James Edward Sheble

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we share that Valier farmer Jim Sheble, 85, passed away April 10 at the Logan Health Assisted Living in Shelby, Mont.

The memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Valier United Methodist Church.

Jim was born Nov. 25, 1940, to Jim and Anne Sheble in Valier and grew up on the family farm on Birch Creek, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Valier High School in 1958 and studied at Northern Montana College in Havre until he returned to help on the farm during his dad’s illness.

Jim met Duane Boggs, then a teacher in Brady, on a blind date. They were married for 62 years and raised their children – Kent, Doug, and Leorra – on the farm with cows, sheep, pigs, and dogs around. Jim faithfully cared for Duane through cancer in her 40s and a neurodegenerative disease in her last years. They were partners, and their loving home welcomed friends and family.

Jim and Duane traveled together from Mexico to Alaska and many points between as they visited family and explored. He was good at connecting with people on their trips, often leading to invitations to other adventures with new friends. Jim found joy in the outdoors, hunting in the backcountry and fishing whenever he could.

Though a reluctant camper, Jim will be remembered by his family for playing the guitar around the campfire under the tall pines on starry nights.

Woodworking was among Jim’s talents, and his craftsmanship was apparent in the tricycles, doll furniture, hobby horses, and other treasures he created. Even a project he initially called “the dumbest idea ever,” which was turning an old wooden grain bin into a cabin, became a labor of love and then a cherished retreat with his family along Birch Creek.

Found in a tiny Corvette on many a summer weekend, Jim was a Shriner with Tri-County Shrine Club and past master of Valier Masonic Lodge #80.

Jim was a great dad, but he really hit his stride as Grampy to Samantha, Courtney, Mariah, Kendra, Kassady, Karlie, and A.J. He only had to spank one of them one time - we’ll let you guess which was the naughty kid.

A joy of his last years and final days was knowing his great-grandchildren, Kelly, Kyle, Nettie, Orra, Annalynn, Ellie, and Hazel. Being with them made him glow with joy, and he couldn’t get enough of holding the babies even as his strength ebbed. What a miracle that their lives overlapped. Their time together was a gift he cherished deeply.

Jim was preceded by his wife, Duane; his sister, Annalee (Sheble) Elliott and her husband Brian; his sister, Connie Weaver, and her husband, Norman; and his parents.

Jim is survived by his children and their spouses, Kent and Jackie Sheble of Valier, Doug and Lisa Sheble of Cut Bank, and Leorra and Philip Nickol of Ledger; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He’s also mourned by his sister Sherry Belsher of Boise, Idaho, and nieces and nephews, who have wonderful memories of visiting him and Duane on the farm. He leaves behind many friends, too.

Those wishing to honor Jim’s life should play some of that good old country music and could contribute in his memory to the Tri-County Shrine Club at PO Box 1206, Cut Bank, MT 59427. May you always have cows around!