Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

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

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

James Certain, age 84, of Miles City.

February 11, 1938 – November 22, 2022

James “Jim” Certain, age 84 went to be with his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on November 22nd, 2022 at his home in Miles City.

He was born February 11, 1938 to James R. Certain & Sarilda J. Foley in Miles City, MT. Jim grew up on the north side of town. His youth was filled with hunting, fishing, camping and growing love for his lifelong friends. Jim graduated from Custer County High School in 1956. After graduating he moved to Spokane, WA and worked as a meatpacker for one year. Upon returning home to Miles City, he then joined the National Guard, worked as a MDU Lineman and ran the Meadow Gold Dairy Plant. In 1964 Jim found his true passion and joined the Miles City Police Department. He served as the first detective of the MCPD but retired in 1984 as Chief of Police. Jim was also proud to serve one year as President of the Montana State Chief of Police Association. Shortly after retiring from the MCPD, Jim joined security with the VA – also rising to Chief within this position.

Although Jim had many career successes, his greatest achievement was his commitment to Cecile Neiffer of Terry, MT. Jim & Cecile were married on June 8th, 1958. They were blessed with 3 sons: Brian, Brent & Brad. Jim was incredibly proud of his family and thanked God each morning for the blessings in his life. Jim was surrounded by family and an insurmountable amount of love at home during his final days.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Bob. Jim is survived by his wife Cecile of 64 years; his sons: Brian (Peggy) Certain of Miles City and their children: Staci, Ben & Shana; Brent Certain of Billings and his children: Bert, Courtney & Patrick; Brad Certain of Miles City and his children: Alisia and Heather; a sister Sally (Bill) Childs of Denver; a brother Larry (Pam) Certain of Sheridan, WY. Jim is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 4:00p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or to the Shriners Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday November 27, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Monday November 28, 2022

Grace Bible Church

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Interment

Monday November 28, 2022

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday November 27, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Monday November 28, 2022

Grace Bible Church

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Interment

Monday November 28, 2022

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  2. Cecile, Brian, Brent, Brad, and families, I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you! Treasure your memories and know that he is with his savior, full of life, smiling his big smile, and will be there when you get there! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. Cecile, Brian, Brent, Brad, and families,
    Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
    He will be missed.

  7. Cecile, Brian, Brent, Brad and families: We are so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for healing especially this holiday season! Dennis and Donna Petroff.

  8. A special friend from the time we were 5. He was always there with support at times such as when I stepped on my puppy and killed him. We played ball, skated, etc. with all the neighborhood kids in the vacant lot, shot off fireworks in the alley and were best of buddies for a long time. Then we grew up and went our separate ways but he was never forgotten. I send my sincere sympathy to Cecile, their boys and families. Rest in peace, Jimmy. See you again one day soon.

  9. so sorry for your loss my friends. wish I could be there for you like you were for my family.

  10. Cicil, Brian, Brent, Brad and families-
    We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of James, Thoughts and prayers for healing especially this holiday season, We always enjoyed our visits when we stopped by, We will miss him ,love to all

  12. I am sorry to hear that Jim passed. He was one of the best police officers Miles City had in the ranks when I was growing up. My deepest condolences to your family.

  13. OUr thoughts and prayers go out to JIms family. He was a super guy. I know he will be missed by many. May your awesome memories help you throught this difficul time. May he rest in peace.

  15. Lots of wonderful memories with you and cecile. Your great sense of humor and advice. Our meals together snd making kuchen. You wil be missed. Jim and jane

  16. Cecile, My sympathy to you and your family. I’m sorry for your loss. Always loved visiting with Jim.

  17. Cecille and families, My sincere sympathy in the loss of Jim. You were great neighbors and friends. God bless.
    Mary Ann Stockhill Liles

  18. Cecil, Brian, Brent and Brad,

    So sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Jim growing up on N Lake St and N Custer St. Your family will be in my thoughts. Bless you all.

  20. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Certain family now and in the days to come. Jim was always such a gentleman and I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

  22. Dear Certain Families,
    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Hold close your memories. God bless.

  23. Cecile, Brian, Brent, Brad, and Families,
    Jim was a great guy and will be missed a lot. May you find comfort in your memories of him. Love and prayers for you all.

  26. Cecile, Brian, Brent, Brad and families,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I worked with Jim in 1972 ,when stationed in MC as a new game warden. We met up again as neighbors in Red Lodge. Jim was the Best of the Best.
    Rich and Holly Furber

  27. To the Certain family, I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was one of the nicest officers i knew, even when I got a ticket on my Bicycle, and had to pay a big fine of 25cents, officer Certain was there when I was there to pay my fine and was shaking in my boots, he calmed me down and told me I wasnt going to jail for ever, Thoughts and prayers to the family,

  28. To the Certain family, I am so sorry for your loss, Jim was one of the nicest officers i knew, even when I got a ticket on my Bicycle, and had to pay a big fine of 25cents, officer Certain was there when I went to pay my fine and was shaking in my boots, he calmed me down and told me I wasnt going to jail for ever, Thoughts and prayers to the family,

  32. Fond memories of working with Jim at the VA. Condolences to Cecile, Brian, Brent, and Brad and the Certain family.

  33. Peggy, sending my condolences to you and your family. you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  37. Cecil,Brian,Brent ,Brad sending our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you and your families. Work with Jim at the PD and VA. R.I.P Jim🙏🙏

  38. Certain Family:
    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Jim will be truly missed. Treasure your memories as they will help with difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  42. Brad & Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Much love, prayers & strength.
    Kimberly Meidinger-Wilson

  43. My condolences to all of Jim’s family. Jim was a part of my life for many, many years. I first remember him delivering milk to our house in Miles City. My folks talked often about going to Miles City for pizza with Jim and Cecile. I know you have many wonderful memories of him.

  44. My sympathy to the Certain family. Memories will help get you through. Hope you find peace Brad, knowing you did everything that could be done to ease his passing and supporting your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  45. Certain Family,
    Sorry for your loss. Remember the good times. May God bless you all at this time and in the days to come.
    Bobbi Neiffer Hanks

  47. So sorry for your loss. Thanks for memories dating back to 1976. You will be missed by many. You and your family are in my thoughts. Stay strong.

  50. Dearest Certain family from the three girls of the Tom n Ethel Hardesty family and Cynthia’s husband John Tormoehlen. You all meant so much to our parents and wish you to know our sorrow in the passing of Jim. God Bless you all. Know that we have great memories of the picnics in the Pine Hills at their school House Cabin n times at our childhood home. He will be missed!

  52. Great memories of my Uncle Jim . . . from the Summer evening drives in Miles City in the Jeep to the campfires at the ranch and fishing in Rock Creek to the Irish and Czech restaurants in Colorado. Our prayers for and love to Ceal, Brian, Brent, Brad and their families.

  53. Many years ago, Cecile wrote an essay for the writing class she was taking from me about the “the trauma and emotions experienced during a heart attack and open heart surgery.” Yes, it was about Jim. I just pulled it out and re-read it. I’m glad you were able to have Jim for such a longer time after his surgery. I now express my sincere condolences on his passing. I hope the many happy memories sustain you at this difficult time.

  54. Alisia and Heather, that was a beautiful tribute to your grandpa!! I just watched it from my office. Hugs for all of you.

    Garth

  56. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. We have lots of great memories of Jim as neighbors in Red Lodge. Steve’s dad, Bob, sure had some great memories for the short time he was here with Jim and Cecile next door. We are so sorry for your loss.

  57. Sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with Jim and the family. He was a good man. Are loss and Heavens gain.

  58. Cecile and family, We are so sorry to see of Jim’s passing , please know you are in our thoughts and prayers .

  59. Cecile and family. So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. I grew up two doors from the Certain family
    Many good memories for his family during this time.

  61. Prayers to the entire Certain family for the passing of an exceptional man. Rest in peace Jim .

  62. So sorry learning about Jim. What a great happy man. To a fabulous family that keeps everyone laughing. Our best to all.

  63. So sorry to hear Jim had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I will miss seeing the smiles on Jim and Cecile’s faces as they drive around in their fancy car!! His loss will be so difficult but may God give your hearts peace.

  65. I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of Jim hanging out with my Dad when I was young. Such a wonderful man. Hugs to you all.

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