A Master Carpenter, like Jesus his Savior, James Andrew Magalsky led a life of significance in spite of challenges. While sawing, glueing, joining and planeing to perfection was his craft , following Jesus was his passion.
After courageously battling a debilitating disease for 44 years, Jim passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on May 29th, 2024. Jim was born on August 30, 1951, in Glendive, Montana to Ed and Grace Magalsky, the 4th of 8 children. He grew up 13 miles North of Lindsay, MT on the family ranch and attended country school. Jim graduated from Circle High School in 1969 and attended MSU briefly before returning home to work as a carpenter for Donnie Quick, Lucy’s uncle.
In the summer of 1972, he married Lucy Green and they moved to Chama, NM where they welcomed their first child, Michael in October of 1973. Before long, they returned home to Montana to live on the Hubing Ranch and work for Dale where they added a daughter to the family, Lynette, in July of 1975. Soon they moved onto the Earl Green farm near Lucy’s parents where they farmed and he began roofing with his brother Dan. They had another son, Kelly, in 1979.
In 1980, when Kelly was just barely one year old, Jim started not feeling well. He was experiencing muscle weakness and fatigue and balance and coordination issues. It was frustrating and embarrassing for him, being a former All-conference basketball player and the bread-winner for his family. In May of 1981 he walked into the Mayo Clinic for tests but left wheelchair bound and never walked again.
They called it MS, because they couldn’t figure out what else it could be. From that point on, his health declined. He lost coordination, his eye sight suffered and he was completely bed-ridden for a lengthy time. Frankly, life was challenging and frustrating at every turn. Lucy worked tirelessly trying to find cures or remedies, to somehow stop or slow the progression of the “disease” but eventually they both had to adapt to life in this twisted sense of “normal”. He was only 28 years old with a wife and 3 young children and understandably this challenge took a toll on him as well as his family, however, together he and Lucy made the best of it.
The challenges and trials associated with his sickness led to him being introduced to God in a new way. He searched, read, and discovered God’s Word for the first time in his life, thanks to people like Eric Frederickson and the Phalen’s who unselfishly shared Jesus with Jim and Lucy. He sought and found eternity through a relationship with Jesus and His free gift of grace. His Father, Brother, Children, In-Laws, Friends, and countless acquaintances soon followed thanks to his influence. Now 5 generations are following Jesus in his footsteps.
Jim loved the sunshine and the outdoors, so Lucy’s father Earl made him a huge walker to be able to get around outside. Eventually he upgraded to an electric cart to be able to drive around the yard, to the shops, and down the road to get the mail. He spent countless hours outside in the sun, often sitting and reading his bible. Eventually he got a computer, which he enjoyed and enabled him to do things he couldn’t otherwise do including helping others with bookkeeping and of course studying The Bible.
Jim and Lucy together raised their three children through abundant grit and with constant admonition and encouragement. When many kids come home to absent parents, both he and Lucy were at home full-time, rooting their kids on in life. Together, they attended every school event – sports, music, theater, graduations, and fostered the kids into a drug problem…yes, they drug them to church every Sunday.
In 1998, when they became empty nesters, they decided to embrace their newfound freedom. They purchased a motorhome and began their excursions south for many years. They joined Campers for Christ and met many great friends and returned home to Montana for summers as well as lived in Boise for several years to be near grandkids. Talking to them during these years, it was obvious these were some of the happiest times of their life.
In 2019, Jim wanted to be back in Montana near his siblings so he moved to Livingston where he was close to his brother Joe and wife, Sally. While the nursing home was anything but enjoyable, he was cared for lovingly and constantly by both of them. Sally became like another sister to him and having spent her career as a nurse, she was instrumental in overseeing his care. She was devoted and dedicated to Jim and the companionship and care given was immeasurably valued. We will be forever grateful to them both.
Always a cheerful giver, his generosity defied logic. Jim was always giving to others in need: widows, orphans, unemployed, missionaries. Though he never had much to count materially, his family’s needs were always met through God’s unique economy of blessing the blesser. He set this example for his family to observe and follow. If you feel so inclined, bless someone in need in his honor.
In his final hours, he blessed us again with abundant smiles, just like his preceding 72 years. His attractive personality and beaming smile garnered friends at every stage of life. He had many lifelong friends and everyone wanted time with Jim, Mugger, Jimmy-Andy, Dad, Uncle. No one actually called him James, but coincidentally, James was his favorite Bible book because he loved its wisdom and guidance for Godly living and blessing. Please read it again for yourself in remembrance of him.
He founded his life on the Bible’s promises and through his actions and words he influenced so many of us and taught us about faith, perseverance, patience, and believing in the promise of eternity. He left us peacefully – to be separated from his imperfect body and joined with his Savior in eternal perfection. Prominently displayed in his nursing home room was Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” With that promise fulfilled, we can smile and celebrate knowing he is right now walking and leaping (and fishing, and rebounding, and roofing) in heaven in a healed body.
While his cabinetry and furniture handiwork was his pride, following Jesus and bringing his family and friends closer to Jesus will forever be his legacy. When asked recently how he wanted to be remembered, his answer was “I want to be remembered as a person who testified about Jesus and that His Word (the Bible) can be trusted and that every word of it is just as true today as it was 2000 years ago. Times may be changing but God never changes. (Malachi 3:6)”
He was preceded in death by so many he loved dearly. Lucy, his wife of 50 years, just 15 months ago, his father, Edward; mother, Grace; brother, George; father-in-Law Earl Green; brother in-law Jimmy Green, and sister-in-law Elaine.
He is survived by Son, Michael James Magalsky, wife Lovena, grandkids Aaron, Grace, Abigail, and Gabriel, and great-granddaughter Naiah, all of Boise, ID. Daughter, Lynette Maria Champlin, husband Nathan, and granddaughters Sara, Leah, Mikayla, and Olivia of Billings, MT. Son, Kelly Edward Magalsky, wife Darcy, and grandkids Connor, Hailey, and Ryan of Cheney, WA. His 3 brothers, Joe and wife Sally, Dan and wife Patty, Marty and wife Penny, his 3 sisters, Rose and husband Larry, Ramona and husband John, and Kathleen, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
His dying wish was for those he loved to join him there in eternity. The ball’s in your court. Be like Jim. Accept Jesus as your Savior and follow him faithfully starting today. Jim will be standing tall and strong waiting in Heaven for you.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 7/3/2024 at 11 am at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Circle, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday July 3, 2024
Faith Assembly of God Church
505 Sullivan Avenue
Cirle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday July 3, 2024
Faith Assembly of God Church
505 Sullivan Avenue
Cirle, Montana 59215
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Anonymous says
Although I didn’t know this gentleman, I am compelled to share this is truly one of the most touching and beautifully written obituaries I’ve ever read. What a tribute to a man who’s life was filled with struggles but who amazingly surpassed his obstacles with grace, dignity and kindness. I am humbled by what he achieved and how he persevered. His faith and love for the Lord is inspiring and its encouraging for those of us who fall short. Heaven seems a little closer through the life he lived and the people’s lives he touched.
Tom Atkinson says
To all of Jimmy’s family. There is such a peace knowing where we will spend eternity. Jim is the quiet, loving, caring, example, of that knowledge. Imangine Jim and Lucy at the foot of Jesus worshipping! I am so reminded of the caring family that Jim grew up in and would be remiss in not mentioning Grace and Ed. What a legacy they passed on.
Diane (Shamley) Ligon says
To all of Jim’s family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a high school classmate, and his Mother was a dear friend of my Mom. What a wonderful tribute to his life of struggles but perserverance to show all of us what is most important. May you find peace in all your wonderful memories of your parents.
Sandy Quick says
So sorry to hear your dad passed away. May he rest In Peace
Eileen Ophus says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was one of my students his senior year. He had a great sense of humor and he cared about people deeply. He was a good-looking young man, a great athlete and a wonderful student. I always looked forward to his Facebook postings. He was a brave man who persevered through much pain and hardship.
Rest in Peace Jim 🙏🙏
Julie French says
My condolences to Jim’s family. I remember him well from our days in Circle. God bless.
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
Jim was such a kind man and he always had an encouraging word. I was blessed to know Ed and Grace and that they raised a very loving family; Jim was just a stellar example of a human being. Rest in Peace Jim and thank you for being such a wonderful example of what a Christian is for the rest of us. My heartfelt condolences to all of Jim’s family.
Carol (Sorley) Antonson says
Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. I was in the same class with him in high school, he was always cheerful and always had a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Linzy Carlson says
So sorry for your family’s loss. Jim was such a kind and friendly man and a good friend to my dad. It makes me smile thinking of the two of them catching up.
Karen and Dennis Wolff says
Dear Magalsky Family, Jim was the perfect example of making lemonade from lemons. He smiled even when facing obstacles he could not overcome. What a good attitude he shared! What a comfort to know he is with his savior!
May he rest in peace.
Jim Jensen says
Jim was truly a Christ follower. A man among men. He inspired all of us to follow Jesus. Looking forward to sharing eternity with him.
Larry Goldie says
Jim was a man who showed joy to all that were around him, I love hearing him tell the worse jokes I’ve ever heard and making us laugh til we cried(Got any grapes). Although I didn’t know Jim in a great personal way, what I did know was that he love the Lord and other as Christ commanded us to do. What a great legacy to leave your children that they will surely see him again in heaven.
Jacque Reeves LeDoux says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing
I always remember the Magelsky family with a smile!
Mary Carter says
I love my Uncle Jim- how he made an impact on my toddlers …everything would come into perspective to sit and visit with him a while. And his attentive presence to little ones was so much like it must have been when Jesus said to let the little ones come to Him- we must come like a child to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Through his trust of Jesus, Savior, God and Friend, he has entered! Well done, good and faithful servant, my sweet, darling of an Uncle…I’ll miss you but thanks for speaking the truth and showing the Way!
Pati Johnson Lechner says
What a privilege to know this man – will always remember his smile, lighting up the atmosphere. When he entered heaven there is no doubt Jesus was waiting for him & the first words He said to him was: “Well done, good and faithful servant…”
May ministering angels be round about all of you, during this time.
Love to all.
Anonymous says
While I didn’t know James I want to share with the family that through reading this obituary I was convicted to renew my walk with the Lord and to seek His presence daily in my life! I’ve been lost and wandering lately, and this brought me “home”! I can only pray that one day… my testimony can be like that of James! Praying for comfort during this time!
Jim & Kathy Bowman says
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing Lynette…he sounded like a wonderful man in love with life, his family and his Savior Jesus…find comfort in knowing he skipped into heaven and no more pain or suffering. Your neighbors
Larry Bruce says
My love and sympathy to all of Jim’s wonderful family. I had the wonderful shared experience of Jim andworg together one summer for Don Quick. Jim was just a great guy to be around. Heaven welcomed a really good guy.
Turd Ferguson says
People from Circle MT are usually either gossipers or drunks.
Jack Hanson says
My condolences to the Magalsky family. Rest in peace Jim.
Geraldine Oliva says
My sincerest condolences to all of Jim’s family from someone who is very proud to have called him cousin.