James Edgar Lei, age 85, of Ashland passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at his home.
Jim was born on October 25, 1931 in Bowman, North Dakota to John and Oral Lei. Jim was the third of four siblings: Sam, Clara, and Ann. Jim grew up in the hills near Sonnette, Montana riding horse up every drainage and down every creek. He often said that as kids, he and Ann “left no rock unturned.” When it came time for high school, Jim boarded with the Gatlin family. Jim graduated from Broadus High School in 1950. While completing his schooling, Jim paid his way by working for the Gatlins in their coalmine and working cattle and breaking horses. Jim referred to the Gatlins as his second family. After high school, Jim went to work for Bob and Laverne Pauley along the Tongue River. Jim learned a lot about life during his time with the Pauley’s from changing diapers to breaking bronc’s. In 1961, Jim and Sam moved to the North Fork of Taylor Creek and took over the McCullach Ranch. Shortly after in 1967, Jim (always known as the original bachelor) married Jeannette along with her children Mervin, Debbie and Johnny became his life. There wasn’t an inch of the ranch that Jim hadn’t seen from atop a horse and the kids were riding alongside him. As the kids grew up, the Lei Ranch became a second home to many other kids of which Jim treated like his own. They were FAMLEI. There was always a meal and a place to sleep for anyone who came along. In the summer of 1977, Angel was born to John and Grace and wound up being Jim and Jeannette’s girl. Then in 1980, God blessed Jim and Jeannette with a daughter Jayme.
Jim always looked forward to hunting season, he never ran out of people to visit with. The ones who would end up just driving through the yard without stopping, they would get stopped up the creek and get their butts chewed. They would then be asked to return to the house to have coffee and a bite to eat in return most would become lifelong friends
Jim’s greatest treasures were his five kids, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great grandchildren. Jim is survived by his wife Jeannette, (Mervin’s Children; Rae Dawn and Randall) Deb (Larry) Cady and their children Chalsea, Shelby and Charlei; John (Karla) and their children Robby, Bear, Eleece, Vonnda and Taylor; Angel (Danny) Becker and their children Riley, Kobe and McKenna; Jayme (Eric) Lepisto and their children Mackenzie, Teigan and Mylei; Sheri (Jay) Havener and their children Amanda and Gabe, a sister, Ann Gamble and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sam, his sister Clara and his oldest boy Mervin.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus. Interment will follow the luncheon at the Lei Family Cemetery at Ashland. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials in Jim’s honor may be made to the Erin’s Hope Project, 2215 Edgewood, Miles City, MT 59301 or to Wake Up and Lace Up, 107 Balsam, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 E. Holt
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 26, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 E. Holt
Broadus, Montana 59317
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday April 27, 2017
Faith Bible Church
Broadus, Montana 59317
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Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
So very sorry for your loss. So many good memories! Our thoughts & prayers for all of you.
Audrey Snodgrass says
We are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a great guy and always ready to give Shane, Shane’s dad, and my dad any advice they asked for. Jim went to school with my mother and she had fond memories. Jeannette, I send my prayers to your and your family. Our community has suffered a great loss…
Jody Burman says
Jeannette, Jayme & family:
Sending you love and hugs. So very sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you from Miles City.
Aletta & Randy Shannon says
Our sincere sympathy for the Lei families. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Bert and Helen Woods says
Jeanette and Family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. A truly great cowboy and good friend. He will be missed. I don’t think I have ever known anyone as tough as Jim. Nothing could keep him down.
Tom and Judy Collins. says
We were so very sorry to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
To the entire Lei Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. What a long time treasure he has been to the Pauley family. Angel and ‘Jayme Lei’ are in some of my earliest childhood memories!! Hugs, Love, and Prayers to you all!!! We have truly lost a part of our heritage.
Pat Franklin says
Lei Family, so sorry for your loss of Jim,so enjoyed listening to him. He is the last of the good old boys! May he Rest In Peace!
Bill Gorder & Brenda Hopkins says
So sorry for the Lei family!!!!! He was a strong and determined cowboy that will be missed by many!!!!
Candy scalpcane says
so sorry for your loss. Prays for your family.
Bev Schaffer says
Our sincere sympathy to Jeannette and family. Jim was one of a kind, a true cowboy. We so enjoyed our visits with Jim! May God give you comfort and peace during this sad and difficult time.
Ed and Bev
Scott and Helen Schonenbach says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends.
Wade & Ellen Hepp and family says
Jim was amazing friend and neighbor and one of the last true Cowboys. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of the Lei family.
Roy & Ardith Rost says
Jim was the toughest cowboy we’ve ever known. We will miss his visits. Our condolences go out to Jeannette and family. May he rest in Peace on his beloved ranch.
Roy & Ardith
Bill and Denice Hedges says
Jeanette and family, we are so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. He was a remarkable cowboy! May God and the angels wrap their arms around you all to help carry you through the coming difficult days. Our prayers go out to you all
Klayton and Mary Jane Rogge says
Our sympathies to all of the Lei family. So many memories of this handsome cowboy. Thank you Jeannette for making Jim happy for so many years. He will be missed.
Klayton and Mary Jane Rogge
Norman & Vonnie Shannon says
Sending our sympathy to the Lei family.
Michael and Marian Sioux says
Our Prayers are with All Of you!!!!!!!!! Mike & Marian
Jericho Hugs says
I’m so sorry for your guys loss, i love everyone of you guys like my own family. Let me know if i can help in anyway.
Michael, Kristi, Speelman and family says
Jeannette, and Family, Heaven has a new Trail Boss. Jim was a great man, he had a great and full life. I always enjoyed his stories.
John definitely has the same story telling ability.
Prayers to all the Family,
Dennis and Bonnie Lyda says
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Jeanette and family
Larry and Daisy Thompson says
Jeannette and family, So Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you
George and Georgia bement says
Jeanette and families so sorry for your loss he was a good man Thanks for sharing him with everyone,he’ll be missed but always in our hearts and memories, I remember when you guys started dating it was a match in heaven forever, prayers and hugs to all of you love you very much
Jim Dobkins says
Not something I wanted hear ,I’ll miss you Jim Lei . Thoughts are with this good family .
Dena & Rick, Charlie, CJ, & Cody Lang says
Jeannette, Deb, Shelby, Chalsea, Angel, Jayme, Eric and kiddos and the entire rest of the Lei family ~ Wishing you all peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. (I know you have lots and lots of some really, great and funny memories!). His wonderful and kind family is a true testament to what a great person Jim was! Peace, prayers and blessings to all of you.
Sherri Brien says
Our prayers to the Lei family..My dearest Aunty n children and grandchildren, you are in our prayers
Jay & Carla Johnson says
Deepest sympathy to all of the Lei family. When we think of a real cowboy, Jim was #1 on the list. We enjoyed our visits with him and he will never be forgotten. He was one tough hombre! Rest is peace Jim and God bless you!
LaDonna says
Our community has suffered a true loss with the passing of Jim
I will always remember his smile , the warm greetings and Jim’s willingness to spend time visiting with all
Thinking of all the Lei family and praying for the peace that passes all understanding during your time of sorrow
Norm & Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Ed and Cindy Hatten says
To the entire Lei family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy. Wishing you much peace in the days that follow. Your loss is great, but the many times you were able to spend together over the years are the memories that will see you through this difficult time. Happy Trails to you Jim Lei.
Jim and Rita Alderman says
We are so sorry for your loss and our heartfelt prayers go out to all the family. We have lost a great man who carried and lived tothe code of the West. Hard work, honesty, and man’s word being as good or better than any written contract. He was a kind, friendly, and wise man. One of the last true Cowboys his life will surely be a source of inspiration and guidance for many generations to come. A man like Jim is as rare as they come especially these days and those of us that had even a brief encounter know our lives were better off for just getting to meet him let alone getting to talk and laugh with him. Dear Jon and Deb and families of Mervin please throw in a warm long hug to your wonderful Mother and Grandmother. She and Jim are unmatched as a couple and will always serve as an example what rue Love means. I could never thank you enough for being such a fine inspiration to so many. God Bless you all during this very sad time, Love and Prayers to you All
Julia Eagle Maldonado says
Prayer’s and condolences to James family and friends.
Curt & Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Dear Lei family,
Chris and I are so sorry for your loss. Chris really thought a lot of Jim and enjoyed any time he got to visit with him. May God give you all peace through this hard time.
Dee Macdonald says
So sorry for your loss, I know he will be missed by many.
Don and Evie Bixby says
Prayers to all of the family. Jim was a great friend and cowboy
Ivan, Lucille Small & family says
Deb & family, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you and all of your family.
Judy Ross says
Sorry for your loss, prayers and hugs to all of the family.
Lyman & Leslie Morin says
Lei’s,
Always admired & respected Jim and felt welcome when we headed up Taylor Creek. A great man that took time for everyone.
He will be missed by all!
Lyman Morin & Family
norman anderson says
Condolences to the Lei families
The McDonald/Fetty Ohana says
Our deepest condolences during this most difficult time.
Shirl Robinson says
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family!
Art and Rita McDonald says
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Lei family. Jim was a legend in his own lifetime and it is hard to think that he is gone. So many of us have great memories of Jim and his stories and will always hold them close to our hearts. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP Jim Lei and thank you for friendship!!
Cody Portwine-Kinzer says
Jim was a great man and we are honored to have known him. May your treasured and precious memories bring peace and comfort.
Kathy Walter says
My condolances go out to you Auntie Jeanette and family. I’ll miss teasing Jim !!
Mick and Jo Brady says
John and Deb, and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold close the memories of this wonderful man, cowboy and legend.
Cynthia and Russell Jorgensen says
Russell and I will miss Jim dearly. Russell so loved to spend time with Jim. He felt towards Jim like a son to a father, and the extended Lei family as family. Jim and Janette, and family always make those who know them feel like family. Their hearts are large with love. We are so sorry for your loss yet know that Jim is in a higher place where love abounds, horses run fast and fences never need mending.
Love to you all.
Flint Fleming says
John and Lei family, my sincere condolences in this time of losing a cherished family member. Flint Fleming
Buzz Smith says
Recalling the good times with Jim, Dick (Richardson) and June (Melville) when we were kids in the ’30s at Sonnette. A real cowboy I am proud to say I knew. Buzz Smith
Peggy and Chuck says
Jayme and your family, we are thinking of you during this time! It is hard to have the ones we love leave us. Our thoughts and prayers.
dennis huber says
My condolences to all the famlei. I knew Mr. Lei only for a very short time; but enjoyed visiting and doing business with him.Seemed like everyone liked him and said only good about him! We will miss him, too, and will keep all of you in our prayers.
Pam (Moths) Nisley and Dave Nisley says
Lifting all of you up in prayer~ we care so about your huge loss. May you feel the Peace of Christ holding each of you in these days~
Kim Fuzesy says
May fond memories be a source of comfort, peace and hope for you now and in the days ahead.
Wanda Bixby says
Prayers for you all Jim will be missed by. many he truly was one of a kind a wonderful. man that never knew a stranger
Jane Thompson says
Our thoughts are with your family. Les always enjoyed his visits with Jim.
Avin and Nancy Lei says
We are so sorry that Jim is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Montana Lei’s.
Gunnare's says
We remember Jim fondly and remember him as such a supporter of his family in all of their endeavors. Our thoughts with all of the Lei family.
Dixie L Mitchell says
PO Box 362
Dixie L Mitchell says
So sorry for your loss! Our prayers are with you! We lost a good one!
Mimi Nickel says
Many many prayers going out to the family & friends. Jim is known as the toughest & kindest cowboy. Will be missed by all.
Jan Drake says
Had the pleasure to meet you Annette and Jim and some of their lovely family some years ago when the cattle drive stayed on their property! It’s a time I will never forget and I will never forget them peace to you all and may God bless you !
Jan Drake says
Did the previous by voice – it was supposed to say: Jeanette and Jim! But the sentiment is there!
Hank & Kitte Coffin says
To ALL the extended Lei famlei. We just heard this evening of your great loss. Our prayers are with you all.
Patty Kay Brien says
Sending my love and condolences to the family and friends of Jim Lei.. It’s a hard thing to lose your Dad.. You’re all in my prayers..
Darren Laumeyer says
I am very sorry to hear that Jim has passed. I met him only a few times over the last couple of years. I stopped in and asked him permission to bowhunt elk . He was so kind, and willing to let us hunt. That is such a rare thing these days. What a kind soul he was. Rest easy Jim….we will meet you in the afterlife.