James Preston

Visitation: Sunday, August 28, 2005 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City

Funeral Service: Monday, August 29, 2005 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church

Interment: will follow at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military rites provided by Post #1579 Honor Guard of Miles City

James L. Preston, beloved husband, father and grandfather, age 88 of Miles City, passed away on August 24, 2005 after complications from surgery.

Mr. Preston was born in Lamar, Colorado on February 8, 1917, the son of Alvah and Josephine Preston. He was raised in May Valley, Colorado in the farming community and graduated while on the family farm. James later went to aircraft maintenance school in Wichita, Kansas. He married Ruth Christine Simpson on January 10, 1942, and soon after, enlisted in the United States Air Force. James served as an aircraft riveter during WWII, in Oklahoma City, OK. After Mr. Preston's honorable discharge, he was employed as Prowers County Clerk & Recorder in Lamar, Colorado. He then worked as the office manager for the Lamar Daily Newspaper until 1955 when he moved with his family to Miles City. Mr. Preston went to work for the Nance and then Sullivan car dealerships as a bookkeeper until his employment at the V.A. Hospital. He worked, first as a supply officer, than as payroll and agent cashier until his retirement in 1980.

Mr. Preston was active in the First Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon and Elder and assisting in the Sunday morning radio broadcasts. He is a past commander of the American Legion in Miles City and promoted the membership for those that served our country. James was also a lifetime member of the Elks Club and enjoying serving for the many activities.In high school, Mr. Preston was a fine trumpet player placing high in the Colorado State Music Festival. His love of music is reflected in the extensive collection of big band music, many orchestras he was privileged to personally hear when they were on tour.

Mr. Preston loved hunting and fishing and took special pride in his garden. He would tell his family stories of the early farming years when horses were used to drive the equipment for cutting and thrashing. He told of the difficult era of the 1930s depression and the dust storms which devastated so many in the rural community. Mr. Preston was very committed to his faith and his family.

Mr. Preston is survived by his wife Christine, of 63 years, sons James Steven and Scott Preston; sister Nona Powell of Phoenix, AZ, grandchildren Kari Chapman of Colbert, WA, Kayla Preston of Mesa, AZ, Jeremy Preston of Miles City, MT, Danielle McKay of Norwich, CT, Jacob Preston of St. Paul, MN and great-grandchild Tristan Quintus of Colbert, WA.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2005 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2005 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military rites provided by Post #1579 Honor Guard of Miles City.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.