Friends of Jim Snell and family, please join us if you can for a Celebration of Jim’s life on the 7th of June at Pioneer Hall at the Range Riders at 1:00 p.m. Thank you in advance for those who can come.
James “Jim” Anthony Snell, age 94, was called to his eternal home the evening of November 21, 2023, at 8:30 p.m., ending a courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at his home in Miles City, comforted by his wife. Jim was born Feb. 16, 1929, to Walrond Carter Snell Sr. and Margaret Gladys Anthony in Miles City, Montana at the old Darcy Hospital where flowers froze in their room. Jim attended school in Miles City and served with the ROTC while attending college at Bozeman, MT where he graduated with a BS in Animal Science.
Jim was commissioned to serve during the Korean War right after the “Korean Armistice agreement to end hostilities” was signed. He witnessed war atrocities that troubled him for many years. In Korea Jim was a platoon leader for George Company 17th Infantry Regiment 7th Division. He also served in the Army Reserves, he was called up for the Cuban crisis, and was a past commander of the Miles City National Guard where he willingly stepped down from the rank of Major to the rank of Captain, a requirement to fill the position. Jim’s military medals included: the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He retired from the U.S. Army as a Major.
Upon returning from Korea, Jim joined his father as a seed broker in the alfalfa seed business for several years, was a businessman in Miles City managing a Standard Oil Service station and was a joint owner and manager of the adjoining campground. He was a ranching partner with Snell and Sons Inc.; He retired from the postal service and served as a Justice of the Peace in Custer County for his final employment years. Judge Snell had a sound Judicial philosophy; his Judicial opinions were never challenged nor was a case ever appealed. Through the years he heard from many a young person who thanked him for the second chance he gave them, saying it changed their lives.
Jim and Geraldine “Jeri” Hilton were married on April 1st, 1964, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Three children were born to this union: Mary Margaret (Dave) Parent, Christina Marie Bergman (her fiancé, Patrick Hill), and James Scott (Audrey) Snell. Jim was the eldest living member of the Miles City pioneer Snell family. He was preceded in death by his parents, a baby brother, John Anthony, a brother W. Carter Jr., and all his aunts and uncles and a grand nephew, Benjamen Snell and Ben’s mother, Barbie Snell.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years; his three children and six grandchildren: The Parent children: David James and Anna Marie; The Bergman children: Jessica (Avery) Hackett, Calvin Jordan, and Rachel Ann, and Mayling Jade Snell; one great-grandchild Bear James Hackett, who Jim got to meet before his passing. His sister-in-law, Jeneese Hilton of St. Ignatius a brother-in-law, James C. Hilton of Las Vegas, Nevada. A niece, Diane Hooker from Billings, MT nephew, Charley Snell from Redmond, Oregon, grand nieces and nephews: Keith Gillette of Michigan, Leigh Rae Allison, Joleene Schmidt, Wiley Snell all from Miles City. Shawn Hooker of Atlanta, Georgia and Chad Hooker of Billings, MT and Shavon Cape of Bozeman, MT.
Jim was a past member of the National Judges Association, Reserve Officers Association, a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The Range Riders Museum, past member of Toastmasters, Kiwanis, and the Elks. He was a founding member of Friends of the library. As a member of the International Friendship Force his travels included: South Korea, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Japan, and England where he visited the ancestorial homes of his paternal grandparents Walrond Salter Snell and Elizabeth Mary Carter Snell before they migrated to America. He also visited Knightstone Manor in Devon England where his Maternal great grandfather was raised.
Jim often recalled as a young lad wearing his Sunday best which included knickerbockers and being “drug” to Grandmother Snell’s house for English High Tea which was served using linin tablecloths and linin napkins, sterling silver, and fine China cups and saucers that he had to balance on his lap and was always afraid of breaking. In his later years he appreciated finer things but distained pomp and snobbery. He said a cup of cowboy coffee served over an open fire in a tin cup was more to his liking. Jim also recalled times of having his knuckles wrapped with a ruler when taking piano lessons from Grandmother Snell, the first piano teacher in Miles City. He later became the owner of that upright grand piano. Jim was fond of old-fashioned Gospel, Classical, and Western music, was an incessant reader and a cracker jack at playing Chess even winning when pitted against chess games on the computer.
Jim was first and foremost a family man, no sacrifice was too great. He was friendly yet a private humble English gentleman known for his generosity, intelligence, wit, and sense of humor. His handshake was his bond and he treated everyone with respect and dignity regardless of position or prestige. He loved people and knew no strangers. He was kind and good to animals, on occasion buying food for them when people could not afford to feed them. He attended Grace Bible Church until ill health prevented him from doing so. When his time came, he was ready to “go home and be with Jesus” some of his last words.
To honor Jim’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. There will be a private family internment in the family lot at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with Full Military Honors. Internment will end with a dusting of rose petals from the family rose garden over the burial site by family members. Pastor Paul Peterson will officiate the service. Following interment, a luncheon celebration of life for family and friends, will be held in Pioneer Hall on June 7 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Range Riders Museum where pictures of Miles City pioneers including his father, Walrond Carter Snell Sr. and Grandfather Walrond Salter Snell are displayed. Jim’s family gives special thanks to the Hospice & Well Home Healthcare teams for their wonderful care in keeping Jim comfortable during his last days.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2024
Range Riders Museum
435 Interstate 94 Business
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Private Family Interment to To be officiated by Pastor Paul Peterson
Friday June 7, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Friday June 7, 2024
Range Riders Museum
435 Interstate 94 Business
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Private Family Interment to To be officiated by Pastor Paul Peterson
Friday June 7, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Julie K says
Rest In Peace, Jim. I enjoyed working with you way back at the post office.
My condolences to your family.
Burch and Linda Palmer says
Goodbye Captain Jim. It was great serving with you. See you down the line. Burch
Shannon& Bryan Holmen says
So sorry to hear of Jim. He was always so pleasant to visit with. He loved his family. Hears to great memories.
John Munsell says
Jim was such a gentleman: slow to speak, always an open ear while focusing on other folks and their interests. And a great sense of humor. Quite the man.
Jacki Fayram says
He will be missed by many I will miss his sense of humor ..his smile.. he is with God…
Allison Campbell says
Oh no I was thinking about you guys a few days ago when I drove by the house. He was such a kind man he truly will be missed. Hugs for you all
Kelly Monson says
My condolences to the Snell family.
Jessie Leidholt says
Jim and Jessie Leidholt are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Jim was always a pleasure to visit with. Another chunk of Miles City history has been lost. He was such a fine person.
Stabler Hazel says
So sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Holy Spirit comfort you at this time.
kitte (Brien) Coffin says
Jeri & family: So sorry to hear of your loss! Will be praying for y’all during this season of great loss.
Caroline Ford says
Jim had a wonderful life. I know you will miss him.
Rick Huber says
I worked for Mr. Jim when owned Interstate Standard on Haynes Ave—he knew and taught what customer service was all about—I always honored Jim as a gentleman.
Peggy and Chuck says
Thinking of you and your families during this time!
Patsy says
💔
Susan matthews says
Jim was a true gentleman. I sure enjoyed working with him. Peace be with you.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss of Jim. May he rest in peace. Thinking of you and sending prayers. Linda
Cheryl Grenz says
I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Much love to the family.
Catherine Byron says
Jerri –
My heartfelt condolences are with you and your children. Prayers that you will rest in His comfort and peace. Cherish the memories.
Debra Ann Moore says
I always enjoyed my visits with Jim. You took good care of him Jerri.
May His peace and comfort be near to you and all your family.
Lori Clark says
Man I sure am gonna miss teasing you about forgetting your cane. Love you sir
Prayers to your lovely wife
Deb Singleton says
Jerri, I just heard the sad news, my condolences and prayers go out to you. Always enjoyed my visits with Jim, he truly was a loving person and you were so very good at caring for him. May the Lord’s Presence be comforting to you.
Dave Wheeler says
RIP Jim enjoyed working with you all those years at the post office, Prayers to Jims family
Sherry Stanhope says
So Sad, my thoughts and Prayers go out to you all! Was just thinking of everyone the other day reminiscing about all the memories Meg and I built being lil munchkins running around growing up… you was a second dad to me Jim, Rest in Peace
Charley Snell says
Every young person deserves to be blessed with the honor of having an uncle like my uncle Jim.
Keith Hedges says
A life well-lived. You will be missed. Condolences Snell family.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Jeri and Family, Sending condolences and prayers to all of Jim’s family.
Larry and Annette Lackey says
Scott,Audrey,Mayling and family
So very sorry for your loss. Not something anyone can prepare for. We are right next door I you need us or we can do anything for you. Prayers and comfort for you all.
Larry and Annette
Patricia and Dave Dagenhart says
What sweet memories we have of Jim and Jeri. The days will soon be gone when we can see and visit again. Thinking and praying for you all
Leo Palmer says
I have lost a dear friend whom I will never forget. I cherished our visits at Wal Mart. My you rest in peace.
Andeen Raymond says
Jeri, I just learned of your loss, and my heart aches for you. I do feel blessed to have many fond memories of being one of your “upstairs” renters. You both made Vangie and I feel like we WERE part of the family. Thank you for that. May God’s healing grace be with each of you now and in the days to ahead Hugs and prayers.
Tania Bailey (Soyland) says
Jeri and Family, I have just learned of this new. My is broken and all my love and prayers are with you. Jim was an amazing man who always made me smile. I am so grateful that I was a lucky soul to have know him. You all have meant so much to our family. Thank you for all the love you have given us through the years. May he rest in the lords loving hands. If you should ever need anything please reach out.
Michael Mangen says
I will miss him, from the Post Office days. My sympathy to the family.
Mike Mangen
Vangie and Mike Steers says
Jerri and family: I have so many memories of Jim, you and your family. Keeping all in prayer. I know Jim is smiling down at everyone and keeping you all safe. Thank you and Jim for providing Andeen and I a place to live and being so kind and thoughtful. Thanks for being Lori’s Godparents. God bless and keep you always. Love Vangie and Mike❤️💔🌹