James Ussin

Nine decades ago, James and Edna Ussin WELCOMED our Dad into the world on Dec. 1, 1924. In turn Dad and Mom WELCOMED five more Ussins, who WELCOMED 15 more, who WELCOMED 24, totaling 44 descendants. I guess that's why Dad always made us say “YOU'RE WELCOME.” The patriarch of our family went to sleep Thursday night and before dawn he woke in Heaven on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. Dad loved the Lord and trusted in him and we give thanks to the Lord for our father's long and fruitful life. We have heard many fond and interesting stories about growing up in Roundup that usually involved his sister Betty and his three uncles John, Morris and Batista. His uncles and our grandpa left Italy and ended up in Roundup, Mont., all working the coal mines. Dad graduated from Roundup High School, then joined the Navy and proudly served in the Armed Guard as a signalman during WWII. He was honored at a dinner in Roundup for being the oldest living veteran from Musselshell County. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Dad went to college in Bozeman where he met our Mother. After a three-month courtship, they were married and started on their amazing journey that would last for over 50 years. Our parents were the salt of the earth, busy, hard-working people. They owned and operated many businesses around the state starting with C&J Market in Roundup, Western Exchange Insurance, Joli-Pinalli, and the only laundromat in Joliet, Rockvale Real Estate, Rockvale Campground and building sites, U Bar S Real Estate along with his partner Bill Steele, Picnic Products, McCoy Horseradish, Lake Mary Ronan Lodge and Resort, Topo's Cheese Chalet, the Sage Motel in Roundup, the Casino Club and even a gold mine in Bannack. Dad has been a licensed realtor for 55 years and is an honored Emeritus member of MLS. We have many fond memories of vacations, fishing trips to the Cottonwood, fabulous holiday gatherings and huge Christmas trees. We respect our dad for his intelligence, patience and generosity. Dad leaves behind an amazing legacy for peace and joy in Heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents James O. and Edna Ussin, his wife Connie, daughter Christine and her two sons, half-sister Rosina Rowan and his grandson Mathew Fisher. Surviving family include his dear sister Betty Vap and family; his loved children, Linda (Ray) Scozzari, Kathy (Jerry) Bell, Jim (Julie) Ussin and Jon (Sylvia) Ussin; his precious grandchildren, Lisa Swecker, Lori Stearns, Dan Neidhardt,Tony Golden, Jeff Bell, Mike Bell, Kristi Nose, Amber Ussin-Davey, Annie Ussin-Hunter, Katie Ussin-Diemert, Mike Fisher, Ivy and Molly; and 24 adored great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sweet friend, Janette Adams. We would like to acknowledge his friends, poker and pinochle pals, his caregivers and the entire staff at Aspen View. These wonderful people added support and comfort to Dad during his final years. Dad was a very handsome and charismatic gentleman whose beautiful blue eyes will shine in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the American Diabetes Association at 112 S. 1st Ave, Suite 5 #323, Laurel, MT 59044. The service and a reception will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Following the reception, interment will be at Mountain View Cemetery where Dad will rest beside our Mother.