James R. Dake, 74

Jim died July 5, 2015, from pancreatic cancer. He dealt with his illness with courage and class.

Jim’s early years were spent in northern California attending Blue Lake Elementary School and graduating from Arcata Union High School in 1960. He was drafted into the Army in 1963 and served until 1965. During that time he married Pat Grilley in Bigfork July 19, 1964. They returned to Montana after his discharge.

Jim worked mainly in construction working for Montana Builders and driving truck for McElroy and Wilken Inc. He managed an early retirement and spent those years maintaining all the equipment that rural life requires, putting up firewood, tending to a large garden and dealing with their cattle. Like many others, his favorite things to do were fish and hunt.

Special thanks is given to the caring and competent health care providers Jim was in contact with.

Jim is survived by his wife, Pat, of Bigfork; his sisters, Darrie and Jerry Merrill of Petaluma, California, Janet Tirey and Berta “Hank” Waelty of Blue Lake, California, and Mary Lieu and Paul Wooten of San Felipe, Mexico; plus several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were private, with burial by cremation.

For those wanting to make memorial contributions, choose a charity of your choice, or choose a favorite charity of ours: Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, 1349 Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901.