James Wrobel

James Robert “Jim" Wrobel died August 14, 2016, at the age of 69 in Potomac, Montana.

He was born March 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois.

Following his graduation from Lane Technical High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably overseas, though he remained private about those details.

Jim’s innate sense of adventure lead him out West where he lived and worked in Oregon, California, and finally in Montana, where he appeared to truly be in his natural element.

Along the way, Jim was married twice; these unions blessed him with two daughters and two sons. His natural inclination to be a parent first became evident as a teenager, when he acted as a second father to his younger sister. Later, he tirelessly devoted himself to his four children as they grew to adulthood, teaching each one the value of hard work, and rewarding them with amazing waffle breakfasts made from scratch. Even on his most difficult days, Jim’s paternal-like concerns for his dogs were a priority for him as well.

Jim’s family and friends remember him for his great athleticism, artistry, intelligence, and as a “jack-of-all trades” who could teach himself to do almost anything. As a mischievous youngster, he figured out how to make fire crackers, in later years how to raise sheep, and so much in between. The list is endless. Jim displayed his skills as a mechanic, carpenter, craftsman, musician, artist, rancher, and certainly as a grill-master.

Jim's desire to serve his family, friends, and community was always apparent. He spent many years volunteering as chairman and member of the Potomac school board, even long after his children graduated. From car troubles, to leaky pipes, to personal crises, he was the man you could count on at 3:00 a.m. to help with whatever you needed.

While it was Jim’s heart that gave up too soon, the “heart” with which he lived his life will serve as an inspiration to all who love and miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Frances Wrobel and brother Michael Wrobel.

Jim is survived by his children Sandra (Christopher) Shockley of Washington, Tiffany (James) Crawford, Paul Wrobel and Stash Wrobel of Montana; by siblings Donald Wrobel and Katharine (Raymond) Lapinski of Alaska; by grandsons Cameron Shockley and SPC Cory Shockley of Washington and Justin Crawford of Montana; by niece Amber (James) Dickey and nephew Michael Lapinski of Alaska; by former spouses Lisa Venuti of Montana and Kathy Wright of Oregon; and by dear friends Roland and Gretchen Dierken of Montana.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, August 21, 2016, at 2:00pm. Please contact Tiffany Crawford at tfcrawford@gmail.com for details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the James Wrobel Memorial at Missoula Federal Credit Union.