James E. Elgin Sr., 71

Our beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend, James Edward Elgin Sr., passed away suddenly of natural causes on Aug. 29, 2011.

Jim Sr., was born in Wheeler on Feb. 8, 1940, to Russel and Velva Elgin. Jim lived most of his life in the Flathead Valley where he attended local schools and participated in community events. Around the age of 17, Jim began his long and varied career as a heel boom operator with the timber industry. After being injured in an accident, he started driving a log truck and soon became known as "the man to beat" in log truck racing events. Ever the entrepreneur, Jim went on to own three businesses, including Elgin Trucking Inc., The Rustic Inn, and his latest venture, Jim's Taxi.

Jim Sr., was a man of many talents who enjoyed socializing and having fun. He had a natural way with people and made many friends throughout his life. While driving long, hard miles he experienced some great adventures and often shared his memories of the places he had been. Some of his interests included hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles, snow catting, stock car racing, dirt biking, and card games. Jim always had a soft spot for children and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

"We have so many memories of you, Dad, we loved you so much."

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Elgin, of Columbia Falls; siblings, Carol and Ken Custer, Linda and Bud Hummel, and Roberta Elgin; children, Cynde and Clarence Knutson, CayDee Reynolds, Jim Elgin Jr., and fiancee, Phoebe, Becky and Dave Berglund, and Wendy and Curt Glass; grandchildren, Michelle and Kodi Cunnington, J.J. and Erin Knutson, Jessie and Mark Kauffman, Jared Reynolds, and Tabitha and Matt Clause, Josie Elgin, Wylee Berglund, Kyle and Skyler Bowerman, Daylan and Michael Glass, and Laramie, Karlie and Monte Pettichord; great-grandchildren, Anton and Brooke Rowe, Gage Frelich, Taylor, Grace and Ella Cady, Veda Kauffman, and Alexis and Jonathan Clause; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel Elgin and Velva Bruyer; brother, Don Elgin; first wife, Joann Elgin; nephews, Steven Elgin and Kenny Custer; and grandchildren, Brian and Wyatt Berglund.

Services will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Easthaven Baptist Church, 2020 Whitefish Stage Road, in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made in Jim Sr.'s honor to one of the following charities: The United Veterans Association, or the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

The Log Jam charity event will be hosted on Oct. 1 in Kalispell. If you would like to make a donation prior to the event, please contact Ginger May at (406) 253-8550, or the Montana Logging Association at (406) 752-3168.

To sign Jim's guest book please go to www.buffalohillfh.com

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.