James Herbert Putnam

James Herbert Putnam, 98, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011. He was always known for his kind heart and his love and devotion to his family.

Jim was a true cowboy. His passion was horses and riding whenever he had the chance. He enjoyed helping his friends and neighbors with fixing fences or anything they needed. He was a pillar to his family and his community. His absence will be felt by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Jim was born on March 25, 1913, in rural Sidney, on the family farm, to Elva (Kingston) and John Putnam. He was the youngest of three boys (Lester and Ervin) and later a brother to two younger sisters (Dorothy and Viola). Jim married the love of his life Alma on Sept. 12, 1936, in Nashua and had three children, Robert John, Mary Louise, and Sharon Yvonne. Jim and Alma celebrated their 74th anniversary together in 2010.

Jim and Alma lived in the Three Buttes area, where Jim farmed the family farm for several years. They moved to Dixon in 1960, where they farmed and ranched with their son, Bob. After Bob's death, Jim became a federal meat inspector, and that career took him and his family to Butte, Anaconda, and finally to Billings, where he lived until his death. He was an active member of the Congregational Church everywhere he lived. In Billings, he ushered and maintained the church grounds for many years.

Jim is survived by two daughters, Mary (Richard) Goldsmith and Sharon (Jeffrey) Woodard; nine grandchildren, Donald (Robin) Nolan, Robert (Christie) Nolan, Amy (Larry) Ellis, Robert Goldsmith, Teri Goldsmith, Jennifer Harris, Nicole (Dupree) Scott, Amiee' (Nate) Hagel, and Samantha (David) Field; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma, five months earlier; his parents; brothers Lester Putnam and Ervin Putnam; and sisters Dorothy Brose and Viola Wick; and son Robert Putnam.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m., and Friday, Sept. 2, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Smith's Downtown Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Mayflower Congregational Church on Poly Drive and Rehberg Lane on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 2 p.m., with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Reception will follow.

Jim and Alma's combined interment will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. at the St. Ignatius Cemetery in St. Ignatius. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smithfuneralchapels.com.

Now he's roping cattle and riding horses with the Boss forever. See you back at the ranch. We love you.

Jim Putnam