Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Grace Obituary
Born Feb 28, 1937 in Dillon, Montana
Died Mar 18, 2025 in Montana City, Montana
Grew up in Dillon and Laurel, MT where his interest in auto mechanics led him to work during high school for Beam's Body Shop in Laurel.
He also worked as a lifeguard in the summers, Stormont's Blacksmith and Welding, and part time for his father's trucking company.
He graduated from Laurel High School with the class of '57, and then attended MSU in Bozeman.
He married Carol Jean Erickson of Bozeman June 1, 1958
They had three children: Mary Jo Elizabeth, Shannon Kay Jean, and Paul Robert James "Bobby".
After the wedding, Jim went to work for Consolidated Freightways in Billings, MT. He later worked for Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA, then ended up with a drafting position at the State of Montana Bridge Department.
After Carol Jean and Jim parted ways, he married Donna Arlene Olson Zimmerman on December 27, 1970, to become the stepfather to her five children, Barbara, Ted, Dave, Jim, and Jeff.
Jim and Donna lived in Clancy, MT until building their dream house on Crazy Mountain outside Montana City, where they resided (with snow-bird trips to Lake Havasu, AZ) until their deaths.
Jim loved square dancing, fishing, camping in their fifth-wheel, and spending time in the outdoors.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother & father, wife Donna, daughter Mary Jo , stepson Ted Zimmerman, and granddaughter Roxane Nelson Forbes.
He is survived by sisters Betty Loos and Lillie Grace; Children Shannon (Todd) Paddock, Bob (Karen) Grace, and Mary Jo's husband- Rich Nelson; step-children Barb (Bill) Townsend, Ted's wife- Karen Zimmerman, Dave Zimmerman, Jimmy Zimmerman, & Jeff (Kera) Zimmerman; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11am, Monday, April 7 at Anderson Funeral Home in Helena. Burial and refreshments to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Grace
Sponsored by Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in James Grace's name
Memorial Events
for James Grace
Apr
7
Memorial service
11:00 a.m.
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602
Funeral services provided by:
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home & Crematory - Helena3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Grace's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
