James D. "Jim" Gough Jr.

1929 - 2008

James "Jim" D. Gough Jr., a longtime Bozeman resident, talented artist/architect and retired Montana State University professor, died peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2008. He was 79.

Jim was born in Helena on June 19, 1929, son of James and Edna Gough of Helena. He grew up in Helena, attending Jefferson and Central schools before graduating from Helena High School in 1947.

He received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Washington in 1952, and then served in the U.S. Army as a cryptographer attached to the Counter Intelligence Corps, spending most of his duty in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1954, Jim enrolled in the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and received his master of architecture degree in 1957.

Prior to teaching at MSU, Jim's professional architectural career included positions in Helena, Seattle, and with Yamasaki, Leinweber & Associates in Detroit, and later his own private practice in Helena. Jim received his architectural license in 1959, and was a long time member of the American Institute of Architects.

Jim began his teaching career with MSU's department of architecture as an instructor in 1958-61; assistant professor, 1961-66; associate professor/acting director, 1966-68; professor and director, 1968-72; and continued teaching until his retirement in 1982. He was a professor emeritus of architecture at MSU.

Jim was a talented artist and his paintings were shown at several galleries and museums throughout Montana including the Holter Museum in Helena, the Salt Lake Art Center and the Yellowstone Art Center in Billings. Jim once said, "A friend told me that I am a mathematician, not an artist. He is an engineer and cannot see beyond the edges. Another friend, an artist, told me that people do not want to have to use their brain in order to look at my work. He sees only the calligraphy. I am pleased that there are two levels of consciousness, beyond seeing the work as an "organic" whole - nothing can be added to or subtracted from without destroying the composition."

He is survived by several family members, including his sister, Joyce Huffmon, and his nephews, Gary, Tom and Dave Wright. Jim's "Bozeman family" included Perry Thompson and George McClure.

Family will gather for a private celebration of Jim's life in Portland, Ore.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Gallatin Valley or the Bozeman Public Library.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken Nelson Funeral Service.