James Virgil Hilton

KALISPELL - James Virgil Hilton, 53, of Kalispell, died of injuries he received in an explosion Thursday in Columbia Falls.
A celebration of his life is 1 p.m. Wednesday at Risen Christ Parrish, with interment in C.E. Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell. A Reception will be held at the NorthWestern Energy offices in Kalispell. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home of Kalispell is handling arrangements.
Jim was born June 19, 1956, in St. Ignatius, Mont. He was raised in the St. Ignatius and Ronan area, graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1974. Jim worked for Cenex in Ronan from 1974 until 1990, when he and his wife Shirley moved to Kalispell to start a new job with North West Propane. After two years, he accepted a job with Montana Power/NorthWestern Energy. Jim was the "Gas Man." When any family or friends needed advice about propane or natural gas, Jim was the person we called.
Jim was an avid blood donor and was adopted by the Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department as the official cook of steaks twice a year at the Montana Mutual Aid Meetings. He was always there for his friends and family. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and would do anything for them.
Jim loved fishing, especially bass fishing; it was the thing. He found that he also loved hunting, especially opening day, with his family. He also enjoyed farming, boating and bowling.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter Korrie; son Ezeaquil Bautisa; four grandchildren, Shanae, Jathaniel, Isabell and Carlos; his in-laws, Tim and Delores McAllister; sister Evelyn Jennotte of St. Ignatius; brothers Dave Hilton of Billings, Larry Hilton of Great Falls, and Ken Hilton of Darby; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Hilton and Margery Hilton, and stepson Timothy "TJ."
Condolences may be posted online at www.buffalohillfh.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.