James F. Wood, 89

James F. Wood, 89, passed away at his home in Bigfork on Friday, Nov 15, 2019, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Conrad on Feb. 15, 1930, to Robert and Fern Wood. He was the youngest of four boys. Eight days later while still in the nursery, he first met his future wife Joanne Foltz. They graduated together from Conrad High School.

Jim and Joanne married Oct. 18, 1948, and lived throughout Northwest Montana, including Conrad, Whitefish, Eureka, Polson, Lonepine and Bigfork. Jim worked in a sawmill, for the railroad, building Libby Dam, farming and ranching and retired from the Forest Service in law enforcement.

He is survived by his wife Joanne of 71 years, 10 children: Connie (Jim), Kirby, Cherie (Joe) Tull, Mike (Eve) Wood, Pam (Dave) Bermel, Bob Wood, Tim Wood, Colleen Hall of Bigfork, Dick (Tammy) Wood of Sheridan, Pat (Lori) Wood of Kalispell, Tony (Jennifer) Wood of Bigfork, 38 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and numerous other relatives.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Funeral Mass will be held at Saint John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. Burial of ashes will immediately follow at Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. A luncheon will follow burial, at Saint John Paul Church in Brady Hall.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to hospice staff for providing exceptional and compassionate care—especially Maureen and Rene.