James Clifton Hoskin

1938 - 2025

Jim Hoskin was born June 15, 1938, south of Bridger, Montana to Clarence and Hannah Olufson Hoskin with help of a neighbor, an elderly Indian midwife. He was joined a year later by little brother Charles. In 1944 they moved to Powell, Wyoming, then back to Bridger in 1946 to their new home on Cottonwood Road.

The boys helped their dad clear the sage brush off and planted dryland watermelon and other vegetables which they sold door to door in Bear Creek and Red Lodge. In 1949 Father Clarence passed away. Hannah's brother, Oscar came that winter to move them to Gatzke, Minnesota to grandmother Olufson's home. Two years later the boys wanted to return to Montana; so, they pushed dad's old '35 Ford' into the barn to get it running.

Uncle Oscar didn't think they could so didn't worry about it. After a few weeks they came in, told mom they were ready to go! Well mom didn't drive so the 12- & 13-year boys did!!

Back home they found a man living in their home and raising hogs in their barn. He left! The boys worked for farmers and cut cedar posts to sell after 8th grade. Jim worked at Carbon Implement until he went to work for Leon Yankoski until 1965.

Jim married Phyllis Ridenour on May 18, 1958. Sue was born May 18,1959, while they were still living on the Cottonwood homestead. On March 20,1960, they bought the old Sam Hanson farm where the first son, Jim was born, April 17, 1961. In 1964 on April 22, number two son, Wade, joined the family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Harold & Helen Ridenour; brother Charles & Annie Hoskin and their son John; and his daughter-in-law Sherry Hoskin.

Jim is survived by his wife, daughter Sue & James McElwain, granddaughter Sara Thomas of Lewistown, granddaughter Dr. Chelsie & Jochen Russig & daughters Otti & Indie of Kalispell, son Jim, grandson Cullen & daughter Hadley; granddaughter Codi and Michael Peters & daughter Quincy; son Wade & Kellie Hoskin all from Bridger. Joan Hoskin Nelson of Plentywood. bonus kids, Bonnie, Rich and Kim, Eric, Jason, & Nick.

In lieu of flowers please contribute to: SPECIAL K RANCH PO Box 479 Columbus, MT 59019-0479 or the charity of your choice.

Services will be held at the Bridger Elementary School Multipurpose Room on November 22, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Graveside will follow at the Bridger Cemetery.

Reception to follow back at Bridger Elementary Multipurpose Room.