James Joseph Sivils

CHARLO — James Joseph Sivils, 84, of Charlo, died Aug. 4, 2006, in a fatal car accident. Funeral services were held Aug. 9 in the Charlo gymnasium.

Our lives have been forever impacted by the tragic death of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.

"JJ" was born in Spokane on March 11, 1922, to Amos and Neva Sivils.

He was raised and attended schools in Spokane, including Whitman Business College.

Prior to completing his business degree, he joined the Navy to serve his country during WWII. He served on a mine sweeper and a submarine in the South Pacific.

Medals he was awarded during his naval career included the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the America Area Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Upon his discharge from the Navy on March 16, 1946, JJ returned home to Spokane and married his sweetheart, Muriel Thompson. The newlyweds moved to Missoula so JJ could complete his education at the University of Montana, where he received a BA in Business.

They moved to Bigfork where he taught high school for three years.

They then moved to Charlo in 1956 and he taught high school and was an administrator until his retirement in 1981.

JJ loved teaching and touched many generations of Charlo students.

On June 12, 1957, the couple was blessed with the birth of their only child, James Edward.

JJ was very proud to be a part of the Charlo community. He was a member of and served on many local clubs, events and organizations. He was involved in most community and school activities, both past and current.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and a younger brother.

Surviving are Muriel, his wife of 60 years; son James of Dillon; his granddaughter, Elizabeth, currently attending college in Dillon, and by too many friends to list. Mr. Sivils will be greatly missed in Charlo and the surrounding communities where he never met a stranger.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Charlo Senior Center of to the Ronan VFW.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements.