James E. Wilson

At Jim’s request, no services are planned.

James E. Wilson, age 77, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2011 at the V.A. Nursing Home in Miles City.

Jim was born on October 13, 1933 to parents Jim and Marie Wilson in a log cabin six miles south of the old homestead ranch where he lived. Jim went to country school until the fifth grade, and then went to Custer for grades 6 through 8. After attending school there, he went to Melstone and graduated high school in 1951. He joined the Navy after high school and went to the Korean War in 1952, where he served until 1954. Jim was released from the Navy in 1954 and moved to the Naval Reserve, where he served until 1959. He returned to Montana after the Navy and worked on various ranches in the area, as well as rodeoing in the area. He bought his uncles ranch in 1957 and worked as a licensed horseback guide in Yellowstone National Park from 1956 until 1958. Jim married Terry A. Kanta in 1960, and to this union four children were born. Jim was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Disabled Veterans of America, and the American Legion.

Jim is survived by his wife, Terry; his children, Jim D. and Patti of the home ranch, Jackie Newman and Robert of the ranch east of Melstone, Billy and his wife, Jill, of Berthoud, Colorado, Amy Wilson of Billings, Montana; six grandchildren, Stephanie, Mandy, Tyler, Kyle, Kara, and Renee; and uncle, Robert Barthule.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Roberta Dye and Marion Ashby, and his parents.

At his request, no funeral is planned. Burial will be held at the Cabin Creek cemetery south of Melstone. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.