James Haefer

James Albert Haefer, born December 11, 1931, in Great Falls, Montana, to parents Lorenzo and Viola (French) Haefer. The family lived in Lower Sun River where James attended C.M.Russell Elementary, Paris Gibson Jr. High, and Great Falls High School. After graduation he attended Montana State College in Bozeman before serving his country in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He returned to Montana with the determination to complete his education and went on to attend Valparaiso Tech School and then Oregon State, worked in industry for a while and finally returned to Oregon State for his graduate degree in Electrical Engineering. After a few moves, finding his feet as a professor, he spent many contented years at Boise State University teaching Electrical Engineering, Construction Management and Computer Architecture. He retired from Boise State University in 1997 and moved to Billings in 2000.

The last 20+ years were spent enjoying his retirement, participating in events at the Elks Club and in church and the community. Before his health began to decline, he often drove the church bus and enjoyed his membership in the Petroleum Club. He loved trains and train memorabilia, chocolate, music, antiques, history and literature, and kept up to date with the news and world affairs until the end of his life.

James was married to Ruth Robb from 1959 to 1985, and was blessed with one son, Loren Haefer, who passed away in 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don, his nephew Hal and relatives. Though his blood kin were few, he was loved and cared for by his adopted family, friends, and students, and he will be remembered and mourned by his long-time caregiver and adopted “granddaughter”, Stephanie Harlan and the Harlan family- Lisa, Anisa, Zachary, Michael, Jessica, Zoe, and Zachary Pettit.

James quietly passed in the early hours of July 24, 2025, in hospice at Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center after a lengthy illness. We wish to thank his doctors at Billings Clinic, the VA, Riverstone Hospice and Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent cared and attention he received during his illness. Dahl Funeral Chapel will handle the burial arrangements, and he will be transported to Great Falls to rest near his father. No service will be held.