Jim Creelman, 74

Jim Creelman’s life ended at home in hospice care on Sunday night, Jan. 9, 2011, surrounded with peace and love in the embrace of his wife, daughter and son.

Jim was born March 16, 1936, in Red Deer, Alberta, to Rex and May Creelman. His early education took place in rural Alberta country schools, often with his mother as a teacher. He graduated from Red Deer Composite High School in 1953.

Jim’s youthful adventures included riding and hitchhiking the Alcan Highway, starting in the fall of 1953 and stopping at an air force base to work (indoors) as a cook and dishwasher. In 1954 he earned a placement at Royal Roads, the Royal Canadian Air Force Academy in Victoria, British Columbia. After one year he resigned his commission to pursue his education at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business with honors in 1959, and his Master of Science degree in business administration with honors in 1960. Summer employment while at school included running a jackhammer on the Noxon Rapids Dam Project, and working on the road construction of the new Interstate Highway 90 near Drummond in 1958. Part-time jobs included working at the Bureau of Business Research at the University, and selling ties at the Missoula Mercantile.

While in Missoula he also met and married his wife of 53 years, the former Carol Ann Herman. Jim moved with his wife and new daughter to Calgary, Alberta, in 1960, and began a 32-year professional career employed as an executive in the oil industry. He lived and worked in Calgary, Chicago, New York City, Dallas and the Washington, D.C., areas. He also lived and worked in London, England. His business travels sent him to the Far East, the Middle East, Australia, South America and Europe. His career was interesting and rewarding, and he was stimulated by his travels.

Jim was very active in provincial politics while living in Alberta, working to elect progressive conservative candidates. He was active at the P.C. Nomination Convention in Ottawa, and was on the committee that successfully gained the nomination of Joe Clark as leader of the Canadian Progressive Conservative Party in 1976. Jim made many lifelong friends during this time of his life.

After living many years in and around metropolitan areas, Jim and Carol Ann searched for a small town for their retirement years. The beauty of the Flathead Valley, golf courses in the area, and friendly people attracted them to Bigfork.

Jim pursued a lifelong passion for learning and reading. He had a penchant for studying history and enjoyed discussing the subject with friends. Jim’s quick wit and humor kept family and friends entertained.

Physical activities were also important in his life. He was a runner and proudly finished the New York City Marathon in 1979. He played competitive squash and was an avid golfer. Jim was active in men’s golf at Eagle Bend. He sought out challenging courses to play and made several trips with his wife, sister and brother-in law to Scotland and Ireland for golfing adventures.

Jim lived his remaining years as fully as he could while fighting leukemia/lymphoma for 20 years, and the resulting pneumonia this past year. He met the challenge of his declining health with courage and humor. His passing leaves family and friends blessed for having known and loved him, and deeply saddened by our separation.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his daughter Camie Lynn Kakos, his son-in-law Edward Kakos, and granddaughters Alison and Valerie of Lone Tree, Colo. His son, Clay, of Morrison, Colo., loved and admired Jim as a friend, a man and a father. His much loved sister, Patricia Gray, and her husband, Gordon Gray, reside in Red Deer. Other survivors are Jeff and Sue Herman of Missoula, Val and Pat Herman of Lawrenceville, Ga., and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Lee Ann; and his parents.

There will be no burial service. A memorial gathering is planned for later this year.

The family requests that the following be considered for any memorial donations being given in Jim’s name: St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59904; Montana Cancer Center 500 West Broadway, Missoula Montana 59807; Kalispell Regional Medical Center, 310 Sunnyview Lane. Kalispell, Montana 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Jim’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Jim’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.