James Robert "Muskrat" Conner

1952 - 2025

Heroes don't always wear capes, sometimes they wear badges and tell Dad jokes.

James Robert Conner, (Muskrat), 72, died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Jim Conner was born on December 23, 1952, to Dr. James and Ann Pritchett Conner in Chicago, IL. The family moved to Hinsdale, IL where Jim attended school, graduating in 1971. He earned a Wildlife Biology degree from the University of Montana Missoula and began his career as a Montana Game Warden in Kalispell.

Jim met his future wife, Tracy (Smith) at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, they married in 1982 and made Polson home. Son, Cary was born in 1983. The family moved to Lewistown in 1985, and Jim worked in Region 4. Daughters, Lacy and Karlyle were born in 1987, and Lewistown was home for the next 35 years.

Jim Conner's 30-year career with the Fish and Game was rewarding; he pressed the department on the importance of genetic forensic evidence collection to be used in solving cases. Jim strove to not only protect the wildlife of Montana, but he also saved a person or two along the way.

Jim Conner was an honest man, a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a loyal friend. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and camping, and shared the love of the land with his friends and family, especially grandchildren. He got bored with retirement from the FWP and tried his hand at lawn care, dispatching at the FCSO, and working at Ballyhoo Printing.

In his spare time, Jim volunteered with the Western Invitational Tournament, Boy Scouts, Youth Soccer, Youth Hockey, Hunter Safety, Guns and Hoses, Senior Olympics Hockey, and traveling the backroads setting out bluebird houses and goose nests. Jim loved hockey and Lewistown Ice Skating Association. The skating rink is something he was very proud of.

Jim's parents, and his beloved yellow lab Snert, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Tracy, son Cary (Christine), daughters Lacy (Ryan) Works, and Karlyle (Dustin) Duke; grandchildren, Kenzi, Asher, Alissa, Killian, Allison, Breise, and Finnegan; children's godparents George and Eleanor Pierce; and a sister.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Jim's life is planned for next summer at the Ice-Skating Rink in Lewistown. Donations are suggested to LISA (Lewistown Ice Skating Association), Team Gleason, I Am ALS, or The ALS Association. Creel Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.