James L. "Jim" Modler

Hamilton – James “Jim” L. Modler, 87 of Hamilton passed away November 22, 2019 at the Discovery Care Center in Hamilton.

Jim was born May 24, 1932 in Sterling, Illinois the son of the late Lawrence H. and Harriet A. Owen Modler.  Following school Jim started working in Steel Manufacturing in Sterling, Ill and later served three years in the U.S. Army. Following the Army, Jim worked 40 years in Floor Coverings working in both Helena and Hamilton where he owned his own business.  Jim married Arliss “Butch” Pyles in 1975 in Salmon, Idaho.

When Jim retired from floor coverings, he became the manager of the Hamilton Eagles Lodge where he worked until 1997 when he retired.

Jim played guitar, loved playing cribbage and making bird houses that he would give to family and friends.  His yard was his life and he loved riding around on “Kermit” watering his yard.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Butch; sons, Doug, Jimmy, Val and Mick.  He is also survived by his son Glenn (Lisa) Modler; grandkids, Krystle (Tyler), Tyler (Megan), Tucker, Morgan (Ricky) and Haylee (Craig); great-great grandson, Maddox.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in June of 2020.