James Bighorn

James Allen Bighorn, age 66, passed away at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings on Sunday May 12, 2024 from natural causes.
Jim was born in Poplar on July 5, 1957 in Poplar, Montana to Florence Mae Weinberger (Bighorn) and Ernest Clark Bighorn, Sr. Jim was the baby of the family and he joined his siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Crystal, Sybil, and Alda.
Jim attended school in Brockton and graduated in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy in 1977 and was honorably discharged in 1982. During this time he married Feryl Greufe and they had one son Luke Bighorn. Jim and Feryl eventually divorced but remained good friends.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy he moved back to Poplar for a while and then moved to Minneapolis where he worked for the Billy Graham organization. He worked for Billing Graham for 7 years and upon the passing of his mother Florence he moved home to Poplar for a couple of years. Jim then worked as an over the road truck driver for Allied Van Lines and lived in Daytona, Florida for a while. He then started his 25-year career in law enforcement. He worked for the Fort Peck Tribes as a police officer, prosecutor, and Dare Officer. He also worked at Rocky Boy and Newtown as a criminal investigator. Upon his death he was employed at the Thundering Buffalo Wellness Center as a security guard.
Jim's closet friends were the Bauer twins (Byron and Brian), TJ Bauer, and Dennis Youngman. Jim also was very fond of Myrna Greufe his mother-in-law from a previous marriage. Jim loved the Denver Broncos and cheered em on through the good and bad times. Throughout the years Jim made his home with various family members: Maebelle Archambeau, Keith and Sunee Erickson, Iva and Ron Harris, Ernie Bighorn, Alda Bighorn, Sybil Bighorn, Jackie and Clinton Small. We all will miss his company immensely.
Those family members preceding Jim in death were: His grandparents Maurice and Alda Bighorn and George and Ida Weinberger. His brother George Bighorn and 4 brothers not named. He was preceded by a number of other relatives from the Bighorn, Weinberger, Youpee, Lambert, Crow Belt, Baker, Turning Bear, Martell.
The surviving family members are his only child Luke Bighorn. He was also survived by his grandson Dane Bighorn. He is also survived by his siblings: Ernie Bighorn, Jackie Small, Crystal Bighorn, Sybil Erickson, and Alda Bighorn. Up until his passing Papa Jim and his grandson Keilen were hooked at the hip. From hunting to traveling and concerts Jim was extremely proud of Keilen, and he was the joy of his life. Special thanks to Bonnie for helping Jim getting to where he needed to go.
He is also survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thanks to Saint Vincent Hospital for all their care and to his co-workers at the Fort Peck Tribes over the years. A huge thank you to his sister Alda for caring for him during his last days while hospitalized. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you Aunt.
Most importantly he wanted his message of celebrating his life and the Lord to be carried on. Jim was adamant that grieving should be short and wanted everyone to know that he is in a better place and at home with his Lord and Savior.
Any omissions from Jim's obituary was not intentional. Jim comes from a big family.
A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. Interment will follow at the Riverside Presbyterian Cemetery.
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