James J. Whitlock

James "Jim" Whitlock, 89 Hamilton passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Remington at Sapphire in Hamilton.

Born at home on June 13,1934 in Enid, Oklahoma to James J. Sr. and Hulda Whitlock.

In his formative years he was involved in Boys Scouts and worked as a paperboy, delivering papers both mornings and evenings. Later becoming a printer at a local newspaper.

Enlisted in the Marine Corp for 3 years. Serving in Japan and Pickle Meadows.

July 19, 1957 married his high school sweetheart Jo Ann Jack.

With a year left of serve they moved to Carson City Nevada. Having said since childhood that he wanted to live in the mountains he came to Montana and the mountains looking for a job.  After checking out Missoula he ended up in Hamilton and has been here ever since.

When first arriving in the Bitterroot Valley he served as a Boy Scout leader, taking the boys on annual 50 mile/10 day backpacking trips. He and Jo Ann enjoyed square and round dancing.  Connections through the Boy Scouts lead to a job at Rocky Mountain Lab where he worked until he retired at the ripe old age of 55.  He then spent summers in Alaska working for a fishing lodge and winter ski patrolling and working at Lost Trail Ski Area.

Spent 50+ years in the Lions club.

Spent 50+ years in KEEP (Kellogg Extension Education Program) which evolved into the MLDA (Montana Leadership Development Association)

Spent 50+ years on the Lost Trial Ski Patrol, earning status as a National Ski Patrol Member.  Served as Section chef and division director for the Northern Division.

Being community minded, he served on the Ravalli County Credit Union Board of Directors, on the Montana Arts Council, on the Hamilton Zoning Board, on the Hamilton Study Commission and also served as Mayor of Hamilton for a decade.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of Hamilton, sister Jean (Fred) Riemer, of Phoenix, AZ, daughter Trudy Dickerson of Deer Lodge, son Randy Whitlock of Whitefish, granddaughters Sidney and Sierra Whitlock of Whitefish, grandson Eli (Taylor) Whitlock and two boys of Missoula, grandson Riley Whitlock of Corvallis, and grandson Matt (Tara) Dickerson and 2 girls and a boy of Billings.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clarence (Chuck) Whitlock, son Bryan Whitlock, grandson Allen Dickerson.

A celebration of life will take place a Hieronymus Park at 1:00 p.m. June 1, 2024. Please bring your own chair.  (Behind the Dairy Queen in Hamilton).