James Sindelar

James H. Sindelar June 15, 1932 – October 28, 2021 Eighty-nine years of living – a man who set an example for all. He was a loving husband, father, neighbor, and friend. There will always be a huge void in the passing of this kind and generous man. James Henry Sindelar was born to Charles and Mildred Sindelar, one of four children. He led a full and colorful life from flying jets high in the heavens to the humble life of a true frontier man and farmer. He was a man of honor, integrity, and loyalty in all his dealings with others. His education began in a little one-room school called Pioneer School. Later in life, he served on the board of that same little school. From there he advanced to high school in Billings and then Eastern Montana College. Jim met and fell in love with Virginia Kukes. He was smitten and instantly knew this young lady was the woman with whom he wished to spend the rest of his life. Although Ginnie didn't share his feelings at first, he was never a man to give up. Eventually, Jim won her over and they were married in Hardin, Montana on September 18, 1955. Jim was right – his sweetheart and only love proved to be one of the best choices Jim ever made. Their union lasted the rest of his life with Ginnie faithfully by his side. While in the Navy, Jim was stationed in California. It was there that Jim and Ginny proudly became parents to their first daughter, Jurret. Later, they moved back to Billings and settled on their ranch – the River Valley Ranch. Again, they were blessed with the arrival of daughters Donnette and Lisa. Jim taught his daughters the value of hard work and being committed to a job. For several years Jim raised shorthorn cattle on his cow-calf operation along with the taxing work of putting up hay and maintaining machinery. Like a true gem, he was a Jack of all trades. If Jim couldn't find a part he needed, he made his own. You would often see Jim in his old truck or later his four-wheeler as he tended his hay crop irrigating before sun-up or well after dark. Jim was not one to shirk his duties. Jim had a great love for the Navy and the planes he flew. It took a great deal of stamina, but Jim was up to the task. As a fighter pilot, he landed and took off many aircraft carriers and to share that love he organized “Boss Lift” …taking dignitaries of Billings to a naval base where they could see first-hand what an aircraft carrier was like and experience the thrill of a submarine. Jim was selected to fly the first F7U Cutlass twin engine plane ever made. Jim was captain of the Naval Reserve and helped initiate the air shows in Billings. He even had giant gold wings painted on his barn roof one year when the Blue Angels came to billings. Jim was instrumental in organizing then SeaBee's to build cabins for church camps and started the Naval Ball, a tradition the men and their wives looked forward to. Other accomplishments include: - Jim was the youngest 4-H member (14 years old) to win a trip to the White House to shake hands with the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman. - Took part in planning the Great Montana Cattle Drive - A member of the City-County Planning Board - On the board for Air Pollution Control - Board of Directors for First Interstate Bank – 5 years - Two-time President of Pioneers of Eastern Montana - Was president two times of the Lions Club and through that organization initiated the flag program in the Billings Schools and surrounding areas - One of Jim's greatest endeavors was the founding of Dover Park which was a part of his beloved ranch. It was Jim's gift to the community to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature that he had strived to maintain. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Dover and Bob, and his sister Lois. He is survived by his devoted wife, Virginia, his three daughters, Jurret, Donnette, and Lisa; four grandchildren, James and Decker Roberts, D.C., and Tenika Capouch; two great-grandchildren. Jim has taken his last flight on mighty wings and Jesus has received him on his cloud of glory. A private family gathering will be held at Dover Park; a reception and luncheon, which is open to everyone, will be on Friday, June 10, 2022, at 12:00 noon at Harvest Church, 1235 W Wicks Lane, Billings, MT.