James Richard 'Clem' Johnson, 63

James Richard "Clem" Johnson, 63, passed away on Thursday June 9, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with his best friend and companion Corrine at his side, after a heroic battle against an unknown disease with courage and dignity. He accepted without complaint every challenge and inspired everyone who witnessed his battle.

Clem was born on June 25, 1941, in Lewistown, to Lee and Eleanor Hughes Johnson. He was raised in Great Falls, where he graduated from high school, and was the Montana State wrestling champion. At the University of Montana, he played football, enjoyed the ski club, and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He graduated from college with a degree in business.

In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a bomb disposal officer in Vietnam and Thailand. He rose to the rank of captain. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1971.

Clem was the friendly Ford Tractor dealer in Great Falls, and also worked for Kyser Cement. He operated Rocky Mountain Air and was proud to be a pilot. They provided medical transport service to those in need.

Clem was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Bigfork.

Clem was interested in military history, including Lewis and Clark, and was a gun collector. He loved flying, golf, boating and sports cars. He was the drummer in the Great Falls Shriners band, and later became a bagpiper himself.

Clem loved his many friends, his dog, Smokey, and his wife. "He lived big and loved big and left us all better for knowing him."

Clem married Corinne Richardson on Sept. 21, 2001, at their home on Flathead Lake. They shared trials and joys together with gratitude for the time they had. Special thanks to friends and professionals who cared for him during his illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Eleanor Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Corinne, of Bigfork; stepchildren, Ryan Richardson of Meridian, Idaho, and Molly Squires of Kalispell; one sister, Linda Myhr, of Cannon Beach, Ore.; grandchildren, McKenna Squires of Kalispell, and Rafe Richardson of Meridian; nieces, Susan Fritz and Karen Myhr; and uncles, Jack Hughes and J.T. Johnson.

There will be a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, at Bigfork Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at the Swan View Cemetery in Bigfork, with the Rev. Jan Witman officiating, Military honors will be done by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at the Bigfork Community Methodist Church. A reception will follow the services at the church.

The family request memorials in Clem's name be given the The Disabled Veterans of America.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.