James Wendell Burrowes

James Wendell Burrowes of Polson passed away on his 89th birthday on May 18 at the Pines of Polson with his family by his side.

Wendell was born on May 18, 1922 in Twin Falls, Idaho, a son of Jacob Wilber Burrowes and Mildred Aldene Quinn. He moved to Polson at the age of eight and attended local schools. After graduating from Polson High School in 1941, he joined the US Army. He was a proud U.S. Army, World War II veteran of the 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment stationed in Italy. After his discharge on Nov. 8, 1945, he still enjoyed his 10th Mountain Division reunions.

Wendell married Marilyn Joan Hamilton on Nov. 28, 1947 in Polson. He operated the Valley View/Kerr Dam Polson school bus route with Marilyn for over 25 years. He retired from Polson Ready Mix. Wendell enjoyed many years as an active member of the Spark and Throttle Chapter of the Montana Pioneer and Classic Auto Club. His passion was restoring vintage Ford cars such has his Model A Roadster and participating in parades and swap meets around the state.

He was a member of the local Polson VFW and served in the VFW Honor Guard, the American Legion, Big Sky A’s Antique Car Club, and was a retired Polson Volunteer Fireman.

Wendell is survived by their daughter, Linda (David) Weaver; a son, James (Laura) Burrowes, all of Polson, six grandchildren, Kristina (Mike) Landfried of Spokane, Wash., Malena Weaver of Kansas, Rick Weaver of Oregon, Brianne Burrowes of California, Mara (Cale) Fitzgerald of Helena and Kaitlyn Burrowes of Polson; five great-grandchildren; brother, Keith (Beverly) Burrowes of Billings; sister, Mildred (late husband Forrest Wood) of Boise, Idaho; seven nieces and one nephew.

He is preceded in death by Marilyn, his wife of 63 years, both parents, and a brother, Eugene Burrowes.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, May 21 at the Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment with military honors followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.

Memorial donations may be made to an organization of the donor’s choosing. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Burrowes’ family.