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Henry Cusker Obituary
Henry James (Jim) Cusker
Henry James (Jim) Cusker passed away peacefully on February 3rd at his home, lovingly surrounded by family and his Corgis (Emma and Watson). Jim was a loving husband, an incredible father and Papa, a steadfast friend, a farmer-rancher, nationally awarded and recognized science teacher, and a passionate land and agricultural conservationist.
Jim was born on the family ranch in Wolf Point on May 17, 1932 to Henry Jay and Mary Louise Cusker. After his brother Bruce was born his father loaded the family, horses, wagon and a dog named Gus onto a train and they headed West to Missoula where the family ranch was established in 1938.
Jim began his lifetime of education in the little two-room school house of Hellgate on Mullan Road. He excelled at every scholastic endeavor; he was advanced early twice in grade school and was the class valedictorian of Missoula County High School. He played football for the Spartans, and although undersized, he used his quickness and tenacity to blast opponents off the line as an offensive guard. He followed high school graduation as a member of Sigma Nu and ROTC, at Montana State University (recognized now as the University of Montana – Go Griz!) where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Zoology and a teaching certification. During this time, he met and married Joan Elaine Mehus and soon after they deployed to Fort Benning, Georgia where he served as an infantry officer in the United States Army. While at Fort Benning his oldest son was born, Jay Alvin. After his active-duty service Jim and the young family moved to Bozeman to complete his Master's Degree, teach at Gallatin County High School, and welcome his second son, Jon Bruce. His next teaching job was in Havre where his third son, Joel Douglas was born. Jim yearned to return to Missoula and the family ranch, and as fate intervened, he obtained a teaching job at Missoula County High School and then at Sentinel High School where he perfected his passion for teaching over a span of 38 years. While in Missoula, Jim and Joan welcomed their two daughters, Jami Beth and Juli Ann, completing the family. After the children were raised, and grand-children were being born, Joan passed away at home from complications of diabetes. Later in life Jim once again found the beauty of a loving relationship with Earlene Kay and the couple enjoyed thirty-two years together before his passing.
Upon retiring from teaching Jim devoted his life to farming and his "pet" cows, tending his English Garden, international travel, and loving on his Welsh Corgis. Jim was a perpetual student of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (UofM), a Grizzly football fanatic, and he mentored graduate level teachers from the University of Montana. He was a passionate advocate for the protection of agricultural land, placing the ranch he grew up on in a conservation easement, while serving on the Five Valleys Land Trust, the Missoula County Open Space Committee, and the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition. His devotion to family never wavered as he helped raise his grand-children and he was always a constant presence in the life of family, his students, and friends.
The immediate family Jim leaves on this earth include his wife Earlene Kay and her son Brad (Jeanine); his brother Bruce (Bobbi); three sons Jay (Jan), Jon (Patti), Joel (Brenda); two daughters Jami (Brad) and Juli (Mike); nine grand-children, and eleven great grand-children.
The family is holding a Celebration of Life Ceremony on September 16, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 830 South Avenue West in Missoula. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Missoula Community Food and Agriculture Coalition, Garden City Harvest, or any charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Cusker
Jeffrey Beck
September 12, 2023
Jim Cusker was one of my favorite teachers at Sentinel high school. I took his biology and advanced biology classes, which I thoroughly enjoyed. His advanced biology class challenged me and provided good preparation for college. He was also a supporter of the annual high school science fairs which I very much appreciated.
Jim was a wonderful advocate for me. He was key in my getting accepted to the National Summer Science Camp in West VirginiaI* (which accepts two students from each state), and M.I.T. in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I kept in touch with him over the years and got to see him seven years ago when I returned to Missoula for my 50th class reunion. I will miss him.
*Several years ago, I attended the 50th reunion of the National Science Camp in WV. While there I met a lady who was also from Missoula. Guess what: Her biology teacher was James Cusker!
Jeff Beck
Class of `66
Plano, Texas
Julie
September 5, 2023
Thank you for teaching AP Biology to me. Julie Trauscht-Van Horn now Gardner. Class of 1986
Sally D Tibbs
August 27, 2023
I am sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I knew him first as a student teacher and later as a teacher colleague. His influence on science teaching in Montana was immeasurable. We are grateful also for his later efforts for the environment. Missoula and Montana will miss him.
Neva Hassanein
August 26, 2023
Jim had a profound impact on Missoula and me personally. I am so disappointed that I will be unable to attend the memorial due to a work-related conflict. I was happy to donate to CFAC in his honor, as he did more to advocate for the protection of farmland from unregulated development than anyone in the history of our community. RIP my friend.
Sandy Thatcher Miller
August 25, 2023
Mr. Cusker was my favorite teacher in my life. He taught Advanced Biology where I learned my love for Microbiology. That stimulated me to obtain a degree and become a Clinical Microbiologist in a hospital, a job that I loved and was always a challenge. He was a special teacher and will be greatly missed. RIP
Rochelle Wilson
August 23, 2023
He was my behavioral science teacher at Sentinel. Pretty much the only class in high school that was intellectually stimulating in large part due to Mr. Cusker´s enthusiasm. My favorite class and my favorite teacher! I enjoyed reading about his background and life. An outstanding individual!
Janet
August 22, 2023
He was my Sunday School Teacher way back at Immanuel and my Biology teacher. Our family got a Shaggypoo puppy from him as well. Wonderful man.
Doug Pyeatt
May 24, 2023
I remember first being introduced to Mr.Cusker as a freshman at Sentinel High. I have always considered him to be my most memorable and favorite teacher.
For three a summers Mr. Custer and his wife welcomed me to their farm/ranch in order to collect Canada thistle and painted lady butterfly larvae for a biotic control, science research project. I remember doing well with that project, more specifically I remember Mr. Cusker selflessly spending his time to help ensure my success, what a great man.
I am sad to hear of his passing but beyond blessed to have called him a mentor.
I will never forget his awesomely unique and contagious laughter.
Thank you Mr.Cusker for all the wonderful memories and I hope to see you again.
Michael Sol
April 9, 2023
It was an odd, and saddening, month. Jim Cusker passes. Fred Deschamps passes. Barbara Evans passes. Not just "pillars" of the community, but, really the people who made Missoula what it was.
Josh Laslovich
March 23, 2023
Sorry to hear of Mr. Cusker´s passing! He was always friendly and enjoyed him every time our paths crossed!
PAMELA Ann FRASIER
March 2, 2023
I remember jogging my first child on Cote Lane when a flash Spring storm came on. He stopped his truck just
ahead of me and my baby and delivered us to our home. I knew his face as being one of our Best Educators. I tried very hard to follow in his foot steps and to raise my two sons in that way. Thanks, so much for the ride in the storm.
Clyta Dillon
February 27, 2023
Cusker cousins, July 2019 Connie Grayson, Jim and Clyta Dillon (daughters of Jay's oldest sister, Pete (Clyta Margery Cusker Dillon))
What a wonderful man Jim was!! See you all at the Celebration!!
Mary Schile
February 23, 2023
Dear Earlene,the Cusker kids and families, We have fond memories of coming out to your beautiful property for branding. Jim was one of the nicest men I ever met. So proud of his family, proud to preserve,the land and leave a legacy.~Peace from the Schile family
Donald Berg
February 21, 2023
Jim was my science department chairman at Sentinel. A more professional educator never was. He set examples for me for 33 years.
He always wanted to know about YOU. What was important in your life.
Pat George
February 20, 2023
Dear Earlene and family, I have such great memories of Jim from my time working with Earlene at the quilt shop. He was such a kind soul and willing to help with anything that needed doing. I rode to Billings with him once, when he was going to a wrestling meet, and I was visiting my mother. We stopped in Butte for pork chop sans and had such a fun time. He truly was one of a kind and Missoula is a little sadder place without him.
Pat McDonald
February 19, 2023
Earlene, I am so sorry to read of the passing of Jim, a truly great man! You have experienced some very emotional times in your life and I'm sure the many years you and Jim spent together will always be viewed as the best!! I vividly remember Judy and I seeing you on your first date with Jim-oh so cute!! May your days ahead be good ones!!
Howard Horton
February 19, 2023
Jim was a real challenge to beat in a foot race. We were both competitive runners. I did student teaching at Ronan with his brother, Bruce. I always respected Jim and considered him a perfect gentleman. We were about the same age. Howard Horton ([email protected])
Rob Haines
February 19, 2023
Mr. Cusker taught me more biology in his AP class at Sentinel than nursing school mustered in four years. His calm manner and endless patience was such a welcome hour in my day. He will be remembered. So sorry for your loss.
Sharmon Dickinson
February 18, 2023
Jon, Im sorry to hear about your dad´s passing. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of your dad.
Sharon Horner
February 17, 2023
The world was a better place with Jim in it. I'm so sorry for his family's loss. I have such good memories of Jim and Earlene and me having such fun times! Jim, you brought so much happiness to everyone who knew you! RIP!
Roberta Smith
February 17, 2023
I was saddened to see of Mr. Cusker's passing. He was absolutely my favorite teacher in high school at Sentinel. He made chemistry fun! My sincere sympathy to the family.
Scott Brodie
February 17, 2023
Jim Cusker was my favorite teacher at Sentinel High School back in 1977. He and my father were friends back in their own High School days. Joel and I were in the Montana National Guard together for many years.
A great family raised by a great patriarch. My deepest condolences.
Michael Sol
February 16, 2023
I knew Jim Cusker all of my life, and did the legal work to place the family ranch into a Conservation Easement, an endeavor he was deeply committed to.
Jim had called just a week or so ago, that he was going to have some surgery done, but wanted to get together afterwards to go over "the history of the area." In part because my own Father had arrived here in 1910, and lived "just down the road."
I regret, now, not just saying "I'll be right out!"
Helen Meadows
February 16, 2023
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Memories of Jim go back a long ways. As a young man, Jim began his hog operation when he purchased a Yorkshire gilt from my dad (M. E. Muller, Rocky Hill Stock Farm) in Corvallis. Petunia, I think, was her name. He always smiled when he talked about those early beginnings.
He was a very congenial, intelligent man; his work ethic was admirable, and he was a terrific 4-H supporter!
Teri J Cassady
February 16, 2023
Uncle Jim was married to my Aunt Earlene for most of my life. I actually do not remember a time that he was not with Aunt Earlene. He was a kind, gentle soul who gave of himself without reserve. He has truly left this world better than he found it.
Jennie Farley
February 16, 2023
Mr Cusker saw my son's potential and worked with him and his interests for two years. This early mentorship, gave my son the confidence to become successful in life. So grateful for this fine man and teacher.
Juli Cusker Koschel
February 16, 2023
Love all these comments on here from the Upward Bound to the Fat Hog Cutters! Oh how we all have been blessed by this dear soul. This is just one of many pics of his love and dedication in working in his "gardens" and saving the land! Thank you for choosing me to complete the family, you have been the best dad anyone could ever have! Love you beyond measure, your baby girl.
Misty Blodgett
February 16, 2023
He was my biology teacher at sentinel in the mid 80s. He was always kind and very passionate about the subject matter which made learning easy. Be blessed by all the rich memories he leaves.
Cindy McCallum
February 16, 2023
Amazing teacher. I went into chemistry in College because of him. Thank you Mr. Cusker
Casey Jeszenka
February 16, 2023
Jim was a great man and a great mentor when I was growing up. We always called him Smiling Jim because he always had a smile. He was my science teacher, 4H leader and employed me and my friends to hay bail for them. I have many fond memories of my childhood thanks to Jim Cusker. He will be missed by all!
Karen Hegge Hunt
February 16, 2023
Earlene and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. 'Mr. Cusker' will always be remembered as a favorite teacher of mine, and for the smile he always had.
Carrie (Beutel) (Ford) Levine
February 16, 2023
Proud to be related and to have had the long distance relationship that we shared. What a great man! I spent time with Jay & Mary when I was younger. It was a slice of heaven.
Gary Hughes
February 16, 2023
Hello to Jim's Families: I did not know Jim but new OF him over the years as I worked in Grizzly Athletics and he always seemed to be there! I am so sorry to see the loss to your families and Missoula! I wish you great peace of mind and heart to each.
Richard Micheletto
February 16, 2023
Jim was an inspiration to me as a teacher and friend. We always appreciated his personal notes on the correspondence we received from Five Valleys Land Trust.
I remember being road races with him. I couldn´t beat him, but we both wore "Fat Hog Cutters " T-shirts.
Jim will be long remembered by me and my family.
Lorrie Meeks
February 16, 2023
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family Earlene. God bless you all.
Bill Schwanke
February 16, 2023
One of the best human beings ever, just a grand fellow!
Gale English
February 16, 2023
Earlene, I am so sorry to read of Jim´s passing. He was such a good human being, and touched many lives, including mine. Sending you sympathy and prayers. Gale English
KAREN J TROXEL
February 16, 2023
Jim worked with my father Joe Roberts for many years at Sentinel, he was also taught my brothers and I. He was a wonderful person and a one of a kind educator.
Valerie J. Trenk
February 16, 2023
We were fortunate to have him as a science teacher in the Upward Bound program at the University of Montana during the summer. Thanks Jim! Valerie J. Trenk UB 1969, 1970, 1971
Jami Cusker Barker
February 16, 2023
I feel I would be remiss if I didn´t add a couple more instances where my incomparable Dad excelled ... The Missoula Farmer´s Market & The Missoula County 4-H Club `Hellgate Busy Beavers´!! My dad was `Organic´ before it became a fad & shared this passion every summer with produce from an acre garden ... oh how I enjoyed those days! Being heavily involved in the local 4-H club allowed us Cusker kids to learn & love the field of animal husbandry; no better way to learn true responsibility than to get to care for critters! Thank you Dad, your ineffable legacy lives on in my three lovely girls & fabulous grands!! Love You Beyond (LYB)
Jami Cusker Barker
February 16, 2023
Jean Larson
February 16, 2023
Jim was a prince of a man. He served as a long-time board member of the Ark for Lutheran Campus Ministry when I was pastor there. Always kind, encouraging, persistent, he cared for the students and the work with compassion and wisdom. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks, Jim!
Jami Cusker Barker
February 16, 2023
My dad was an incomparable force of nature in everything he did & to everyone he met! I think it needs to be added that Dad was `Organic´ before it became a fad ... Summers were spent cultivating his acre garden & selling his produce twice a week at the Missoula Farmer´s Market!
Needless to say, between that & his involvement in the Missoula County 4-H club `Hellgate Busy Beavers´, he kept us kids busy & taught us the value of hard work & animal husbandry! Thank you for a wonderful childhood Dad ... my good memory tank is overflowing!
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