James Bermes

James Leo Bermes (Jim) of Molt, Montana, passed away June 25, 2024 at the age of 90. He was born November 30, 1933 in Naperville, Illinois and moved to Molt, Montana with his parents, Leonard Bermes and Laura Hageman Bermes, when he was an infant. He joined 3 brothers, Robert, Ervin and Bernard as well as a sister, Esther in Molt. A sister, Marcella, passed away as an infant in Illinois.

Jim attended elementary school at Two Pine outside of Molt. He continued his schooling at Frat and graduated from Billings Central in 1952. It is there, at a Sadie Hawkins dance, which he met his lifelong partner, Vangie Wagner (she asked him to the dance). They were married June 20, 1953 and to this union three children were born.

Jim volunteered for the Army in 1954 and was deployed to Korea for 10 months. During his time abroad he was assigned to the Intelligence Platoon of Regimental Headquarters which entailed collecting frontline intelligence. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant after 3 years of active duty.

Though Jim spent time in Billings, and Colorado Springs, he always called Molt home as that is where he spent the majority of his 90 years. Farming was his passion because he loved the land and he also ran some cows (which he hated). Jim also did custom grain cleaning as well as weed spraying. After retiring from farming, he worked for a short time at a rental shop in Billings then took on a rural mail delivery route originating in Molt. He enjoyed delivering the mail, visiting with people along the way (cookies with Audrey) and putting the “service” in postal service as he used to say.

Jim was involved with the MLDA (Montana Leadership Development Association) and KEEP (Kellogg Extension Education Project). He loved to travel and went on many adventures in the state, country and internationally. Jim also enjoyed reading, history, camping, dancing, square dancing and he always had a soft spot for animals.

Above all else, Jim enjoyed following his children to all their activities as they were growing up. You would see him at ball games, concerts or track meets. He drove the activity bus for the school and would keep the score book at away contests. He enjoyed any opportunity for family get togethers to see his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his son Don (Terry) Bermes of Molt, daughter Laurie (Lyle) Burgess of Ryegate and son Pat (Sara Hays) Bermes of Billings. He also leaves behind grandchildren: Tammy (Mike) Hockhalter, Brenda (Don) Held, Matt (Ryan) Bermes, and Nick (Amanda) Burgess as well as great-grandchildren Cale and Michaela Hockhalter, Vaya and James Held and Quinn and Jazmine Bermes. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, his parents and siblings.

A private graveside interment has taken place at Yellowstone Memorial Park. There will be a Celebration of Life on July 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Molt Community Center in Molt, Montana with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers (Jim wasn't much for flowers), please consider making a donation to Dog Tag Buddies (924 Pine Ridge Lane, Apt. 4, Billings, MT 59105), Veterans Meat Locker (PO Box 50457, Billings, Mt 59105), Riverstone Hospice (123 S 27th St., Billings MT 59101) or the charity of your choice.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – Irish Proverb