James O. Southworth

1929 - 2025

James O Southworth

October 3, 1929 - April 12, 2025

James O Southworth passed away on April 12, 2025, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 95. Born on October 3, 1929, in Columbus, Montana, James lived a life rich with hard work, music, service, and devotion to family and community. James attended Park City School through the eighth grade before entering the workforce to support his family. Later, while serving in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952 at Ladd Air Force Base in Alaska, he earned his GED. His time in the military was marked by resilience during the harsh Alaskan winters and an extended service period due to the Korean conflict, where he drove a wrecker truck. Following his military service, James embarked on a long and varied career. He began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad near Youngs Point as a Gandy Dancer laying rail and later moved into the car department in Laurel in 1945. In 1952, he joined the Farmers Union refinery in Laurel, where he became an active union member and eventually a leader. James retired early from Cenex refinery at age 55. Never one to remain idle, James joined the Peace Corps briefly after retirement before participating in the Wyoming Centennial Wagon Train for thirty adventurous days. In 1987, he began working for the City of Billings as a maintenance man at the library. During his tenure there, he heroically evacuated many people during a fire on the fourth floor and received an award for valor despite sustaining serious burns. James also spent summers loading fire retardant into planes at Billings Airport to aid in fighting forest fires. His commitment to public service extended into politics; he served as an alderman in Laurel and was elected to the Montana Legislature in 1991. In 1997, he began driving for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and became known for his many letters to the editor advocating for causes close to his heart. Music was James's lifelong passion. A talented guitarist, banjo player, and singer, he performed at countless weddings and events with groups like Richard Lenhardt's Polka Band and at festivals such as Herbsfest in Laurel, Festival of Strings in Columbus, Red Lodge Festival of Nations, and many more. He brought joy to residents of nursing homes and memory care units throughout Billings well into his nineties. For about ten years, he played every Saturday night at Affinity Living Community. James also founded a cornhole league at Affinity and continued playing until he was 95 years old. Despite vision challenges later in life, his enthusiasm never waned. A skilled carpenter and concrete worker as well, James built wheelchair ramps for Lifyt and constructed his own log house in Laurel using sandstone hauled from Valley Creek. His craftsmanship included building fences, a water wheel that turned in a ditch near his home, and even a round bridge over that same ditch. A gifted storyteller and writer, James contributed historical stories about Park City to local publications and authored his memoir titled "The Road Taken," preserving his memories for future generations. Faith played an important role throughout James's life. Though he attended Methodist services early on and later visited Lutheran churches as well as Faith Chapel and Emmanuel Baptist Church, it was during heartfelt conversations over glasses of wine with family that his faith deepened profoundly. In January 2025, James experienced a meaningful spiritual milestone when he was baptized alongside family at Emmanuel Baptist Churcha cherished memory among many. James deeply loved all those around himhis friends, fellow musicians, political colleagues, Affinity staff members, bandmates, Southworth cousins Kenny and Chris David of Park City and Jim Southworth of Lewistownand especially Betty Hiatte from Affinity Living Community whom he adored. James is lovingly remembered by his children: son Ray W Southworth and wife Shelley; daughter Amy Wentland and husband Chris; daughter April Durward and husband Chris; daughter Tana Haddingham and husband Mike; stepdaughter Kellie Saville and husband Steve; Bart Krum; Kane Krum; as well as numerous grandchildren including Brett Southworth and Dustin Lenhardt; great-grandchildren Haddie and Ethan. He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Tony Southworth; wives Clara Southworth, Shirley C. Lee (artist), Clarice Branger Schrumpf (teacher); siblings Bob Southworth, Wayne Southworth, Shirley Johnson, Lois Todd; son Jim W. Southworth. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 20, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church located at 328 S Shiloh Rd., Billings, Montana 59106. In honor of James's generous spirit and lifelong commitment to helping others, donations may be made to the Red Cross if desired. James O Southworth's legacy of service, music, craftsmanship, faith, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those whose lives he touched so deeply.