James Russell "Jim" Forker

James Russell  ”Jim” Forker

James Russell  ”Jim” Forker was born March 31, 1932 in Hutchinson, Kan., to Laurence Curtis Forker and Nina Hazel Hill Forker. He passed away at St. Patricks’ Hospital in Missoula Montana on July 8, 2012, from acute respiratory distress disease.

Jim graduated from Terry High School in 1949 and married his high school sweetheart Rowena Irene Strobel. He then served in the United Stated Air Force and fought in the Korean War. He attended the University of Montana getting a Bachelor’s of Science degree in math and science and his masters of education. Yes, he was an avid Griz fan and supporter.

Jim and Ro were married for 61 years and had two daughters, Jamie Lynn and Denise. Jim’s career lead him across the state of Montana many times. He taught school in Noxon and Miles City. He was a high school principal in Troy.  He worked for the state Department of Education in Helena, and then became a State Farm Insurance Agent in Libby. After being an Agent, he was a district manager in Missoula, and then returned to Agency in Polson. After retiring in 1994, Jim and Ro lived as snow birds, wintering in Florence, Ariz., and spending their summers in Polson.

We will remember Jim for his love of friends and family and the laughter he created by his grand storytelling. He had a zest for life and loved to bowl, fish and golf.

He is one of the few to have had the thrill of a “hole-in-one,” a perfect 300 bowling score and come out ahead on the poker machines. Those that knew and loved Jim will have a special memory of  “5 o’clock and Early Times!”

Papa Jim is survived by his wife Ro, daughters, Jamie Christian and husband Terry, Denise Keller and husband Kent; grandsons, Ryan Christian and Brenton Keller; granddaughters Lisa Mancini (Robert) and Kindra Keller; one great grandson, Ashton, and three precious great granddaughters, Aislynn, Kilynn and Brooklyn.  Also, two “sassy” sisters, Nina Lund (Buzz) and Jane Sims Kazmier (Larry).

Jim will be missed deeply by a multitude of friends as everyone he touched became a friend. A Celebration of his life will follow in Polson at the Elk’s Club on Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.

Donations in Jim’s name can be sent to the Shriners Children’s Hospital Transportation Fund, Bagdad Shrine Center, 314 Pine Street, Butte, MT 59701.