James John Westman

James John Westman, 73, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Known as Jim by his friends and family, he was born in Kenosha, WI on May 11, 1943 to Carol and Jack Westman. He was born into a family that included an older brother, David, and later, a sister, Joudi, and a brother, John. Growing up, he enjoyed the many outdoor opportunities available in Wisconsin, and excelled at most of them. One of the activities he enjoyed most was baseball, excelling to a point of being scouted by a professional team as a pitcher.
Jim met Betty lmrie, the love of his life, in 1965 and in 1966 they were married in Burlington, WI. Shortly after, in 1968, they began a family that included daughters Jennifer Ann and Melissa Lynn in 1970. They made the journey west to Montana in 1974, where Jim continued his career as an electrical lineman for the Montana Power Company, where he served for 26 years. Both the company, as well as the people he worked with, made it less of a job and more of a family. Jim had the rare quality of a strong work ethic, and the ability to make everyone feel like they were his best friend.
Family life was never dull, always busy camping, fishing, travelling, and most of all, playing cribbage. Betty will never be able to pay back all the IOU's sitting in the coffee can. The best part of being a parent is the possibility of being a grandparent, and in 1992, Alex Lynne made this a reality. She was joined shortly by Zackary James in 1994, and after by Briar Wren Elizabeth in 2001. These 3 were the highlight for Jim over the last 24 years.
Betty and Jim had a wonderful retirement, spending time with family and friends, and getting to see the country. Our family would like to acknowledge the Community Medical Cancer Center, as well as the Hospice of Missoula, for their exceptional, compassionate care for not only Jim, but the whole family, during this last year.
A memorial service will be held a Garden City Funeral Home on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 10:30 AM with a reception to follow. Condolences can be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com