James Scoville

James Donovan Scoville died on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 of natural causes at his longtime Missoula home, with family at his side. He was born on June 19th, 1929 in Great Falls, Montana, the only child of Earl Bemis and Jane (Donovan) Scoville. The family moved to Missoula in 1937 when Jim was in elementary school; he attended St. Anthony Grade School, and graduated from Missoula County (now Hellgate) High School in 1947.

Jim attended the University of Montana until enlisting in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict; he received an honorable discharge on December 1, 1954 and continued his education, graduating from UM with a business degree in 1957. Jim was employed at local family business City Electric, where he held the role of office manager for 34 years.

Jim married Jacqueline “Jackie” Jacobson on December 29th, 1956, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Missoula, launching a joyful marriage that would last nearly 57 years. Daughter Jamie was born in 1962 and son Jimmy followed in 1965.

Jim was an avid Grizzly supporter, and there were many out-of-state Griz football trips! He enjoyed bowling, boating, fishing on Flathead Lake, and most of all: spending time at the cabin with his family. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he especially loved his Jacobson family, including the extended Norway relatives.

During their retirement years, Jim and Jackie took many trips and cruises, feeling that it was important to travel with friends and family while they were able. The couple devoted much of this special time to their granddaughter Regan, who helped them to stay young at heart.

Whether it was in the bleachers at a Griz game, behind the starting block at a swim meet, running concessions at a band concert, walking dogs along the Clark Fork, mowing his lawn on Dixon Avenue, or bellied up to his table at the Montana Club with a steak sandwich, extra onions - when you encountered Jim, you were in good company.

He is survived by his son James E. Scoville, daughter-in-law Laura, grandchildren Regan Lopez-deVictoria (Zack Cline), Steven “Donovan” Phillips, Devin Phillips, and great-grandchildren Keoki, Jackie, Early, Karter, and Knox. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jackie, daughter Jamie, and his parents - what a fond reunion they’re having now!

Visitation and funeral services will take place at Saint Francis Xavier (420 W. Pine St.) on Monday, September 8th. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:00 am, and the funeral will begin at 11:00 am; interment at Missoula City Cemetary to follow, all are welcome to join. Jim’s family will host a reception at the Montana Club (2620 Brooks St) immediately after interment. Please direct any questions to Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula.

Jim was a generous donor to many noble causes; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite nonprofit or directly to the Jacqueline Scoville Memorial Fund, which benefits pre-nursing students at the University of Montana. Gifts can be made online at https://supportum.org/give/ (please note “Jacqueline Scoville Memorial Fund”) or mailed by check, payable to The University of Montana Foundation (memo line: Jacqueline Scoville Memorial Fund) can be mailed to The UM Foundation, Post Office Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159