James Gilbert McCully, 67

James Gilbert McCully was a courageous fighter and after an amazing life, “played his final 7 NT contract, leaving this world on April 4, 2011, with a full deck of memories.”

Jim was born on Nov. 19, 1943, in Vancouver, British Columbia. His family moved to Kamloops, British Columbia, and lived at Knouff Lake fishing resort 40 miles north, where Jim was a guide.

Jim is survived by his wife, Tanya; brother-in-law, Jim Skakoon; sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Bill Oram; sister, Maureen McCully; brother and sister-in-law, Gerry McCully and Rhonda Foster; one niece, two nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jessie and Gilbert McCully.

Jim began his career with computer programming and architecture after receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia.

Jim became an American citizen after moving to Montana in 1994. He played a key role in the delivery of the Safeway card, Trickle and the Safeway gas promotions while working at Safeway’s corporate headquarters in Pleasanton, Calif. He was highly regarded by his team and acquired the nickname of "guru" on the West Coast because of his ability to problem-solve. He followed his boss, a close friend, to Boise, Idaho, and spent three years working as a data architect for Super Valu. His career saw many travel opportunities including Chicago; Seattle; Eden Prairie, Minn.; Montreal; Victoria, British Columbia; and London.

Jim was gentle and witty and was game for any new adventure. He played duplicate bridge (becoming a Gold Life Master in 2010). He was a master fly fisherman and loved to hike and camp in the Bob Marshall Wilderness with his wife. He loved to entertain and would often share a bottle of Margaux with his close friends. He enjoyed puttering in the yard, traveling, attending concerts, golfing, biking, cross country skiing and playing with his four-legged sidekick, Ms. Quito.

The cards were not dealt in Jim's favor these last eight months; however, he didn't hesitate in believing in a cure until the last hand was dealt. Jim left this world a winner!

Jim has requested a celebration of life for his bridge friends at the Flathead Valley Bridge Club, and another for his close friends at his home in Whitefish.

For remembrance, Jim suggested Alpine Theatre, ALERT Helicopter and Frontier Hospice.