Jim Judisch

 James William Judisch, Jr., affectionately known as Jim, passed away suddenly on July 19, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on April 29, 1961, in Conrad, Montana, to Jim Sr. and Barbara Judisch, Jim grew up on the family farm and ranch east of Ledger. From a young age, he thrived in the open fields, learning the ropes of ranching alongside his father. Though he attended Union School and later Conrad elementary and high schools, graduating in 1979, academics were not his passion. Jim found joy and purpose in the hard work and traditions of ranch life, which shaped his character and defined his legacy.

Jim was a standout athlete in high school, particularly in football and basketball, where he held deep respect for his coaches, Don Hammer and Andy Vandolah. He cherished the memory of Andy, his basketball coach and PE teacher, who let him skip dance lessons in favor of playing cards together. Jim earned a football scholarship to Montana State University in Bozeman, but a senior-year injury shifted his focus to his true calling: ranching.

At a Ledger Play Day in third or fourth grade, Jim met Cheryl, the love of his life. Their connection, sparked in childhood, grew into a lifelong partnership. On December 30, 1981, Jim and Cheryl married, vowing to farm and ranch together “til death do us part.” Their bond produced three cherished children—Kelsey, Ross, and Lane—who embraced ranch life alongside their parents. Jim’s pride in his children and grandchildren—Teegan, Kaden, Leiko, Lolo, Connor, and Emersyn—was boundless, and he beamed when speaking of them. No matter how busy his days, Jim always made time to scoop up his grandchildren for warm, heartfelt hugs, filling their hearts with love and security. A towering figure, Jim was his family’s rock, offering strength, protection, and warm hugs when they needed them most.

Known for his tireless work ethic, honesty, and deep love, Jim was a mountain of a man with a ready smile and an open heart. His passion for ranching was matched only by his devotion to his family and community. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and integrity will endure in the lives he touched.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Sr. and Barbara Judisch; father-in-law, Gary Harris; uncles Clark Judisch, Harlan Meredith, Don Peterson, Manuel Munoz, Gary Durocher, Bill Smith Jr., Duane Rowe Sr., Clayton Linebarger, and Dan Felska; aunts Jean Meredith, Maureen Judisch, and Mary Munoz; cousins Greg Meredith, Dean Peterson, and Clark Rivinoja; nephew Cody Harris; and nieces Jordan Judisch and Alicia Harris.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Cheryl Judisch; children, Kelsey Eisenzimer (with sons Teegan and Kaden), Ross and Loni Judisch (with children Leiko, Lolo, and Connor), and Lane and Duana Judisch (with daughter Emersyn and a baby girl expected soon); mother-in-law, Diana Harris; brother-in-law, Kim Harris; sisters, Debra Loiselle, Pam (Tom) McFarland, Patty (Len) Toren, Theresa Judisch, and Jana Judisch (with partner Lance Jones); brother, Joe (Sherri) Judisch; aunts, Susan Rivinoja, Betty Felska, and Susie Durocher; uncle, Robert Rivinoja; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though Jim’s physical presence is gone, his light continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held on August 2, at 2:00 p.m. in the Conrad High School Auditorium, with a reception to follow at the Pondera Country Club. The burial will be private for family only.

In lieu of flowers, honor Jim by performing an act of kindness, displaying a meaningful tribute, or supporting a cause he deeply cared about, and share your tribute with the family so we can see the positive change his passing has inspired.