James “Jim” Leland Moffitt, 91, of Spearfish, South Dakota, formerly of Miles City, left this earth on July 10, 2021. A visitation will be held at Stevenson Funeral Home, 1717 Main St., Miles City, MT on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, from 3-6 pm, with a rosary at 6pm. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 120 N. Montana Ave., Miles City, MT. An ice cream social will follow in the Riley Center. Rite of Committal will be in Old North Cemetery, Truro, MA.
Jim was born March 31, 1930, to his loving parents Leland Edward Moffitt and Elizabeth Celestine (McCaffrey) Moffitt in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. His sister, Patricia, was joyfully welcomed into the family in 1937.
Jim’s childhood was spent surrounded by doting aunts, uncles, and his beloved grandmother, Minnie McCaffrey. Many of his favorite adventures took place at their summer homes at Peach Lake, NY. His summer lifeguard job and daily canoeing and sailing were fond, lifelong memories.
He graduated from high school in Lynchburg, VA. After college he joined the US. Army, during the Korean War. In his time as a military policeman, he met WAC Phyllis Bernadine Coomes.
Jim and Bernie were married at Chapel in the Pines in Ft Lawton, WA on October 1, 1955.
There followed eight surviving children and one darling in heaven; Jim (Molly) Moffitt, Ft. Wayne, IN; Sheila (Jack) French, Spearfish, SD; John (Annette) Moffitt, Woodland Park, CO; Irene (Rick) Helm, Shoshoni, WY; Kathleen (Ray) Long, Spearfish, SD; Jennifer (Arny) Beardsley, Miles City, MT; Amanda Moffitt, Belle Fourche, SD; and Jared (Shauna) Moffitt, Spring Creek, NV.
After six years in Dearborn, MI; Howell, MI became the family home for many years. Jim was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, St Joseph Church lector, and his many hobbies of gardening, woodworking, hunting, family camping trips across the country, bread making, beer and wine making. He was a lover of knowledge and read books all his life. He loved his family, adventure, telling stories, being active, making root beer, ice cream, and hot fudge sauce. Jim leaves behind many friends across the country.
The 1970’s brought a whole new adventure as Jim and Bernie moved the family from Howell to a ranch on the Tongue River, Miles City, MT. He loved God’s Country and learning everything he could about hay, cattle, and ranching. He maintained many Michigan friendships and made even more Montana friends.
As a new millennium came Jim moved to Cape Cod, MA to care for his aging mother. He spent 10 years caring for her until her passing. Again, he left the dear friends he had made and trekked back to Miles City, Montana where he enjoyed his time and family until November 2020 at which time he moved to Spearfish, SD. He loved the views of the Black Hills and spent time with family until his last day.
Jim is survived by his sister Patty, her children Elizabeth and Allan; his children; and 17 grandchildren;
25 great grandchildren with one more expected soon
Jim will be missed and his stories retold for many years and generations to come. He was, “looking forward to his new life with great excitement,” on July 6th and now he is living it.
Memorials in his honor may be made to Sacred Heart School in lieu of flowers.
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday July 20, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 PM
Tuesday July 20, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Wednesday July 21, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday July 20, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary & Vigil
6:00 PM
Tuesday July 20, 2021
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Wednesday July 21, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jan Munroe says
Jim certainly lived a long and full life. My condolences to you all.
John & Amanda McArthur & Boys says
Jim was an incredible person, who lived an incredible life! We were blessed to have him in our life and a part of our family for the last 7 years. He was at every single birthday, at family and holiday dinners, holidays, pumpkin patches, gardening, grape picking, wine making (which he loved), and he never missed an opportunity to go or be with John doing something. They went hunting together, went on long trips, and had the absolute best time! He was the perfect addition to our family. He was an extaordinary man who taught us a lot. The world needs more people like him! He was so full of life…and stories! We loved listening to all of his stories. Jim was both a friend and family and we loved him. We already miss him so much. We hadn’t met all 8 of his children but he talked about all 8 of them on a regular basis and feel as though we know you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. We are so sorry for your loss!
Marjorie Bolejack Anderson says
I certainly had many first encounters at the Moffitt home. I remember vividly the first day of school when Jennifer and Amanda showed up. Their pretty long dark braids. I spent a lot of time and many sleepovers. Jim was always such a nice person to me and even though he didn’t really know who I was these last few years I could get a smile and a hello whenever meeting on the street. My sympathies to the entire family. Prayers be with you.
Carol Schneider says
Jim and I did Insurance together many years ago and when he came to my house so well dressed my young son began to call him Mr. Big because he thought he was the most important man in the world! We had a good working relationship and became good friends. He spoke so highly of his family. Mr. Big, you left a lot of love and friendship on this earth. May you rest in peace. Many thoughts and prayers to all of Jim’s family.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
David Harasymczuk says
To the entire Moffitt Family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
He was definitely one of a kind! What an excellent role model he was for y’all.
Always enjoyed my convos with him, one of the easiest going gents I’ve ever known.
My Kindest Regards…
Barbara Berg Foote says
Moffitt Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful life and legacy❤️ Your dad was such an interesting and curious man, as well as talented and smart. I always enjoyed visiting with him. Sending love and prayers to you all 🙏😘
Kevin A Donnelly says
Would have loved to gone and seen Mr. Moffitt and the rest of the family. All the pieces don’t come together, memories are getting a little foggy. The obituary helped get them to come back together. They are good memories. So long ago. Sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with all of you. Hope to see everyone at the funeral.
Rick Zawada says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. You are all in my thoughts.
David and Patricia Thomas says
DAVID & PAT THOMAS
JARED AND ALL THE MOFFITT FAMILY,
WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF JIM’S PASSING. JARED AND OUR SON, MATTHEW HAVE BEEN AND ARE G00D FRIENDS FROM THEIR DAYS AT SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL. WE MET THE MOFFITT FAMILY THROUGH THE SACRED HEART SCHOOL COMMUNITY. A GREAT FAMILY
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Blessings of peace and comfort and memories to be treasured to all of the family.
Melinda Tangen says
Kathleen, I’m very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your siblings.
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
My condolences to you all. I remember your dad always had a bounce in his step. Treasure your memories and each other. Glad he’s at peace after such a full life.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
We are so sorry for your loss Jennifer and family! Prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Diane M Welbes says
So sorry to hear about your loss. May it comfort you to know that I care.
Pam Hurr says
Jim always had a smile and kind words to share. He always made me smile and I enjoyed our visits and his interesting stories. I know he will be dearly missed by so many!
Mark Fix says
Sorry to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. I enjoyed talking with Jim and our family even went down and shared the swimming pool on the place that he had up the river from us. Was neat to see how he had put all the houses together down there.