Alan Richard James passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020 at Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana due to complications of COVID-19. He was surrounded by the Savior’s love and watched over by his wife and daughters, as they could not be in the room with him.
Alan was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1949, in Provo, Utah to Lorna Matkin and Richard James, he was the oldest of four children. He grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming where he graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1967.
Alan worked as a carpenter, in the oil field, selling sporting goods on the road which brought him to Montana where he met Sandy Miller, while working for Boss Office Supply. They were married on June 21, 1980 in Glendive, Montana. They made their home in Forsyth, Montana where they raised their two daughters. While working at Coast to Coast he started as a reserve deputy for Rosebud County Sheriff’s Office. On November 1, 1983 he started working as a full-time deputy. He continued to work for the Sheriff’s Office for 32 years when he retired December 31, 2015.
In his younger years, Alan enjoyed swimming, water skiing, hunting, fishing, woodworking, bowling, and gardening. More recently he has enjoyed dutch oven cooking and working on genealogy. He found his greatest joy in his grandkids! He loved them unconditionally and enjoyed traveling to watch their activities.
Alan will be best remembered for his stories and jokes that he told over and over and over again, so we wouldn’t forget them. He enjoyed making people laugh, especially the kids. He had a warm, kind smile that could put people at ease.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alan was a great example to all as he navigated many course corrections throughout his life. He was a friend and mentor to many people. He taught us that through the Savior’s love anything is possible.
Alan is preceded in death by his loving mother, Lorna Matkin James; father in-law Walt Miller; mother in-law, Betty Roberts Miller; sister in-law Barb Miller; brothers in-law, Bob Miller and Jerry Lachenmaier; a nephew, Justin Miller; and a niece, Cammie Parker Schluter.
Alan is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandy James, his children and grandchildren, Karen and Jarrod Cain — Nickolas, Matkin, Jillian and Jameson of Cowley, WY and Shelly and JJ Kidd — Ashley of Dayton, WY; father, Richard “Dick” James of Spanish Fork, Utah; Siblings, Don (Rita) James of Spanish Fork, UT, Kayleen James McClure of Spanish Fork, UT, Kent (Susie) James of Spring, TX, brothers and sisters in-law, Ed (Betty Lou) Miller of Glendive, MT, Peggy Lachenmaier of Columbia Falls, MT, Nancy Miller of Spokane, WA, Randy (Jerilyn) Miller of Rock Springs, WY, Jay Miller of Glendive, MT and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins.
Until we meet again. We love you! With all our love, Sandy, Karen, Jarrod, Shelly, JJ and all your buddies.
Memorials may be donated to the Ronald McDonald House or charity of choice.
A special thank you to the Billings Clinic staff who helped worked tirelessly to help Alan and his family through this difficult time. And a big thank you to all of the frontline workers, who are working hard to help so many during this global pandemic.
To leave an online condolence to Alan’s family, please visit www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday December 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday December 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Private Services
Friday December 18, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday December 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday December 17, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Private Services
Friday December 18, 2020
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Share
Bob and Darlene Pestreich says
Sandy and family, we were so sad to hear of Alan’s passing. He was my favorite deputy to work with and I considered him a good friend. I know he loved his family deeply. He will be missed by many. Our hearts break for you.
Jo Ferguson Cuckie says
So sorry for your loss… I considered Alan and you my friends since 1979..my prayers are for you and your girls
Kurt Seward says
Sandy and family it breaks my heart to see Alan pass. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dawn Reiger says
I am deeply saddened for the James family! Alan was a caring and had such a good sense of humor….may you Rest In Peace 🙏🏻
Connie Brown says
Sandy and family, so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. May God give you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
Im so sorry for your loss, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie & Family says
Dear Sandy and Family ,we are shocked and heart broken over the passing of Alan . Our prayers are with you .
With deepest sympathy.
Elaine Egeland says
Sandy, Karen and family, Shelly and family, you are all in my prayers and thoughts with Alan’s passing. We spent so much windshield time together and him sharing his stories and jokes, and at lunch time, the famous, “strap on the feed bag” line always made me laugh. He will be missed.
George and Jan Simmons says
Sandy, Karen, Shelly and families, please know of our love for Alan and all of you. Saying goodbye is always difficult, but feeling his love with you will give you strength in the days to come. Remember the fun times, including his humor and sarcasm, which were a part of Alan’s personality and which we all loved. His understanding and growth through the scriptures was an inspiration to each of us. He was so inspiring for family history work. We know that he has been greeted by many who he’s been instrumental in getting their work done and will be thanked by many more. He is a true “child of God”!
Beverly Nile says
Sandy, Karen, Shelly, and your families, know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time. There is not enough space to share all the good memories and stories to ease your pain right now, just know that he will be deeply missed by his old friends from work and that he will keep the peace from above.
Pam Shelton says
Sandy and family, was so sorry to hear about Alan. My thoughts and prayers go to you and the family
Vicky Fink says
Sandy & family…I am sorry to hear Alan passed away. I always enjoyed his sense of humor & friendliness. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Mary Bissett says
Dear sandy and family
We were so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Love and blessings from Aunt Rhea Matkin and Mary Bissett.
Mandi says
Alan was a remarkable man. Was a pleasure working with him. I once ruined the light bar on his patrol car with the garage door at the cop shop on accident. He never let me live it down. He remembered, years, decades later, down to the last cent, what it cost to fix the mistake. (I wish I could remember what the cost was, but I can’t). Sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
John and Collene Hill says
Sandy, Karen and Shelly and families. This is so so hard to say goodbye, and we will see you on the other side. Alan will be remembered by many for his love he had for his fellow men, his church callings and his family history he enjoyed and helped so many others with. We will always remember the good times with each other and the dinners we shared with your family. Hold on to all the good times and memories during these difficult times. We will always miss him in church and his smiles and his personality, he was one great man.
Gaylewhitesides says
Dear ones.
We were so sad to hear of the loss of cousin Alan. I have a few memories of him as a child but unfortunately we have not kept track of each other as adults. I know her was a kind and gentle soul who did much serious family history work for which we are most grateful. He will be welcomed by his dear mother and grandparents as well as those names he researched who were able to have their eternal covenants to bless them. May you be blessed and comforted. Much love to you all.
MaryBeth Black says
Sandy, Karen, Shelly and families it is times like this that it is difficult to come up with the exact words to say. Remember all of the good times and the love that your family shared. Alan was such an amazing man who was always willing to help others in any way possible. Know of our Heavenly Fathers love for you all and that you will all be together again someday. Love and prayers to you all for comfort during the coming days and weeks.
Sam and Ann Stuart says
Sandy James and the James Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Alan hired me as a detention officer in 2009 and he was one of the reasons I am still there. He was a gentle soul with a strong ideal of right and wrong. He will be missed.
Paul and Mary Kunst says
Sandy and family, We are so sad to hear is Alan’s passing. He had a smile that would light up a room and an awesome sense of humor. He was a true gentleman.
Heidi & Linda Saxton says
Sandy and family and the James Family,
The Linda Saxton family is so sorry to hear of your loss. Mom has many good memories of visiting the James cousins when she was young. She took her family to visit Aunt Lorna and Uncle Dick and their family several times throughout their growing up years too. It was always a fun time full of laughter and good humor when we visited these cousins. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Cathleen Fleming says
I was so sad to hear of Alan’s passing. He was to young to leave us. May God be with you all and help you deal with your grief. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
helen Corbin says
Sandy You are all in my Prayers
Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Sandy and family I am so sorry for your loss. Alan was such a joy to work with at the Sheriffs office, loved his stories.
Don James says
What a great friend and wonderful brother. So many memories of fishing, hunting, hiking, family gatherings and games. Dad was in tears as he read your obituary. He then smiled stating what a grand reunion he must be having. I will miss our phone calls, your repeated jokes and your love.
Kent James says
Alan is an awesome big brother. He has inspired me to be a better person throughout my life. I will forever treasure the messages we exchanged in early November. Family gatherings, always supportive, funny jokes (some not so funny), political opinions, committed to your beliefs, genealogy, are a few things that I will always remember about you. Families are forever!
Cecile J Scribner says
Alan, along with Don, Ron and Dave, were my little brothers. I’m actually their aunt, but they were closer to me in age that my older brothers were. We were just six and eight years apart. I’ve loved Alan from his very beginning and have told him often in these last fifteen years or so how much I admire him for the great example he has set in his life. He had many hard years that he turned around for the better and he’s a humble person – never taking credit for himself – giving it all to the Savior. He said his favorite song could be “Count Your Many Blessings,” but he said he couldn’t count that high, so really his favorite song is, “I Stand All Amazed At the Love Jesus Offers Me.” To Sandy and your girls and their families, I love you very much. To Alan -I’ll be seeing you in the near future – whether it’s five years or fifteen – it’s not many to wait and I can hardly wait to be with you and the others on the other side again. I’ll miss your emails and messages!
Callie and autumn clark says
It was was never dull working with alan… Between his jokes .. just just talking with him. It was an honor getting to work with him. He will be greatly missed by all…
Mary Ray says
Sorry to hear this sad news, Thoughts and Prayers are with with you Sandy, and the family! Peace and Blessing during your grief and healing
. 🙏
Bob and Connie Knickerbocker says
We remember all the times at my moms house. So sad for you guys.
Rich James says
Alan was an awesome uncle! I remember going on my first Pheasant hunt with him in Montana. Also remember getting handcuffed nearly every family reunion and dad joke galore. More recently he was the one that kept the family moving on our family history. Alan will be greatly missed!
Rita FitzGerald says
To Sandi and the girls,
Thinking of Allen, I remember how we both could have a heart attack when I shot a fox in the bottom of the coulee and Allen was sent out to get to check for rabies. By the time we walked down the hill and dug out the fox and by the time we crawled back up neither one of us could catch our breath!! Talk about cardio work-out!!
Such a loss for you all, especially the grandchildren! We all wish we could have had the grandkids first so we could enjoy them longer. Allen will be a guiding hand from Heaven for his grand babies. Our prayers are with you all!!
Bill and Rita
Carol Marlin Roundy says
Dear James family
So sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was a fun cousin when we were young. So remember the fun time visiting in Rock Springs and sharing the peddle car with Alan. Our thoughts and orayers,are with you at this time.
Carol Marlin Roundy
Melody Allies says
Melody Allies say
Dear James family I am so sorry for your loss and alen was a good hard working man and he will be miss but not forgotten and I’m sending prayers and hugs to the James family
Bobbi Vannattan says
I am so sad to hear of Alan’s passing. I pray that you all find comfort in the memories you shared with Alan over the years! I will never forget his kindness over the years as an officer and a person. Your in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time and through the holiday season!
Austin Parker says
I wish I had been around Uncle Alan these last years. I remember most that he would always make faces. He would go cross-eyed, fishy lips, and grab his ears and twist them. Love you James family!
Bill Schwarzkph says
Sandy, Karen, Shelly and family; We were so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I heard it from Kurt Seward. I really enjoyed Alan’s companionship while bowling on the same team on Wednesday nights. He always bowled best when his grandson was there to watch. We love you all.
Bill and Cheryl Schwarzkoph
sharon cope says
Sandy and family, My thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all. Sharon
Kayleen James says
Kayleen James (sister) I have tremendous love and respect for Alan. He has incredible talents, including being a fantastic accordion player. He had perfect attendance at church and seminary in his high school years. He exhibited quiet forgiveness without harboring ill will. My favorite memory is looking down the row at church, when our nephew’s first son was blessed, and seeing Alan with his 3 or 4 angelic grandchildren sitting reverently on his lap. He loves his family so very much. He used to tease me when I was young to always jump high off the escalator so as not to catch my hair and pull me under. I was in junior high before I realized that wasn’t realistic. We went snow skiing as adults and Brother Don wanted to save money by not using the lift. Alan didn’t agree it was a good way to save money as we hiked up the hill repeatedly to ski down. He laid down his life to show his last respect for family. I know he still felt good about that decision, as family was so important to him. I want to thank everyone who loved and supported him throughout his life. I appreciate each one of you so very much. He is a valiant, strong and humble spirit. I’m so grateful to have been able to share texts for as long as we could when he was in the hospital. Thank you Sandy and all your family and coworkers and ward members and friends for loving and supporting him, and thank you everyone for the amazing tribute to him with the funeral and procession. Thank you Karen and all who contributed to the beautiful video, so professionally done. I love and appreciate you all. I am deeply indebted for all the love and kindness shown. God be with you til we meet again Alan. Love you eternally.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Sandy and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Alan’s death. He was a fine deputy and an even finer human being. We appreciated his kindness. You can be so proud of his service and all the lives he touched.
You are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and blessed memories.
Greg Hager says
Alan and I were childhood friends in Rock Springs, Wy. Alan was always a pleasant and good person. I had hoped to see him show up at a high school reunion but we never connected again. I was thinking about him today and looked him up on the internet and was sad the see that I had missed the opportunity to contact him. I hope that his family are doing well and have great memories of the time you had together.