J. Byron Christian, 78

J. Byron Christian was born in Shelby Jan. 28, 1937, and passed Sept. 8, 2015, following a brief illness in Polson.  

He attended schools in Shelby, Bigfork, Kalispell and the University of Montana and received Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. He received double master’s degrees at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. While at the Montana State University/U of M, Byron sang in the University choir, Opera, “Jubileers”, and a performing group “Campus Capers”, led by the late Dick Riddle. He sang the lead role of “Curly” in the University Musical Oklahoma. He directed and participated in United Methodist church choirs for 30 plus years, in Montana, Henderson, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. He directed and/or sang in the “Mission Valley Choral Society” and “Southern Nevada Choral Society,” participated on the “Show Boat.” Music was a central part of his life.

Byron was affiliated with the United Methodist Church, a youth officer at Epworth United Methodist Church — Kalispell, an officer for the local church and a Yellowstone Conference representative for finance and property sales.

Byron served in the Vietnam War, as 7th Air Force Commander Gen. “Spike” Momyer’s Intelligence briefing officer, and was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He completed his Air Force career as a professor of political science at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

He held a Montana Real-estate Broker’s licensed and developed with three other partners, Jette Lake development, South Hills and others. After selling his real estate office, he worked in Gerald Newgard’s real-estate store as a broker and sold Stratford homes. During his brokerage years he was an officer for Rotary Club and their music director.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bertha A. (Ainley) Christian and James S. Christian, and a sister, Marsha Mae.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth A. (Timm) Christian; his daughter, Jennifer Ann Christian; his brother, Calvin Christian, spouse Marva Christian; his sister, Janet Royer, spouse General Erlind Royer USAF retired; Steven Christian; Doreen Christian; Glenn Timm; nieces and nephews: Kirby Christian, Barbara Christian, Bridger, Carson, Jordan, Clayton Christian, Dawn Christian, Lauren, Lindsey, and Colter; Christian Royer; Nicole Royer, spouse Chad Overcast, Brody, Bentley, Maddie, and Garret; Sandi Christian; Cari Kiepper, Kevin Kiepper, Kellie and Christian; Colin Timm, Nina Timm and Asher.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.