Edmund James “Jim” Reilly
April 12, 1945 – November 7, 2024
Jim Reilly, born on April 12, 1945, in Helena, Montana, to Ed and Phyllis Ackley Reilly and a proud graduate of Terry High School, lived in a life rooted in love, family and community. After graduating, he attended Miles Community College and later Montana State University in Bozeman, where he deepened his connection to the Montana land he loved.
In high school, Jim met the love of his life, Norma, and they married on August 1, 1964. Together they’ve shared 60 beautiful years. Their journey together began with “Young Love” as their song, and through the years, “You Are My Sunshine”” became their shared anthem, a reflection of the joy brought to each other’s lives.
Jim and Norma were blessed with two daughters, Rhonda and Dana, who inherited his strength and resilience. The proud grandfather of Brooke, Austin, Chance, Tioni, Reilly, Haylea and Hunter. Jim’s greatest joy later in life came from watching his grandchildren, and eventually great-grandchildren, grow and thrive.
A devoted rancher, Jim was deeply respected in his community and served as President of the Montana High School Rodeo Association. His daughters shared his love for the rodeo. Jim took great pride in accompanying them, cherishing every moment they spent together in the arena. His legacy lives on in the family bonds he cultivated and the friendships he fostered.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Norma Reilly of Terry, Montana. His brother Mike (Arlo) Reilly of Libby, Montana. His daughters, Rhonda Anderson of Glendive, Montana and Dana (Randy) Armstrong of Miles City. His grandchildren Brooke (Kyle) Sibary of Miles City, Austin (Alyssa) Conley of Miles City, Chance Conley of Billings, Montana, Tioni (Travis) Nelson of Miles City, Reilly Conley of Miles City, Haylea Conley of Miles City, Hunter Anderson of Bismarck North Dakota, and five great- grandchildren, Blake and Jordan Sibary, Carson and Jamie Conley, and Rozyn Nelson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim’s warmth, humor, and dedication touched countless lives, and his presence will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 with family receiving friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry, Montana. A funeral service will take place November 18, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.at Community Presbyterian Church in Terry, Montana. A lunch will take place directly following the funeral service at The Legion.
Memorials for Jim Reilly can be made in his honor to the Evelyn Cameron Heritage Center, the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday November 17, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday November 18, 2024
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Street
Terry , Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday November 17, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday November 18, 2024
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Street
Terry , Montana 59349
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DALE & ANN TRIBBY says
Norma and Family – A shining light has been extinguished. Jim and you were so kind. I so enjoyed all the time spent at the Clarke Dam pasture, as well as around Big Sheep Mountain. So fun to see you and Jim moving cattle on horseback. Rest in peace my friend! What a gentleman!
Vikki Bradley says
Sending prayers to the family. May you all find comfort with all friends and family around you. 🙏❤️
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Thoughts and prayers for you all 🙏
BONNIE CURRAN says
SO SORRY, YOU ALL ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Barb Smalis says
Norma and all of Jim’s family….Jim was such a kind and caring person and neighbor. It was a privilege to know him.
Now that his Lord and Savior has called him home, all his earthly troubles are over. RIP Jim.
Judy Nerud says
Norma and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you, your children and extended family. We all thought a lot of Jim and always enjoyed running into the two of you at community events.
Chuck Hubing Family
Doug Benge says
Norma: I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. You and he were a great couple, keen business partners, great clients and most of all special friends. I very much appreciated you. Best wishes to all.
Doug Benge
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Norma, So sorry to read this. Jim was so nice and was so fun to have come to the dances that we made music for. He will be remembered with a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ron and Connie Watts says
You just don’’t finder better people than Jim. I am so glad I have known and been a friend with Jim all of my life. Have a great ride in the greener pastures Jim🙏
Frank Kasten says
Norma,
I don’t recall ever hearing Jim desparage anyone. He could surely disagree with me, but never, ever did he disrespected me.
I really liked the guy.
I will always remember the yellow sticky note Jim took out of his lunch and stuck it to the cab post of my tractor. It read. “I love you Jim, have a great day!”
That tiny little sticky note harbored a whole lifetime of dedication between people madly in love.
I’m sure if Jim could send down a sticky note, it would read. “This isn’t goodbye. This is until we meet again”
Jim and Norma. So hard to say one name without the other.
May your love for Jesus bring you comfort.
Frank Kasten
Greg and Cindy Ban says
We are so sorry. He was such a gentle soul. Prayers for all of you
June Minow says
Norma and family,
I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a nice man and you two were the perfect ranch couple. I’ve been praying for God’s peace and comfort for you in the days ahead.
Doug Benge says
Norma: I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. You and he were a great couple, keen business partners, wonderful clients and very special friends. We had many studious meetings trying to formulate plans for the future of the ranch. He will be missed. Best wishes to all.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Norma and family, We hope that your family has time to heal up from Jim’s last rough ride . We are glad that you folks got to spend alot of your lives in a beautiful place. Praying for all of you in this time of mourning and wishing you some happier times soon. Jim was always a considerate honest man and your memories should be good ones.
Kevin Morast says
My thoughts go directly to the branding season when it comes my fondest memories of Jim. He was always there to lend a helping hand. His demeanor and work ethic were always one could look up to. Glad he is in a better place. God bless.
Correen Major says
Jim and I were cousins from his Mom’s side! We have always been close and I will truly miss him! We did branding ms together, played cards, shared a love of the ranch! Thanks Norma, thanks for taking such good care of him over the years especially the past difficult ones! Thanks for all the , memories , Norma and Jim. I love you very much!
Beth Petro says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a nice man.
Larry and Judy Jens says
I just love that picture of Jim. His personality radiates from it! He was fun-loving, kind, loyal, hard-working, and well thought of. A great legacy we should all aspire to! Jim will not be soon forgotten! Norma, girls, and grandkids, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Elizabeth O'Neill says
Jim and Norma were close friends of my brother Frank O’Neill and his wife Dianne and their Sons, Steve, Pat, and Mike. During my trips to visit my brother, it was usually during branding, I saw a lot of Jim and Norma. They were a very special couple.
Vivian and Derald Reno says
Norma and family.
We send our deepest condolences to all of you. And you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim & Marj Anderson says
Norma
Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories of Jim and the good times. God Bless
Marge and Bob Moore says
Norma, I are so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a happy person to travel with on the bus trips. All his suffering is over now and he is in a better place. May gods blessings be with you at this time Hugs. Bob and Marge Moore
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Norma, Rhonda, Dana and All your Family,
We are thinking of you and sending prayers and hugs!
🫂 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Arlen Alice h Miller says
SO Sorry for your loss
Jan cornutt says
I’m sooo sad to hear about Jim, I was always glad to see you folks at coffee or in the arena, I really enjoyed you two, Jim was a sweet heart ❤️ my prayers to you Norma
Lori Donnelly says
Norma, Rhonda, Dana, and family – I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. I have many great memories of Jim helping out with the YRA and High School Rodeos back in early 80’s. He definitely did his part to help out a bunch of us rodeo kids.
Tod and Family says
A great great guy that will be greatly missed. Till we meet again
Tammy Morast/ Donna Morast says
Soo sorry to hear this! Sending my condolences and prayers to the family.
Berniece Stulc says
Dear Norma and Family,
When someone who you have spent 60 years so very close and experienced the triumphs and tradgedies of life goes to be with our Savior,it is both a joyful time for him and a sorrowful thing for those of us left behind. Jim loved his Savior Now he rests and awaits the Return of Jesus. May you and All of your family be comforted by knowing that even Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died. Always do we remember Jim with a smile, and our Prayers are with you during these times ahead with all the changes it will bring for you. You have some wonderful memories and your family and Your Jesus to cling. May you truly find the Peace that Passes All Understanding. Love Berniece and Family
Kathy J. Stieg says
Sympathies to the family. Jim was a neat guy. Tom and Kathy (Major) Stieg
Andrea Miller says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
Denise Mallo says
Norma and family
May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Keeping your family in prayer.
Roxanna & Ed Musser says
Dear Norma and family,
Jim was very special. I always enjoyed visiting with you both. I’m sending my prayers and love to you. Jim and all the memories you have made with him over the yrs will always be in your heart. May the Lord keep you close.
Pastor Mark and Kari Wilde says
Such bittersweet news. We don’t want to keep anyone out of heaven, but we’d sure like to keep them here a little longer. We have the best memories of our visits at the Reilly ranch during our Montana years and we reminisce often about those precious days. May God keep you all in the palm of his hand during the weeks and months to come.
ELMER SPIDEL says
NORMA AND FAMILY , ITS ALWAYS SAD TO LOSE SOMEONE BUT THE LORD WANTED HIM MORE AND HIS JOY IS PRETTY GREAT NOW ,I PRAY THAT YOU CAN LEAN ON THE LORD FOR HELP.