James Otis Walling

On Sunday, April 17, 2016, James Otis Walling safely slid across the home plate into the arms of Jesus. Jim was born in New Florence, Missouri, on Nov. 24, 1931, to parents James Cleo and Dorothy Francis (Knouse) Walling. They eventually moved to and settled in Montana where his father owned and operated a construction business. Jim was joined by six other siblings. He graduated from Fergus County High School in Lewistown in 1949. He married the love of his life, June Huff of Moore in June of 1951. He worked road construction with his father from 1952 to 1962. When the business ended, he went to work for several contractors until 1968 when he was employed by the Missoula County Road Department. He retired in 1994. He and June had four daughters and one son.

Jim was an avid bowler with an average of 175. He was elected president of the Missoula Bowling Association in 1974 and continued to coach youth bowling. He enjoyed passing on his skills to his grandchildren.

Three of Jim's greatest passions in life were children and baseball and church. He was blessed to be able to coach youth baseball for 41 years. He devoted much of his life to little league baseball and the Montana Babe Ruth Association. He was elected the State Commissioner for Babe Ruth in 1976 and presided until his retirement in 2010. For his extreme dedication and hard work he was inducted into the Babe Ruth Hall of Fame that same year. Jim loved all sports and was an avid Griz and Lady Griz basketball and football fan. He and June enjoyed going to every game they could make it to. He was a member of the Lolo Community Church and loved his men's Bible Studies.

Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all adored him. There was no doubt that if grandpa didn't have a piece of candy in his shirt pocket, he would make up for it later. He was well known for his dry sense of humor and his corny jokes.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years; five children, Linda (Mike) Free of Lolo, Dan (Tina) of Victor, Sharon (Pete) Andersen of Lewistown, Peggy (Earl) Monaco of Elliston and Christina Field of Lolo; brother Charles (Jeri) of Eugene, Oregon; sisters, Mary (Dick) Losey and Marcia Brown of Kennewick, Washington; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Bob, Phil and Jess.

Funeral services will be held at the Lolo Community Church on Saturday, April 23, at 11 a.m. Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting with arrangements.


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