Jim Janicek

1944 - 2024

James "Jim" William Janicek, 80, (formerly of Moore, MT), passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in Chester, MT. Jim was born to James F. "Jimmy" and Grace "Izzy" (Deffinbaugh) Janicek on July 22, 1944, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lewistown, MT. Jim graduated from Moore School in 1962. After graduation, he worked both on and off the family farm. Jim also served in the Montana Air National Guard.

Jim married Barbara Ross October 7, 1967, and made Lewistown, MT their home until 1971 when they moved to the family farm in Moore. Two children were born to this marriage, Julie Ann and Robert James. Jim loved everything about the farm and together, he and Barb kept a beautiful place. Jim & Barb considered their neighbors family and enjoyed generations of love and laughter with those that lived on the Crystal Lake Road.

Jim retired from farming in 1999 and focused on the restoration of antique tractors, which he called his "sanity projects." His goal was to complete at least one project a year and earned a reputation for turning rusty iron into classic working farm equipment. Jim was a charter member of the Central MT Flywheelers. He loved talking about the history of his treasures, giving tractor rides, and instigating tractor parades around the neighborhood.

Jim was a tinkerer and could fix anything using his endless collection of spare parts. He even built two small working tractors for his grandchildren using stationary engines.

Jim loved to hunt, especially when it involved his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed bird hunting with his friend Mike in the Little Belt Mountains on ATV. Whether anyone got game or not, it was always a fun time and included a variety of tall tales.

Jim & Barb moved to Lewistown in 2017 as their health declined. Barb passed away in 2018, and due to mobility concerns, Jim made the decision to relocate to Chester, MT. It was difficult for him to be far away from his friends and the farm he loved but he found comfort being near Julie's family. He lived in Wheat Country Estates initially; then as his needs increased, he transitioned to Logan Health Chester. The love and care Jim received on the hi-line was a blessing to him and the family.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Barbara of 50 years; brothers-in-law, Jim and Jerry Ross; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Belonga.

He is survived by children, Julie (Dave) Miller, Bob (Diana) Janicek, and Jeff (Lani Wilson) Neudick; grandchildren, Kiera, Dane (Haley), Devon (Brie Boyce) and Dylan (Emma) Miller and Kelby and Layne (Jessica) Janicek; and sister-in-law, Leah Ross.

A Vigil Service will be held at Creel Funeral Home on Friday, October 4th, 7:00 p.m. Graveside Services will be held at Beaver Creek Cemetery on Saturday, October 5th, 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow in the barn at the family farm. Memorials may be made in Jim's honor to Beaver Creek Cemetery, St. Mathias Catholic Church in Moore, St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chester, Central Montana Flywheelers, or the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Jim's family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com