James "Jim" Magalsky

1951 - 2024

A Master Carpenter, like Jesus his Savior, James Andrew Magalsky led a life of significance in spite of challenges. After courageously battling a debilitating disease for 44 years, Jim passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on May 29th, 2024. Jim was born on August 30, 1951 in Glendive, Montana to Ed and Grace Magalsky, the 4th of 8 children. He grew up North of Lindsay, MT on the family ranch, graduated from Circle High School in 1969 and attended MSU briefly before returning home to work various farm and carpentry jobs.

He married Lucy Green in 1972 and they moved to Chama, NM where they welcomed their first child, Michael in 1973. They returned home to Montana to live on the Hubing Ranch where they added a daughter, Lynette, in 1975 and another son, Kelly, in 1979.

In 1980 his sickness started and the next year he walked into the Mayo Clinic for tests but left wheelchair bound and never walked again. From that point on his health declined; he lost coordination, his eye sight suffered and he was completely bed-ridden for a time. Frankly, life was frustrating at every turn. Eventually he had to adapt to life in this twisted sense of "normal".

Jim and Lucy together raised their three children through abundant grit and with constant admonition and encouragement. Together, they attended every school event - sports, music, theater, graduations, and fostered us three into a drug problem...yes, they drug us to church every Sunday.

In 1998 when they became empty nesters, they decided to embrace their newfound freedom. They purchased a motor home and began their excursions south for many years. They joined Campers for Christ and met many great friends and returned home to Montana for summers as well as lived in Boise for several years to be near grandkids.

In 2019, Jim wanted to be back in Montana near his siblings so he moved to Livingston where he was close to his brother Joe and Joe's wife, Sally. While the nursing home was anything but enjoyable, he was cared for lovingly and constantly by both of them. Sally became like another sister to him and after a career as a nurse she was instrumental in overseeing his care. She was devoted and dedicated to Jim and the companionship and care given was immeasurably valued. We will be forever grateful to them both.

He was preceded in death by so many he loved dearly. Lucy, his wife of 50 years, just 15 months ago. Also his father, Edward; mother, Grace; brother, George; father-in-Law Earl Green; brother in-law Jimmy Green, and sister-in-law Elaine Magalsky.

He is survived by Son, Michael James Magalsky, wife Lovena, and grandkids Aaron, Grace, Abigail, and Gabriel, of Boise, ID and one great-granddaughter Naiah. Daughter, Lynette Maria Champlin, husband Nathan, and granddaughters Sara, Leah, Mikayla, and Olivia of Billings, MT. Son Kelly Edward Magalsky, wife Darcy, and grandkids Connor, Hailey, and Ryan of Cheney, WA. Multiple brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The ball's in your court. Be like Jim. Accept Jesus as your Savior and follow him faithfully starting today. Jim will be waiting in Heaven for you.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 7/3/2024 at 11 am at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Circle, Montana. The full obituary can be read and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.