for a family of five; and became an accomplished 'putterer' around his home, cabin and daughter's house in his retirement years.

Although Jim is no longer physically here on earth, he has left a lasting impact and many memories for his family and friends. He was a roller skater, golfer, dancer (square dancing and round dancing), and surprisingly good competitor in basketball, volleyball and kick ball with his kids though he was smaller and normally wore his hard-soled shoes. Jim loved to play any kind of cards including cribbage, pinochle, Russian Rummy and Wizards, not being content until he had either won or 'messed with the minds' and totally befuddled (and often annoyed) those he was playing against. Jim was extremely curious and inquisitive, trying to figure how things worked (or why they didn't), how to build or grow something, why animals were doing what they were doing (and he always had a theory), and why things were the way they were. He was a teacher who loved to help others and give personal hands-on demonstrations on how to use equipment, how to garden, how to fix things and the like. He loved to watch his family grow up and accomplish new things, and then to brag on them to anyone who would hear. As he wrote on his final wishes, "I have lived a full and happy life, and my mission on earth has been completed."

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou; sister Betty and daughter-in-law Maralee. Survivors include a sister, Olive Stenlund; five children, Rose (Jim) Rambo, Ralph (Laurie) Rambo, Russ Rambo, Rhonda (David) Helms and Renee Rambo; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild in-the-making; and his ever faithful cat companion, Brad.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Jim. His body will be cremated and his remains placed in a niche at Sunset Memorial Gardens. His family will hold a memorial service this summer, during their annual trek and celebratory get-together at the cabin at Elbow Lake. Dad, you will be missed!
Read James Rambo's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.