Final farewell to our friend

Our hearts are heavy as we prepare to say our final farewell tomorrow to longtime public servant Jim Dupont, and yet there are smiles as we remember a life well-lived.

Much has been said already about Dupont’s accomplishments and leadership ability. He was the longest-serving sheriff in Flathead County and was in his fourth year as county commissioner when he died unexpectedly Monday from an apparent heart attack at his home.

Former Kalispell Police Chief Frank Garner, one of Dupont’s closest colleagues and friends, pegged him just right when he noted Dupont’s ability to see issues and problems from the perspective of regular citizens, not as a bureaucrat. For his many years as an elected official, he never seemed like a politician. And as public servants go, Dupont was among the finest.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy flying transport planes for six years during the Vietnam War. Following the war he owned two businesses and worked as a deputy sheriff in San Diego and Flathead County for many years. In 1990, he was elected Flathead County sheriff and served in that job for 16 years. Dupont wasn’t back in the private sector for long though before public service came calling again, this time as county commissioner.

Dupont didn’t rest on his laurels as commissioner. He took the county’s business seriously and did his homework. He worked long and hard with Whitefish city leaders to forge a compromise agreement for the two-mile planning “doughnut” around Whitefish, and was continuing that effort after a city referendum tossed out that agreement. At the time of his death he was preparing to share the duty as interim director of the county Office of Emergency Services.

It’s fitting that Garner and Sheriff Chuck Curry, who served as undersheriff under Dupont, will lead Saturday’s memorial service for their dear friend. We’re sure there will be some laughter among the sorrowful good-byes, because Dupont loved to joke and laugh and tell stories. His sense of humor was what many friends and co-workers said they’ll miss most.

Dupont was as much a mentor as he was a keen leader. Several of his colleagues, including Garner and Kalispell Mayor Tammi Fisher, considered him to be a wonderful mentor and said he’s the reason they sought public service themselves.

Now comes the difficult task of choosing Dupont’s successor on the county commission. While there are big shoes to fill in his absence, we hope the legacy of leadership he provided will continue, and that the new commissioner will carry on Dupont’s insightful wisdom and common sense.