Jim Hocking

Leonard Gene “Jim’ Hocking
May 29, 1934 – June 4, 1922

Jim passed away June 4, 2022, at age 88 at his home in Lolo, Montana from cancer.


He was born May 29, 1934, in Jackson County, Minnesota to Dewey and Nana (Harms) Hocking. In 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force and spent 4 years in Germany. After returning home he moved to Bigfork, Minnesota where he met and married Betty Westby on October 5, 1957. Later, they moved to Park Rapids, Minnesota where he worked at Camp Wilderness Boy Scout Camp and went to college at Bemidji State University. After graduation, they moved to Montana where he worked for the US Forest Service. He retired in 1990 and from then on, a portion of the winters were spent in Arizona.

Jim had many hobbies which included photography, a lifelong hobby. Others were painting, metal detecting, rock hounding, ham radio and travel. At one time he made men’s belt buckles from silver and ironwood that were sold around Missoula at various stores.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth Hocking and brother Loren Hocking. Surviving is his wife Betty, sons Daniel (Debra) Hocking and Steven (Patti) Hocking, four grandchildren: Tara Hocking, Megan (Chris) Carey, Taylor Hocking, Joshua (Allie) Hocking and four great grandsons: Griffin Carey, Bennett Carey, Lincoln Hocking, Wellington Hocking, brother Lyle (Lou) Hocking and nieces and nephews: Mary, Nanette, Thomas, Ronald, and Gary.

We would like to thank Hospice of Missoula for their kind and gentle care of our loved one.