James Smith

James Larry Smith, 70, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, of a heart condition, while at home surrounded by family.

James “Jim” was born on Dec. 18, 1954 in San Diego, CA. Son to Bonnie and William “Randy” Messer, James lived a very full life, committed to service. Growing up in the San Diego area of California, he was well educated, completing all High School, and some College.

However, his life’s passion began in the US Army. As a Sgt. First Class he pledged 20 years of his life to service. Spending years overseas in countries such as Germany he devoted his time to assisting others and helping recruitment. His love for teaching and helping others didn’t just end with his time in the service however. While stationed in Alaska, James taught Fishing rod building, as well as fly tying, hunting, and fishing. James went on to serve as the chair on the Bonner School Board for 6 years, as well as instructing countless individuals in Hunters Education for 20 years.

As an avid sportsman, James spent his free time hunting and fishing in the mountains around Montana. This passion followed him through his whole life, and was continued in the form of his favorite hobby; collecting. James loved to collect items such as firearms, knives, historical artifacts, coins, and other various oddities.

Most of all however, Jim was a father. He married to his wife Carolyn on Jan. 15 1974, they went on to have 2 daughters, Sarah and Amy, as well as 5 Grandchildren, but most of all, James loved his role as ‘Papa’ to his 3 great grandchildren. Overall, this was the most important role to James, was being a father figure to his family.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn, mother Bonnie Messer, his sisters Summer Holmer, Jeanette Renning, Patti Olah, his daughters Amy Chittenden, and Sarah Earnest, His Grandchildren Gyen, Rebekah, Matthew, Elyssa, and Shyanne, as well as his Great Grandsons Silas, Oliver, and Matthias.

James will be remembered as the Papa to his family. He will be sorely missed as he makes his way to Heavens Gate.

John 11:25: “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”