Norman L. "Jim" McGillis, 73
Norman L. "Jim" McGillis, 73, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at his home in Lakeside.
He was born on Dec. 3, 1931, in Malta, to Frank and Elsie (Stearns) Mostad McGillis. Jim moved with his family to Anaconda at a young age. He joined the Army and when it was discovered he was too young, he was sent home to Anaconda to finish high school. He worked various jobs after high school; from the smelter to logging.
He met and married Delores Glode on Aug. 8, 1957, in Butte; they later divorced.
On July 1, 1990, Jim married Colleen Taylor in Tacoma, Wash.
Jim was warmhearted, compassionate and rich in his love for life and adventure. He was a loving father, husband, brother and son and will be remembered for always having a "can do attitude."
Jim focused his energy in the construction trade.
Jim moved to Sitka, Alaska, in the late 1950s. He worked to create the Sitka Bus Lines. Jim left Alaska for a short time but returned and worked in Soldotna and Anchorage. He was in Alaska until the late 1980s when he moved back to Montana.
He worked hard for a living and he had a knack for organizing top quality projects. He was a top-notch superintendent and enjoyed many years of labor. He never forgot a friend and was an excellent team player. Employees couldn't have had a better boss, and employers and owners got nothing but the best when he was on the job. Jim knew how to bring a job in under budget and built numerous hospitals, schools, nursing homes and malls from as far south as Arizona to as far north as the Arctic Circle.
Despite working many long hours, Jim still found time for his painting, leather tooling, fishing, traveling, and enjoying music and western movies.
Jim had a great love for the Lord and he and Colleen spent many hours reading and praying together.
Jim's love for his mother brought him back to Montana. One of his accomplishments here was overseeing the construction of Prestige Assisted Living.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Gerald Mostad.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen, of Lakeside; one daughter, Jennifer Sibson; a son, Sean McGillis; and a stepson, Arthur Bror Taylor; sisters, Phyllis and Roy Bloom of Kalispell, and Judy Roehl of Minnesota, and Shirley Johnson and Joan Flynn, both of Spokane; mother-in-law, Marilyn "Billie" Johnson, and aunt, Evelyn E. Day, both of Kalispell; five granddaughters and two grandsons.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Lakeside Chapel in Lakeside with Pastor John Ulrich officiating. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be at Johnson Mortuary from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Lakeside Chapel Community Center, P.O. Box 162, Lakeside, MT 59922.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary and Crematory.