James Devlin

POLSON — James Devlin, 78, of Polson died of natural causes on March 29, 2005, at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Jim was born to Neil and Jenny Devlin on Feb. 11, 1927, at Finley, N.D. Jim was the youngest of four sons. He attended school through the 12th grade in Finley.

In 1944, he enlisted in the Army and served in Japan for two years. He then attended college at Jamestown, N.D. He married Beverly Olson in 1952, and they raised three daughters and three sons.

Jim had a varied career in the printing business, hardware store manager, and last working for Loren's House of Carpets in Missoula, where he worked until his retirement.

Jim was very musically gifted. He played drums for various bands and also had a great tenor voice. He and his brothers sang barbershop together and loved to entertain family and friends. He also loved to dance.

He and his family loved camping and did so often when the children were young. Beverly died in 1988. Jim then married Gina D'Angelo in 1995, and they resided in Polson until Jim's illness became so severe that he spent his last two years at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jack and Neil; his first wife, Beverly, and a daughter Erin Devlin.

He is survived by his wife Gina; daughters Terese (Jon) Foulke of Big Arm and Colleen Devlin of Post Falls, Idaho; sons Perry (Joyce) of Butte, Brian of Missoula, and Mark (Laurie) of Polson; grandchildren, Briane, Tony, Brad, Jamie, Kayla, Michael, Sarah, and Tyler; two great-grandchildren, Joshua and Zacharia; his older brother, Ward, and many nieces and nephews.

The family expressed their gratitude to the Montana Veterans Home for the great kindness and excellent care they extended to Jim.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held on Friday, April 1, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Polson with Father Gary Reller officiating.

Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.