“TA DA, I get to write my own obituary. Not many people get this opportunity-after all, it only comes once in a lifetime. There’s a lot of “I” in the first person but then its pretty much about me. Enough chitchat-lets get down to the mundane information.
I was born on September 11, 1921, to parents Ben and Billie Haggerty in Miles City, MT. I attended Ursuline Convent through seventh grade and graduated eighth grade from Tusler School. (No longer there).In the spring of 1934, I took a year off from school and rode drag on a cattle drive from Miles City to Edwards, MT. I graduated from Custer County High School in 1938 as valedictorian. I went to work for Montana Dakota Utilities Co. in 1939 and after 47 years, retired in 1986. I served in the Army Signal Corp from June 1942-November 1945 as a radar maintenance tech. I grew up during the Great Depression. We had little in the way of material things but we were blessed with loving, caring parents. I was the eldest of four including one sister Patricia (Towlerton) and two brothers who preceded me in death, Wayne and Jack.
I met my wife to be, Pauline Wambolt in 1946 and we were wed July 1947 and had six children.
I was a member of the MSCA, AARP, American Legion, Toastmasters, RSVP, IBEW Local 653 and member of First Lutheran Church in Miles City and served an an officer in many of these organizations as well as serving for fifteen years on the Negotiating committee of IBEW System Council U-13. My wife and I managed IBEW Local 653 Federal Credit Union for over 25 years.
I am survived by Pauline, my wife of 66 years, son Brian (Elaine), daughters Marcia Sterhan (Bill), Barbara Guthrie (Randy Caranci), Maureen Harrison (Steve), Lisa Sorenson (Bill) and Janel McCormick (John), nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
I want to thank all the great people I worked with over the years as well as my many friends and acquaintances who were so nice to me for so many years. It’s been a great visit but time has run out, so ta ta, adieu, adios and farewell. God Bless you all, and may I have at least one foot in heaven before the devil knows I’m dead.”
Jim had quite a sense of humor and a great memory. Having been born in and lived his entire life in Miles City, he was often called upon to remember places and events since he had such an excellent memory. He was an avid reader of mysteries and westerns and started each day by working the crossword puzzle from the paper .He loved a good political discussion. He took pleasure in keeping his freezer stocked and his family supplied with his famous brownies and ginger cookies. Jim took his first skydive at age 75 and played with the senior tennis group until age 90. Even though he was not able to attend college, he assisted his six children in obtaining their college degrees. To his family he left a shining example of hard work, kindness, and integrity. Up until a week before he passed away, he was still volunteering his time at St. Vincents and the Soup Kitchen and had spent considerable time on RSVP, Community Food Bank, and VA projects. He dearly loved and cherished his family and his quick witted humor and advice will be greatly missed.
A viewing will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home on Thursday, June 13 from 1-6 with the family present from 4-6. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 14 at First Lutheran Church with interment following at the Veterans Cemetery. Following the graveside service a lunch will be served at the Grand Parlor, 1806 Main. Everyone is invited.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2013
First Lutheran Chruch
512 Cale Avenue
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday June 14, 2013
Eastern Montan Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 14, 2013
First Lutheran Chruch
512 Cale Avenue
Miles City, MT 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday June 14, 2013
Eastern Montan Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, MT 59301
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Sue ODaniel says
Polly and family – I am so sorry to hear about Jim….I am also sorry to say Jerry and I can’t be at the funeral as we will be in N Dakota for a family wedding. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jim will always be remembered as a kind and special man!
Sue and Jerry ODaniel
Ann Johnson says
Pauline, sorry I was not at work to give you a hug,thinking of you and the family.
Jan Munroe says
What a kind and gentle gentleman! I will miss his smiling face at St. V’s. You were indeed blessed to have him for so long.
J Johnson says
Dear Family and friends of James Haggerty – Please be comforted by the beautiful memories and qualities of Mr. Haggerty. The qualities recognized by family and friends as listed above indicated that he showed much love and concern for family and friends. Also please be comforted by the sure hope of Bible promises that will be fulfilled. In the Bible book of Genesis, we notice that God intended for mankind to live in perfect conditions in the Garden of Eden, which was a paradise where everything was “very good” (Gen 1:31). Suffering and death were not a part of God’s purpose but was introduced through Adam’s disobedience (Gen 2:17). There will come a time when the dead are resurrected (John 5:28, 29) and death will be done away with (Revelation 21:4) Meanwhile we have the opportunity to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life and gives us comfort and hope (John 17:3).
Lottie Chorman says
I am sorry to hear the news about Jim . I did get to meet him at Elizabeth and Ryan wedding. What a man he was . I know he is up in Heaven looking down on all of you . He lives on in your Heart for ever.
Bruce, Kimberly & Family says
Dear Pauline, Janel and rest of the family, I am so saddened for the loss of such a great man. He sincerely was a joy to be around and quite the character. I see so many of his witty, funny traits in my good friend, Nellie and know his legacy lives on. I had the pleasure of stopping by last summer after forgetting something at their house before I left back to Billings and took the opportunity to just sit and joyfully visit with Jim and Polly. I didnt want to leave they are both such kind- hearted, loving people. Jim you will be truly missed but I know you are up in Heaven making them all laugh. You said it ALL in your own eulogy that made us laugh and cry and we all only wish to be as creative and loved like you. To leave this earth so loved and blessed as you are is to have the best blessing of all. Love to all you kids and sincerely to you Polly. God Bless, Kimberly Meidinger- Wilson and Family
Ruben and June Opp says
Pauline and family, Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing . We are out at Portland for our grandsons high school graduation so our thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this difficulte time and the days ahead.
Your friends Ruben and June
Lori Loomis says
Pauline & family , Jim was one of the kindest person I had the pleasure of working with at St Vincent’s . His smile always made me want to smile. He will be missed .My prayers are with you and your family.
Lori Loomis
Janel M. says
Oh Dad, you’re still making me laugh! Miss you!!
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Pauline and family, He was indeed a kind and funny man, he will be missed. We are keeping you in our prayers and may God’s love and grace sustain you through this hard time.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles
Eileen & Vern Entzel says
Dear Pauline and family,
Jim was a kind and funny man and he will be missed. Always enjoyed our visits. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. May his memories and God’s love be with you through this hard time.
Linda Polich says
Pauline and family,
I was blessed to get to know Jim while playing tennis. What fun we had! You were lucky to have him. His example as a good and gentle person is one we should all strive to follow.
Linda Polich
Kevin, Lori & Louise Donnelly says
Kevin, Lori & Louise Donnelly
We are sorry to here of your lose. Our prayers are with all of you. I am thankful of the time we had with Jim. May God touch all of you in your time sorrow.
Kevin, Lori & Louise Donnelly