James P. Opheim

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Glasgow Elks Lodge #1922. Feel free to wear Griz or Scottie attire in remembrance. Opy will be inurned at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26th with a reception following at the Knights of Columbus (2216 Grand Avenue).

James “Opy” Paige Opheim, 72, passed away January 28, 2025. He was born to Gladys “Jody” Theo Opheim and Rex Opheim in Glasgow, Montana, on January 30, 1952.

After a house fire, a new birth certificate was issued with a birth date of January 31, 1952. We then celebrated both days. Spoiled!

Jim was born the third child of five siblings.

He married Kari Benzinger. They had two daughters, the loves of his life. First born, Heather Dawn Opheim, and three years later, along came Jennifer Jo Opheim. They later divorced. Heather blessed him with his first and only grandson, Deavan Taud Jones, in 1996. His greatest love was his family and friends, but especially his daughters. They were his pride and joy and he would do anything for them.

He held many jobs throughout his life. He was a fire fighter, butcher, meat processor, and most recently, drove the Valley County transit bus, which he absolutely loved because of the relationships he made.

He enjoyed hunting, BBQing, cooking, feeding everyone, and golfing back in the day. He was a big Glasgow Scottie and Griz fan. If he wasn’t watching the games, he would be listening to them on the radio. Processing meat was by far his favorite thing to do. In his own words: “I love to get paid to play with everyone’s meat!!” And don’t forget the daily match play! He loved making his way around town to give everyone s**t!

Opy had a wild, crazy, fun spirit about him. He was always telling stories, cracking jokes, and was quite the prankster! He believed in enjoying life and living every day to the fullest. Daddio was our rock! He was a fun-loving kind soul and always someone you could talk to. He built friendships to last a lifetime. It was his mission to put a smile on your face and to make you laugh before leaving or hanging up the phone.

His unwavering love, kindness, and humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Last-LRS, AKA- Long Distance Hug. This started when grandma Jody was battling cancer, multiple times, and dad couldn’t be there. Take your right hand, put in on your left shoulder. Now take your left hand, put it on your right shoulder. You got it? Yes, ok, now squeeze!! LRS Daddio!

Jim has gone to be with the Lord, and waiting for him, with open arms, were his parents, Jody and Rex Opheim and his beautiful daughter, Heather Dawn Opheim.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Jo Opheim (Kenny), grandson Deavan Jones (Hope), great-granddaughter (Jemma Lily), sister Loni (Jerry), brothers Mike, Berney, Jerry (Vicki). Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Close friends Del Gienger, Tom Southland, Kelly Siefert, and many more special friends.

A service will be held in Glasgow, Montana in the spring of 2025. Arrangements by Bell Mortuary. Condolences may be made at bellmortuarymontana.com.