James Lee "Jim" Bishop

James "Jim" Bishop, age 92, of Miles City

January 5, 1934 – January 16, 2026

On the morning of January 16th, 2026, James Lee "Jim" Bishop passed away peacefully at his home in Miles City, surrounded by family members. Jim was 92 years old.

Jim was born in Great Falls on January 5th, 1934. He was the second youngest of 10 brothers and sisters born to Lillian and James U. Bishop.

Jim grew up on the family farm outside Brady, that was homesteaded by his parents. He attended grade school in a one room country school. Jim and his sister Virginia shared a horseback ride each day to and from school. The weather or temperature did not keep them from school; their horse always knew the way. Some of Jim's farm chores included milking cows every morning and picking rocks from the farm fields in the summer.

Jim's father was in the Montana Legislature and Jim accompanied him to Helena when it was in session. Jim had a job selling newspapers on the corner, at that time the best corner selling spot was acquired by who was the toughest and Jim was always in the best spot.

When Jim reached high school age, he and his mother and sister moved to Conrad during the school year. Jim graduated from Conrad High School. He was an excellent athlete and earned a varsity letter each year in four sports. When Jim was a senior, he was selected and played in the 1952 Montana East/West Shrine football game representing the East. Jim was offered a football scholarship at both Montana State and Iowa State. He was an active member of the FFA as well as being selected for Montana Boys State, where he served as state treasurer and associate justice.

After high school Jim enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country in Korea. Jim was very happy to return to Montana after his enlistment ended, he returned and enrolled into college at Montana State University.

On November 25th, 1955, he married Shirley Flynn, his wife of 68 years, in Conrad. Jim graduated from MSU in 1959 with a degree in Agriculture and Range Science. During his time in Bozeman the family added 3 family members.

Jim's first job after graduation was with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service. moving the family to Ekalaka. A fourth child was added to the family during their time in Ekalaka. After transfers to Glendive and Circle the family moved to Miles City in 1969 where Jim accepted a job with the Northern Pacific Railroad Land Department, and he was responsible for leasing the railroad's thousands of acres of land across the Northwest United States. He was also in charge of two large ranching operations, the Dreyer Ranch north of Circle and a ranch in Pincher Creek, Alberta Canada.

After retiring Jim remained active as he was both a proud parent and fan of the Miles City Cowboys/Cowgirls. Jim participated in the towns "Over the Hill" basketball well into his seventies, many nights it was reported that he returned home after basketball with a black eye or broken glasses.

Jim was a lifetime avid hunter. He enjoyed hunting birds and big game with his sons and grandsons. He also enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Town & Country Club for over 50 years.

He was involved in the Miles City community and served on various advisory boards over the years. Also being elected and served as an alderman on the Miles City Council. Over the years he was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers, Montana Woolgrowers, Sage Riders, and Range Riders. Serving as President of both the Sage Riders and Range Riders for multiple years.

Jim was a lifetime MSU Bobcat fan and booster club member. He particularly enjoyed the Cats winning the National Championship on his 92nd birthday!

He was a great father and role model. Always proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed attending Bishop family functions and it gave him great joy visiting with all his nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Holy Rosary Hospice for the outstanding care they provided for Dad.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Shirley; his parents James and Lillian Bishop; his stepfather, Sebastion Bitz; his brothers Argyle, Ralph, and Archie; his sisters Violet, Dorothy, and Virginia; infant brothers and sister, Joseph, Irwin, and Bonnie.

He is survived by his children, Mike (Sandy) Bishop, Pam (Rich) Stone, Pat (Sue) Bishop, and Scott (Madonna) Bishop. Jim had 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim's name to the Range Riders in Miles City.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment with full Military Honors will be held at Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery in Miles City.