Jesse Louis Miles, 59

Jesse Louis Miles, 59, passed away on Dec. 20, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with leukemia. Jesse was born on April 4, 1950, in Modesto, Calif., to Chuck and Lois (Blum) Miles. Jesse joined the Army after high school and served two tours in Vietnam, earning two Purple Hearts. He moved to Bigfork in 1978 where he worked as a building contractor for 30 years with partner John West. Jesse was an active member of the VFW, the American Legion and Pope John Paul II Catholic Church. He enjoyed all that Montana had to offer, from prospecting to hunting and fishing. Jesse is survived by Mary (Prothero), his wife of 28 years; and two children, Angela and Aaron. Memorial services were held on Dec. 26 at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork.