James F Bauer

James (Jim) F. Bauer, 70, of Florence, MT, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Missoula’s Hope Hospice Center, of cancer.

Jim was born on February 17, 1956, in Pasadena, California, to Edward (Ed) F. and Anne Bauer. As a young boy, Jim loved to spend weekends at his Grandma Lois’ pharmacy or listening to Dodger baseball games on her porch. Jim learned to pound nails in next door neighbor Merlin’s garage.

Jim attended grade school at Lincoln Elementary located just two blocks from the family home in La Crescenta. He attended Clark Junior School and spent his high school years at Crescenta Valley. During junior and high school years, Jim participated in football, as well as track and field. He ran the hurdles and played positions of defensive end, receiver, and special teams. As a senior, his football team won the Southern Section Large School Championship. Jim was part of the 30 and 50 year celebrations of this achievement.

Jim attended college at Glendale Community College, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He was a member of the Cal Poly Logging Team participating in activities such as pole climbing, axe throwing and different timed chainsaw events. Speed chopping was his favorite event!

Jim began his U.S. Forest Service career in 1978 on the Angeles National Forest. In 1981, Jim met Cheryl Garrett. Part of Cheryl’s job was to offer interpretive services to the public and Jim took on the role of being Smokey Bear at Cheryl’s programs. Their courtship took place on the mountain and three years later they were married in Idaho on May 19, 1984.

In 1985, Jim and Cheryl moved to the Sequoia National Forest. Here, Jim began the best job he ever had! He was assigned to the Blackrock Engine located on the Kern Plateau. In 2004, Jim’s final move was to the Fire Prevention Battalion Chief position. Jim also enjoyed being part of the Fire Scope Safety Specialist Group, working as a Safety Officer on the South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team, and having the opportunity to travel throughout the Western US and to the South to fight forest fires or to provide support following natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. After working nearly 30 years for the Forest Service, Jim retired in 2011. In 2014, Jim and Cheryl moved to Florence, MT where they enjoyed retirement life.

A loving husband and devoted father to daughter Elizabeth (Liz). Jim liked having fun with family and friends, attending Missoula Senior Forum gatherings, looking for items at Gardner’s Auction Service and was an active member of First United Methodist Church.

Jim loved the out of doors, driving his Jeep and his 1979 Ford pickup, camping and hiking, exploring old mining sites, working in his shop, hockey, and volunteering by helping others. Jim loved his dogs Sydney and Ember too.

Survivors include his wife Cheryl, of Florence; daughter Elizabeth (Liz), of Missoula, and several cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Please join us to honor, remember, and celebrate Jim’s life on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. MDT at First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Main Street in Missoula, MT with Pastor John Daniels officiating. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers please consider the company, "A Living Tribute “to plant a tree in honor of Jim. You can choose to plant a tree in California's Sequoia National Forest where Jim dedicated most of his Forest Service career. Go to: https://shop.alivingtribute.org