Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

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Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

JL Bloom, age 68, of Miles City

February 19, 1950 – January 17, 2019

JL Bloom passed away January 17, 2019 while recuperating from surgery.

J L Bloom (JL) was born February 19, 1950 in Miles City, Montana to loving parents Bonnie Ann (O’Connell) Bloom and Lyle (Bucky) William Bloom.

His parents worked for his mother’s brother, Jiggs O’Connell, who owned and operated the Rendezvous (a popular nightclub) in the early 1950’s, where JL spent his toddler days.  Soon after, Bonnie and Bucky purchased a ranch on the Tongue River where JL spent endless hours doing things he loved. He especially enjoyed riding horses and caring for his small herd of cows and other animals, like the ranch dogs Poochee and Lucky. There he learned about ranching. He had many fond memories of horseback riding through the hills, hunting, fishing, hiking, and discovering the land had a special place in his heart.

In 1955, his twin brother and sister Bill and Deb were born. He loved being their big brother and cherished the time he spent with them. He taught them to ride their ponies, Dynamite and Skunkie, and let them tag along, including to movies with his friends. There are too many good times to mention!

JL had many jobs throughout the years. While young, summers were spent working at his Uncle Jim O’Connell’s ranch near Ismay, Montana along with his cousin from South Dakota. Uncle Jim was fond of his two nephews, nicknaming JL “Sagebrush” and cousin Dan “Hot Water Charlie”.  Here he learned more about ranch life, to be independent, and the value of hard work. Other jobs included being a paperboy and doing bridge construction.

JL attended Washington Grade School and Junior High School, graduating from Custer High School in 1968.  He enjoyed and took pride in playing high school basketball, as well as time spent with his high school buddies.

Upon high school graduation he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Da Nang in the Vietnam War.  JL was an MP with other Montanans at Monkey Mountain. He received several medals, met the challenge and did what he needed to do to support his country.

After returning from the war, he sold his favorite horse Budweiser and his Corvette Stingray to have money to attend college at MSU, Bozeman. He graduated with a degree in Range Science Management. He worked in Ashland, Mt. for the Forest Service riding his horse doing range science and then continued to do rangeland conservation for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Miles City for almost 20 years. During this time, he also attended rodeo school in Billings and participated in many rodeos riding saddle broncs.

In 1980 JL met the love of his life, Mary Gauer while both were working for BLM. They were married in 1985 and purchased land in the Yellowstone Valley where they made their home. JL always wanted a ranch and started building one with the purchase of his first bull, a gelbvieh they named Squirt. Soon after they purchased land at Moon Creek and gradually built a herd. In 1992 they were blessed with their son Kin James (KJ). JL left BLM to continue to build the ranch. While Mary still worked at BLM, JL ranched and cared for KJ daily starting when KJ was one month old. After graduating in 2013 from Miles Community College with associate degrees in Science, and Art, KJ chose to ranch alongside his dad. Needless to say they were very close.

JL had a strong interest in a wide variety of issues and wanted to help others with his knowledge. He had an intense passion to share what he researched and learned with others.

JL was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and Bucky. He is survived by his wife Mary, son KJ, brother Bill and sister Deb (Merlin) Brown as well as two aunts and several cousins. No services are planned at this time. If desired, friends may make donations to the Custer County Rural Fire Department, or an organization of your choice.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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Memories

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  4. Dear Bloom Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. May the guarantee that is found in the Bible, give you comfort during this difficult time. Acts 24:15 “And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous”. This is a direct guarantee from God, the creator of life.

  5. Chris and I send our condolences to all the family of J.L., we have very fond memories of him. God be with you at this time.

  7. JL and I were good friends. Rex Hanson, myself and JL spent hours discussing the world situations. He will be missed greatly. There will never be another like him!

  8. Mary, KJ, Deb, and Bill, My sincere sympathy to you all at this sad time. I always thought a lot of JL. He was a very kind man.

  9. I always looked forward to seeing JL at the BHS although we had missed the last couple of times. I regret that out next meeting will not be of this world.
    My deepest sympathy goes out to Mary and KJ and Billy and Debbie. JL and I go back to Junior High and we spent quite a lot of time together in High School and later in Bozeman. A good friend lost.
    I will miss him for the rest of my days.
    Sincerely Kirk

  10. Just seeing Mr Bloom up town or yard sales,he always had a smile and a big hello..he well be missed..thinking of you all

  11. Dennis and I are so sorry to hear about JL. We are thinking of you all and please know that we will miss him.

  13. Im so sorry for your loss, Mary and KJ. I enjoyed working with JL at BLM. Thoughts, prayers and condolences to you all.

  15. Mary and family,
    I am sorry to hear that JL has passed away. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish all of your fond memories.

  16. Mary, my heart is hurting for you and KJ. I always enjoyed JL. He was his own person and pursued life his way. Prayers for you and family. Gloria

  18. I am so sad to hear of JL’s passing. He was such a nice guy and a lot of fun. I haven’t seen him since high school, but still remember his great smile. Prayers and sympathy to his family.

  19. Died on the same day as my father in law years apart. He was such a handsome guy. Bless your hearts Too young

  23. Mary, and the Bloom family, JL was a very interesting Man I always enjoyed visiting with him. He always made me think.
    So sorry for your loss.
    Dave

  24. JL was my good friend for years. JL would do one shot of patron with me and then always tell me stories and give me advice. When I lived in Miles City JL would always have some home remedy to fix any cold I ever had. JL was one of the kindest ,caring and strong willed people I ever met…my heart hurts greatly for loss of my friend.

  25. Dear Deb and Family,
    Sending condolences to you and yours as you grieve the loss of a one-of-a-kind man! He certainly lived a full and adventurous life. Sending prayers of sympathy, peace and hugs your way.

    Fondly, Kim Stanton and boys

  27. I worked with both at BLM years ago. My prayers and best wishes to Mary and the Bloom family, I hope all the good memories bring you much comfort. God’s blessings to you.

  28. I am so sorry to hear of JL’s passing Always looked forward to seeing him at the BHS. He was a good friend and a good man . He will be missed.

  29. So sorry to hear of JL’s passing. Another classmate gone on.
    My sincere sympathy to all the family.

  30. Kj and Mary my sincere condolences go out to u and the rest of the family. He was an awesome man and was very happy and proud of what he had accomplished with his little ranch! We have known each other shit around 20 years cause me and kj went to school together. Hope u find peace thru god. I am trying to do the same thing since my wife passed away! Take care love you guys

  31. My thoughts and prayers for the Bloom Family. May you find comfort in your precious memories and in each other.
    jan ronning

  34. Mary , KJ and family,
    So sorry about JL, and sending our sincere sympathy to all. We always enjoyed his visits and his outlook on life, always leaving us with a thought for the day! A life well-lived, lives on and on in our hearts with many cherished memories.

  36. Mary. We send it deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in our prayers.

  38. The late Pierre LaCiosts bought the tongue river ranch that JL owned. My late father Bob Fisher was the subsequent owner of the ranch for almost 30 years. Met JL once at the tongue river ranch. Very class guy and interesting conversations, Rest In Peace JL,

  39. Mary, we are sorry to have learned of your loss. You and the family are in our prayers.

  40. We are thinking of you at this time…we always enjoyed him at our Auctions..Hold onto the Memories…Sincerely, Charlee and Slug Mills Auction Service…

  41. Don’t know how we missed this. JL always had time to stop and visit about the good ole days. We had some good times. To Mary, KJ, Deb, and Bill, our condolences. It’s been almost 3 months and we were shocked to learn of JL’s passing. You may not get this, but will hopefully get to convey our feelings in person down the road. Diane’ cuz and Doug’s Friend RIP JL.

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