James M. Duus

James "Jim" Duus

Hamilton - Third generation rancher James Monroe Duus was born December 30, 1927 to Clarence T. Duus and Eva Stoll Duus in Hamilton Montana. He died May 22, 2011 in Hamilton Montana.
Jim was raised on the family ranch east of Hamilton. When he was young, the ranch ran 2 bands of sheep numbering approximately 1,000 head each. Many days were spent in the saddle packing salt and supplies to the sheep herders. This led to Jim's vast knowledge of the valley from Hamilton to the Big Hole where he also worked driving teams during haying season.
Jim loved sports, lettering in track and football all 4 years of high school. He played on a State Championship football team. He enlisted in the Marines shortly after graduation with his close friend Don Waldron. Jim was a MP at EI Toro Military Base in California. Upon returning home from the Military and attending one year of college in Dillon Montana, Jim embarked upon an unsuccessful attempt at sugar beet farming. He was often quoted as saying, "that was his college education."
Jim married Elveda V. Johnson on November 26, 1949. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage. They lived and worked on the family ranch where they raised three children. The switch from sheep to cattle came soon after the newlyweds settled on the ranch. Cattle grazed in the summer on the family ranch east of Darby which is now part of the CB Ranch.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved fishing the Bitterroot River, often times with Dean Hyatt. Jim looked forward to hunting season each and every year until this past season. His jerky will be missed by many. The family enjoyed snowmobiling and many a neighborhood card game during the winter months.
Jim was a champion trap shooter and traveled south each winter for over 30 years attending registered shoots. He and Elveda won enough trophy's to fill a display case. They raised thoroughbred race horses for over 15 years, winning the Montana Derby and many stakes races in Washington.
In later years, Jim enjoyed playing golf, morning coffee and poker with his friends. Some have gone on ahead and have coffee and cards ready for him. He also enjoyed his monthly poker group. Jim enjoyed sharing his boat with friends and family, fishing at Clark Canyon, Georgetown and other Montana lakes. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his good friend, Carol Cash.
Jim was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. He served the Ravalli County Fair in capacities from head out-rider to the Fair Board for over 35 years. He served on the Farm Horne Administration Board and was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. He was a member of the Hamilton Trap Club for more than 50 years, often times serving as an officer. He was also a member of the Shoshone Indian Trap Shooting Group.
Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clarence and Eva Duus; his wife Elveda; son, David C. Duus and grandson Michael D. Duus.
He is survived by his brother, Charles (Dovie) Duus; daughter, Lindy Robinson Wemple; son, James Jeffrey Duus; grandsons, Deven Duus Robinson, Nathan William Duus and Fritz James Duus Robinson.
Dad's special brand of humor, his honesty, integrity, fairness, friendliness and humbleness will be missed, but remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Jim's name to the Hamilton Trap Club, P. O. Box 672, Hamilton, MT. 59840 to be used for youth programs, or to a charity of the donors choice.