Jim Anthony Yonkaitis was born June 26, 1959, in Forsyth, Rosebud, MT. to Marjorie Caroline Tetschner and Charles Edward (Ed) Yonkaitis. Jim passed away unexpectedly Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at his family home in Cartersville Valley, Cartersville, Montana. Jim was 64 years old. He was the youngest child, the third son, he joined his sibling Stephen, Barbara and Greg.
Jim spent his growing up years split between the family farm in Cartersville Valley and the Shriners Hospital in Spokane, Washington. While growing up Jim could be found trying to do everything his big brothers were doing. He never let his disability slow him down.
He graduated from Rosebud High School in 1978. He continued is education for a bit at the Helena Votech studying electronics.
In his early adulthood he won the battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice. Jim loved his nieces and nephews like they were his own since he had no children of his own. He After his father passed away in October of 1998, he helped his mom selling car parts from the junk yard, until his mother’s passing in July of 2006.
He never missed an opportunity to go visit or ride with “the boys”. He always talked about going to Bible study with Ken and Judy Taylor when they lived in Forsyth.
Jim would call his nephew Don Charles to discuss guns and cars. He enjoyed chess, game shows, tinkering on electronics, reading National Geographic, This Week and Reminisce. Some of his best times were spent traveling with Michael Schiffer and helping him mechanic on his pulling rig. He especially enjoyed gardening with Ron Mans. The two boasted about growing a 49-pound watermelon.
Jim enjoyed going to the Rosebud High School All School reunions and getting reacquainted with all the attendees.
Thank you all for being his friend. Thank you Trisa Reed for chauffeuring Jim.
Jim is preceded in death by his Father Charles Edward (Ed) Yonkaitis, Mother Marjorie Tetschner Yonkaitis, Niece Lynnette Purdon Nodland (12/1/2023), both paternal and maternal Grandparents.
Jim is survived by his brother Stephen(Milicia) Yonkaitis of Fort Collins, CO, sister Barbara(Donald SR) Purdon, of Forsyth, MT and brother Greg Yonkaitis of Rosebud, MT, niece Bettinna(Jeffrey) Purdon Moos of Brockway, MT, step-nephew Zac (Jennifer)McMordie of Red Bluff, CA, nephew Donald C. Purdon JR of Colstrip, MT, niece Miranda(Bret) Yonkaitis Willems, of Forsyth, MT, niece Megan Yonkaitis of Scottsdale, AZ, nephews Matthew Yonkaitis of Fort Collins, CO, Christopher Yonkaitis, of Fort Collins, CO, nephew-in-law Kurt Nodland of Halliday, ND, great-nephews Kadin Nodland, Cash Purdon, Tate Reese, Tracen Moos, great-nieces Kaile Nodland, Aubrey Moos, Addison Purdon, step great-nephew Leim McMordie.
Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday January 19, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday January 19, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Pam Shelton says
Barb, Don and family, so sorry for you loss. It’s been a tough few weeks for you all and I hope you all know that you all are in our thoughts.
Patricia Herold says
Barb and family, we are sorry for the loss of your brother. Hope I will be home to attend the memorial.
Scott Cotton says
The Yonkaitis family were our closest 1st cousins growing up. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. Jim was always unique and will be missed.
Connie Brown says
Barb, Don and family,
Sorry to hear your family has suffered another loss. Prayers to all of you!
Terri Brown says
Don, Barb and family,
I’m so sorry about losing another family member. You have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending hugs,
Terri
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Steve, Barb, Greg and families,
So sorry for you loss, He will be missed, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time
Ruthie Johnson says
Sweet guy with a big smile on his face.
So sorry you have to go through this.
Love you. Rusty Ruthie Lily
Susan Biery Edwards says
Steve ,Barb and Greg,
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing, he may now rest in peace with his mom and dad.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you and your families.
Brenda Potts says
Barb, Steve and Greg
So sorry for the loss of your younger brother may he rest in eternal comfort. Blessings to your family during such a difficult time
Brenda Potts
Diana Potts Robinette says
Sending my condolences and prayers to the Yonkaitis family Steve, Barb and Greg and their family.
Quirt Phillips says
Steve, Barb and Greg, sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, sending my condolences.
Jack crocker says
Sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing it was fun growing up together
Diane M Welbes says
Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
Tom Viera says
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Lots of great memories.
Ward Cotton says
I have a hard time with him going first, We both went to Shriners me for a leg and him for the arm, He never gave up and most of the time was happy. Wish You all great joy, Jim would want it that way. Love Ward.
Peggy Certain says
Rest in peace dear cousin Jim.
Carol Molstad says
Rest in peace Cousin Jim, my deepest sympathy to Barb, Steve and Greg
Billy smith says
Rest in peace Jimmy . Your friendship in my school years was always respected. My condolences to your family .
Juie (LaBree) says
Barb, Greg, and Steve;
I am so sorry to see you lost your brother. Looks like he fought hard over the years to be with you all. I also didn’t know of your loss in Dec… please know I am thinking of you and your families. Tough times for you and I pray your memories keep you going strong.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Yonkaitis Family, I remember you all with fondness when we were all a lot younger. Jim was always pretty happy, kind of loved life. Never knew what he was going to say. He told me one time how he liked listening to me on the fire radio. Don’t know if that was good or bad!!! Anyway our condolences to the family. Karson and Marie Kluver
Susan Stabelfeldt says
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a great guy. Everytime I would see him he would ask me “do you know who I am”? Then he would laugh. RIP Jim.
Rocky and Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. We enjoyed visiting with Jim and when he came to our Bible Study. It’s a hard season for all of you as you also lost a daughter, Barb. We just learned of that and we send lots of love and hugs. May God strengthen you and hold you tight. Love and hugs
Ken Treib says
Barb & Don I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the families.
Janet Knight Loomis says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers for the family
Lynn Holland says
Steve, Barb, and Greg
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He fought for a long time with everything life
gave him. He’s finally without pain now. He was a good man and friend. Visited
him at Walmart quite a few times. Your family and mine were close when we were
growing up. Had some good times together. Thinking of you all right now.
He will be missed. RIP Jim. Lynn Holland
Scott Cotton says
Most days my cousin Jim was a classic example of making the best of life. He did have an ornery sense of humor. I did not see enough of him. RIP cousin.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
So sorry to hear this news. Jim was always so kind and friendly. RIP Jim.
Ken Taylor says
Barb, Don and family, very sorry for your loss, I always liked Jim, he was always fun to visit. He used to come to bible study at our house and we enjoyed him very much, condolences to your family.