James Allen Bighorn, age 66, passed away at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings on Sunday May 12, 2024 from natural causes.
Jim was born in Poplar on July 5, 1957 in Poplar, Montana to Florence Mae Weinberger (Bighorn) and Ernest Clark Bighorn, Sr. Jim was the baby of the family and he joined his siblings: Ernie, Jackie, Crystal, Sybil, and Alda.
Jim attended school in Brockton and graduated in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy in 1977 and was honorably discharged in 1982. During this time he married Feryl Greufe and they had one son Luke Bighorn. Jim and Feryl eventually divorced but remained good friends.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy he moved back to Poplar for a while and then moved to Minneapolis where he worked for the Billy Graham organization. He worked for Billing Graham for 7 years and upon the passing of his mother Florence he moved home to Poplar for a couple of years. Jim then worked as an over the road truck driver for Allied Van Lines and lived in Daytona, Florida for a while. He then started his 25-year career in law enforcement. He worked for the Fort Peck Tribes as a police officer, prosecutor, and Dare Officer. He also worked at Rocky Boy and Newtown as a criminal investigator. Upon his death he was employed at the Thundering Buffalo Wellness Center as a security guard.
Jim’s closet friends were the Bauer twins (Byron and Brian), TJ Bauer, and Dennis Youngman. Jim also was very fond of Myrna Greufe his mother-in-law from a previous marriage. Jim loved the Denver Broncos and cheered em on through the good and bad times. Throughout the years Jim made his home with various family members: Maebelle Archambeau, Keith and Sunee Erickson, Iva and Ron Harris, Ernie Bighorn, Alda Bighorn, Sybil Bighorn, Jackie and Clinton Small. We all will miss his company immensely.
Those family members preceding Jim in death were: His grandparents Maurice and Alda Bighorn and George and Ida Weinberger. His brother George Bighorn and 4 brothers not named. He was preceded by a number of other relatives from the Bighorn, Weinberger, Youpee, Lambert, Crow Belt, Baker, Turning Bear, Martell.
The surviving family members are his only child Luke Bighorn. He was also survived by his grandson Dane Bighorn. He is also survived by his siblings: Ernie Bighorn, Jackie Small, Crystal Bighorn, Sybil Erickson, and Alda Bighorn. Up until his passing Papa Jim and his grandson Keilen were hooked at the hip. From hunting to traveling and concerts Jim was extremely proud of Keilen, and he was the joy of his life. Special thanks to Bonnie for helping Jim getting to where he needed to go.
He is also survived by numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thanks to Saint Vincent Hospital for all their care and to his co-workers at the Fort Peck Tribes over the years. A huge thank you to his sister Alda for caring for him during his last days while hospitalized. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you Aunt.
Most importantly he wanted his message of celebrating his life and the Lord to be carried on. Jim was adamant that grieving should be short and wanted everyone to know that he is in a better place and at home with his Lord and Savior.
Any omissions from Jim’s obituary was not intentional. Jim comes from a big family.
A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar, Montana. Interment will follow at the Riverside Presbyterian Cemetery.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 18, 2024
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday May 18, 2024
Assembly of God Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
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Cissy Eagleman says
Sure am going to miss you Uncle Jimmy. I know now that you are healed with eyes as sharp as an eagle, running as fast as ever. Jumping leaps and bounds with joy to be in the arms of the Lord and dancing through the streets of heaven. I love you. Your sense of humor is unmatched!
Prayers of condolences to the family, friends and those that knew Uncle Jimmy in passing.
Rest easy now, I can just imagine your smile, knowing you’re in heaven now, no pain, no sickness, no worries. God’s gotcha Uncle, just as He always has.
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Farewell Jimmy I remember all the good times we had though out our lives. No more pain or suffering, enjoy your new body.
Alda Bighorn says
I miss you Bro. I will forever and ever remember and cherish our precious moments together. I miss you but I know you are rejoicing in paradise. No more pain and suffering Bro. You were courageous and brave and never complained. Sorry I put you on that raft I built for you. And really sorry I told you Mom was santa and she hid our presents in the bunkbouse.. unril we meet again
Bro I will be looking up as you booking down watching over us. Love you and thank you for the crazy memories.. it was a blast. your sis Alda
Ethelene Whitehawk says
Sending prayers to Jimmy’s family. Jimmy was a quiet man but friendly.
Mae Belle Archambeau says
James Allen…well gramma came after you on Mother’s Day..I’m sure her and grampa and all my cousins were waiting for you at the pearly gates of heaven, the kingdom you had mentioned …there is no more pain, no more diabetes..you can see, walk, run and fly with all the Angels..keep watching over all of us, guide us..I will forever love and miss you, so I will see you again one fine day so you Rest in Peace…
Connie Bird says
Prayers For His Family
Donald Boyd says
R.I.P. Jimmy Big Horn A Great Veteran And Great Tribal Officer Not Suffering Anymore Heaven Gained A Beautiful Angel Prayers And Deepest Condolences To The Family In The Days Ahead..
Bonnie Archambeau says
Uncle I am so happy that we had our time together and really got to bond during our drives to Williston and ball games to watch Keilin and Kessee play. Our talks are going to be cherished and kept in my heart forever. You really gave me sound and thoughtful advice as far as staying focused and positive. Uncle I am glad that you are in paradise with the rest of our family, You can see and walk and run again and no more shots for your diabetes. Uncle just know that you will ever be loved and missed loved and I want you to rest in Paradise for eternity uncle Jimmy gone but never forgotten. Love you
Keith, Sunee, Kessee and Keilen Erickson says
Jim: Thanks for the years. I will miss your company and all those hours just sitting watching football and talking politics. Thanks for being such a special part to our family-especially for our kids Kessee and Keilen. I am so gracious and thankful you were such a massive part in Keilens’ life and being his Papa. You taught me a lot about forgiveness, patience, and integrity. As your health failed your body took a beating but your soul and spirit never wavered. The Erickson’s will miss you forever. No regrets Jim-only celebrations of your life. I am sure we will see each other on the other side. Until then I will keep your advice and your love near and dear to me and my family. Take care-I love you and will miss you.
Julie Bemer says
My prayers go out to Jimmy’s family. May he rest in peace.
Sue Parker says
Prayers and condolences to my cousins Ernie, Crystal, Sybil, Jackie, and Alda and families . Will miss visiting Jimmy and his sense of humor. He was a very caring person and dedicated to his faith. You’re in blessed hands now and with family. I’m sure Tammy and the Bauer boys are embracing you and you’re having a happy reunion . Rest in Peace Jim❤️🙏🌹 Your Cousin; Sue & Val Parker
Alda says
Hey Brother. Sorry me and the boys aren’t there. It’s been a really really bad day. The trip home seemed extra long. But I had a lot of time to reflect on our childhood.. I remember you going hunting with our Dad, Brother Ernie, Sister Chub, uncles and cousins who taught you safety and skill on shooting a gun. You always had a red hood and hunting cap ike our Dad–so dang cute. Mom used to worry if you hunters were late. Sister Sybil used to dress you for school. Jackie taking you to the Stampede, hanging on to your lil faded arm. Then, I fed Dutch peanut butter and Moms hide!! Lol. Then my doll heads ended up as baseballs.. Geez Brother miss you terribly. You were and will always be our Baby Brother. I love you to the Moon..and sorry again for not being there.. Sister Alda
Rita Weeks says
My condolences to Jimmy’s family and friends. I know he will be missed by many. A quiet guy with a great personality and sense of humor. God bless his family
Pol Small says
Hey “New Guy”..lol. (aka Uncle Jim) thank you for all the childhood memories when you lived with us in Billings, especially all the movies we went to and our trips to the Mall, or the “x-rated movie” that was put in the wrong case lol.. I’m especially thankful you met Lina D’Lane and I will tell her about our fun times together and how you became the “New Guy”. Thank you for the
encouraging and kind words recently. Forever My Uncle. Love you. Pol Small (aka Melvin III).
Dustin Kuipers says
Prayers and condolences to the family. I worked on the other side of Jim when he was in the prosecutor’s office. We had many trials on opposing sides, and I was always impressed with his advocacy skills in the courtroom. Better than some practicing lawyers. I also enjoyed his sense of humor. Rest in peace.