Jimmie "Jim" Eugene Trowbridge

Jim Eugene Trowbridge, beloved father and devoted Mason, laid down his working tools on Monday, May 13, 2024, and passed away at the age of 86 at his home in Corvallis, MT.  He is survived by his 3 children, Mark Leigh Trowbridge of Gerrardstown, WV, Amy Beth Lucie of Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, Kathryn Ann Pratt of Summerton, SC, his brother, Marvin F. Trowbridge of Crawford, NE as well as 6 grandchildren.   He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Harriet Trowbridge.

Jim was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on December 21, 1937 to parents Henry Eugene Trowbridge and Frances Minnie Popkey.  He earned a BS Degree in Forestry from Utah State University in Logan UT and worked with the Black Hills National Forest Service in Custer, SD where he met and fell in love with Harriet Ann Leigh.  They exchanged vows on September 6, 1963 and were happily married until Harriet’s death in July 2023.  After the Forest Service, Jim honorably served in the National Guard and spent the remainder of his career with various federal government agencies, moving him and Harriet to Wall Drug, SC, Pierre, SD, Washington DC, Nashville, TN, Charleston, WV and Bowie, Maryland before retiring in the Bitterroot Valley in December 1995 where they spent a happy and enjoyable retirement for over 29 years.

In his 61 years of Masonic service, Jim exemplified the principles of Freemasonry:  Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.  In 1962, Jim was raised to the degree of Master Mason and was affiliated with and served many areas with Custer City Lodge #66, Collington Lodge #230, and most recently with Ionic Lodge #38, serving as Worshipful Master from 2002-2003, Secretary from 2003-2018 and Chaplain from 2024-2024.  Jim also served in the Grand Lodge of Montana as Grand Chaplain from 2009-2010 and Education and Research from 2018-2020.  His commitment to the lodge was unparalleled and Jim received a 50 year service award in December 2012.   In addition to Freemasonry, Jim was also active in the York Rite and Scottish Rite bodies, further deepening his understanding and application of Masonic teachings.  He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Knight Templar in the York Rite   and actively served in the Order of the Eastern Star.  Jim was also a faithful steward and member of the United Methodist American Baptist Federated Church in Hamilton.

Jim served as a role model to many, especially his children, and will be remembered for his love and commitment to family and friends, faithfulness, humility, and deadpan sense of humor.

A Masonic funeral will take place at Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel in Hamilton, MT on May 23, 2024, at 11am, and all are welcome to attend.