James Thomas Harrison

1939 - 2024

James Thomas Harrison

July 1, 1939 - December 12, 2024

James Thomas Harrison (Tom) passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024. Tom was born on July 1, 1939 in Glasgow, Montana to James and Leah Harrison. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters Beverly Hould and Barbara Losleben, as well as his beloved wife, Carol. He is survived by his three children Jana (Jeff), Jodi, and J.T., his four grandchildren, Jade, Jay, Jocelyn and Justine, his great-granddaughter, Journey, and his many loving nieces and nephews.

Tom was a graduate of Malta High School, the University of Montana and the University of Montana Law School. He practiced law in Helena, Montana for more than thirty years. Over the years, Tom served the Helena community in many ways, as an elected member of the Montana State House of Representatives and the Montana State Senate, as a member of local service organizations such as the Shriners and the Kiwanis club, and through service on non-profit boards like the Montana Trial Lawyers Association and Montana AAA. Tom also served in the Montana National Guard for more than thirty years and retired as a full colonel. Tom was known for his enjoyment of travel, his keen interest in the stock market, his partiality for chicken over steak, and his fondness for the occasional trip to the local casino. He loved Montana, and especially loved being out on his boat on Flathead Lake with friends and family. Tom's greatest gifts were his good nature, his friendliness, his sharp wit and playful sense of humor. Tom could always be counted on for good conversation, amusing anecdotes, and a good meal.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13568 W. Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ at 1 p.m. on December 19, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, Carroll College in Helena, Montana, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.