On the evening of July 24, 2021, James “Jimmy” Selage, age 67 journeyed to the other camp surrounded by his wife Emma King and Family, after a short illness at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT.
James “Jimmy” Selage was born on January 22, 1954 to Ruth (Tangled) Yellow Hair and Jerome Beartusk. Soon after, he was adopted and raised by Nicholas and Mae Selage around the Lame Deer Are, making their home between Busby and Lame Deer, MT. Where Jimmy made his home for the last 30-35 years of his life with Emma.
Jimmy attended the Busby School throughout his elementary, middle, and high school years graduating in 1971. Jimmy was very friendly, outgoing, and very caring. He excelled in basketball, assisting in taking the Busby Eagles to the State Class C Basketball tournament three different times, once placing third in the State Tourney, losing out the next round and then made their comeback in his Senior year, taking everything in the All Conference games, divisionals, and the state title! The MVP which was given to Tom Crazymule. The cheerleaders at the time were given special recognition. Jimmy was inducted into the hall of fame! Tom says Jimmy was always “The Champ!”
Jimmy was very outgoing and loved ALL of his family and friends. He was always the jokester. He always opened up his home for anyone needing a place to sleep, stay or even just to hang out or take a shower, eat, his home was always open to us, his family and friends, especially Emma’s large family.
After graduation, Jimmy joined the U.S. Army in 1974. He was honorably discharged in 1979.
Upon his return home, he worked at various jobs on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, sons, Levi C. King, James Selage Jr.; sisters, Bernadette Beartusk, Myrtle Beartusk, and his brothers, Orville Speelman Jr, Fernando Littlebird Sr.
Jimmy is survived by the love of his life, Emma King of the family home; sons, Mickey Selage, Curtis Selage Sr. of Lame Deer; daughters, Delrae/Ross King Jones of Lame Deer, Lanea (Harvy Jr.) Morsette of Box Elder, MT.; son, Tyree Selage; sisters, Jeri Beartusk, Jermaine (Horace) Littlesun, Mina Hamilton, Jeannie Beartusk, Carolyn (Jason) Whiteman, Marcella (Martin Sr.) Hart; brothers, Benny Speelman, Marvin Beartusk, Larry Beartusk; special sisters, Quintina Bear Quiver, Iylene Littlebird, and Theresa Littlebird; special brothers, Martin Hart Sr., Melvin Woodenthigh, Bobby Yellowfox, Darren Spotted Elk, Leo and Berta (Skeeter) Conner; grandchildren, Jamie Nicole Selage, Kiara Lyn Bigmedicine, Malea Lyn Selage, Tylis Hodges, Julie Hodges, Shylee King-Selage, Curtis J. Morrison Selage, Davin Littlewhiteman.
The family would like to give a special thanks to all of Jimmy’s friends who are helping dig the grave, brought gifts, food and drinks.
Please forgive us if we forgot to mention any other family members, as this is a trying time and our family is large.
Harvey J Morsette says
Prayers for my in-laws Jimmy u will b missed but never forgotten I am glad I got to hear some of your stories and got to meet u
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
TO THE FAMILY OF JAMES SELAGE, SR., THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Mary Dillon says
I’m so sorry. Your family is in my prayers.
Mary Dillon
Clementine & Ambrose Seminole SR. says
So sorry to hear of your passing,prayers to your children that they have strength sending condolences to the family,whenever we past each other that word Gads would come flowing out of your mouth,will miss seeing you around cuz.RIP jimmy
Melissa Whitewolf Royston says
So sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences to the Family.
Theda Foote says
Rest in peace my brother, you are in a better place now, all your family and friends are probably surrounding you with their big Angel wings, love you, see you again!
Kenny Shields says
Jimmy has always been my friend, we ran cross country together, played basketball ran track and had alot of fun in Busby. He used to tease alot and was a best friend. I last saw Jimmy was three years ago and I should have spent more time with him…I will miss him. We were always Busby Eagles…and always will be! Kenny Shields – Poplar, Mt.
Julie says
So many memories with him. I glad that I got to meet him before his time was up. I love and miss you so much grandpa.