James E. 'Jim' Balum, 55

James E. "Jim" Balum, 55, passed away at home Tuesday, July 18, 2006, with his loving family by his side, from kidney failure.

Jim was born in Moscow, Idaho, on May 8, 1951, to Ed and Dale Balum. When he was 8, he and his family moved to Libby. It was in Libby that Jim fell in love with the Cabinet Mountains, and at a young age learned a lasting appreciation of all outdoor activities from his dad. He passed on his love of the outdoors and love of horses to his wife, daughter, and granddaughters.

Jim went to work at Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., from 1977 to 2003, as a brick mason.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dee Dee; daughter, Erica Cottrell and husband, George, and their daughters, Ashley and Jennifer; his mother, Dale, and stepfather, Pete Schmoock, of Spokane; father, Ed, and stepmother, Noni Balum, of Kalispell; sisters, Chris Balum and family of Miles City, Kathy Jochem and family of Conrad, and Carrie Cadenas and family of Spokane; mother-in-law, Dorothy Peterson, of Kalispell; best friends, Connie and Dean Leckrone and family of Libby; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 23, at the family home. For directions, call 257-8902.

Condolences may be sent to the family home at 179 Pioneer Road, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Memorial donations in Jim's name can be sent to Guardian Angels, 2835 Fort Missoula Road, Suite 301, Missoula, MT 59804.