James R. Hellen, 77

James R. Hellen, 77, of Somers, a retired salesman, died of pneumonia Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family.  

Jim was born to James E. and Ruth (Peterson) Hellen on Aug. 8, 1935, in Somers.  

He spent several years in Alaska as a young child and the rest of his life in Somers. While attending Flathead County High School he worked at Bud's Texaco in Somers. After graduating, he served two years in the Army. He worked for Pacific Fruit & Produce for many years, then worked for Glacier Wholesale in Kalispell, until retiring in 2001.

He married Ruth Ann Resch, the love of his life, on Nov. 5, 1960, in Libby. 

A family celebration of their 50 golden years together was held at Upper Thompson Lake in July of 2011. 

As they began their family, they purchased the home that Jim always wanted, which happened to be across the street from the house in which he was born. He raised his family and entertained his grandchildren in this home until his passing.  

Jim was happiest when he was involved in family functions. He followed his children's sports and academic activities up until they began to have children of their own. At this point, Jim became each of his grandchildren's greatest fan. Distance was not an obstacle for him. He and Ruth would travel many miles to watch a basketball game, see a children's play or attend a First Communion. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren.     

Jim enjoyed watching all Notre Dame sports and was Dodger blue through and through. He passed on his love of hunting and fishing to his children and their children. Jim and Ruth traveled to Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii and visited family all over the Pacific Northwest. Jim loved westerns; there was not a Louis L'Amour book left unread or a Gunsmoke episode left unwatched. Jim's quiet demeanor belied his dry wit and his snappy one-liners were enjoyed by all.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 52 years; sons, Jim Jr. and Joni of Great Falls, Mike and Debbi of Des Moines, Wash., and John Hellen of Somers; daughter, Jackie and Rob Spicher of Hingham; grandchildren, Ben, Chad and Kole Hellen, Jessica and Jacob Hellen, Jordan, Delainey, Sheridan and Colton Spicher, and Emmalee Hellen; and his sister, Shari and Bob Guiles of Billings.  

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Patricia Petersen.

Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, at Blessed John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork, followed by a luncheon. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to services. 

The family suggests donations may be made to Somers Volunteer Fire Department or to the Somers Company Town Project, c/o Tom Sliter, P.O. Box 130, Somers, MT 59932.  

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for James' family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view James' tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.