James Bart Stephens, 83

James Bart Stephens, 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. He was born on Feb. 5, 1926, in Scobey, to William and Nannie Louise (Pierse) Stephens.

Jim grew up in Scobey, playing sports, enjoying the great outdoors and helping his parents at the local movie theater. Summers were spent at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park and Jim vowed someday to live in the Flathead.

After graduation from Scobey High School, he joined the Army. He served in the European Theater with the 134th Infantry. He was wounded in the Battle of Ardennes and received the Purple Heart.

After the war, Jim attended Montana State College and received a degree in architecture. Soon after, he was able to fulfill his Flathead Valley dream and joined the local architecture firm of Brinkman and Lenon. Jim was a fine architect and his work can be seen across Montana. One of his favorites was the Summit House on Big Mountain. Jim served his profession locally and state wide. Happy memories included attending national conferences.

Jim was involved in many community activities. He worked for years with the Kalispell Ski Club, serving on their board, teaching classes and running races. Jim was also a Big Mountain Ski Patrolman.

Summers were dedicated to the fine art of fly fishing and floating rivers. A favorite spot was Moose City on the Canadian border where he spent an entire summer with no electricity, no running water, but lots of fish. His Moose City family will miss him.

Jim's last four years were spent in the special unit of the Montana Veterans Home. The fine staff became his family and cared for him lovingly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Bill; and three sisters, Louise, Elizabeth and Mary.

He is survived by his sister, Clover Tande, of Scobey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There are no services planned at this time for James.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for James' family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign James' guest book.