Born at midnight between the 29th & 30th of July, James Kipp Stiffarm ‘s parents, James “Tater” Stiffarm & Jonny Cantrell Bearcub chose the beginning a new day, July 30th, 1976 as his date of birth. He was called Kipp or Kipper most of his life. He carries the name of his maternal great grandfather, Harvey Bearcub, TaShunga Hunga – His Horses Chief given him by his great-uncle Jerome Fourstar. Kipp is a member of the Hude’Sana’ and Wadopana Clans of the Nakota Nation. He was raised in the LDS an Wicohan (tribal) religions.
He attended HeadStart, Elementary and Jr High schools in Wolf Point, MT. Two years at Golden High School in Golden, CO lettering in Cross Country – his was the team that went and took State Championship after many years. He returned to Wolf Point for his Jr & Sr year graduating in 1994 and immediately joined the US Marine Corp. He became a diesel auto mechanic while in the Marines. He received his CDL and worked as a Semi-truck driver for Iron Woman Construction & Environmental Services driving big rigs all over in metro-Denver. He learned many construction skills from friends & relatives and worked construction. He was a security guard for the Brown Palace in Denver, Co and for Silver Wolf Casino.
When he was 4 years old, his Uncle Jonathan Windy Boy, would come to the house and teach Kipp and his brothers how to grass dance, tell them the stories of how it came to the people, the ceremonies and the Society. Out of the three boys, Kipp took up the dance of his uncles and grandpas carrying on the family tradition. When he became a teenager one of his Grandpa’s on his mother’s side, Willis Packineau, gave him his beaded regalia to go with his grass dance outfit. He loved the way his Grandpa Willis and Uncle Johnathan danced. He served as Flag Bearer, Drum Keeper, Lodge Keeper and Committee member for the Red Bottom Celebration Committee throughout his life, sponsored by his grandparents Viola & Larry Wood.
Young teen love between Kipp & Carrie Shawl blessed him with his 1st son, Jerreth Jaymz Shawl-Rider. His next love, Arlene “Baby” Riley, blessed him with son Andy Edmont, 2 daughters, Jaymee Lee & Arlene Nevaeh, and son Joseph Kipp Ethan Stiffarm. He was married then divorced. His last love and best friend is Michelle Clancy.
He was big hearted and had many friends, hunka brothers and sisters, beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma’s & grandpa’s. He kept close to his brotherhood of Marine buddies – his life long friends & forever brothers. He was Uncle to many kids. He loved to joke and tease and never backed down from a good fight. He was a scrapper. He was many things to many folks but most of all he was loved.
He is preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Tate Stiffarm, his children’s mother Arlene Riley along with many relatives from his maternal and paternal sides of his family. He is survived by his son, Jerreth Jaymz Shawl–Rider (Wolf Point), son, Andy E. Riley (Arizona), daughter Jaymee Lee (Lacey Bettelyoun) Stiffarm (New Mexico), son, Joseph Ethan Kipp Stiffarm (Wolf Point), daughter Arlene Nevaeh Riley (New Mexico), his significant other & best friend Michelle Clancy (Wolf Point), his mother, Jonny (Wolf Point) and father, “Tater”(Velma) of Porcupine, SD, brother Joshua (Lilly) Stiffarm (Aurora, CO) & sisters JoDene (Francis) Sherwood (Aurora, CO), Victoria(Dave) Adams (Billings, MT) and Libby(John) Imlay (Havre, MT) He leaves behind many relatives from the families of the Stiffarm, Kipp, Fluery, King, Bearcub, Cantrell, Wood, Sherwood, Tattoo, Schneider, McClammy, Riley, Miller, Headdresses, SpottedBirds, and O’Watchs, plus extended family from north and south of the Medicine Line. We have a very large and extended family and if we missed you, just know it was not intentional.
A wake will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment will follow at the Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Wolf Point Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
Prayers my niece, for his wife, children, sister and brother.
Farewell Marine, God’s Speed
SSG David E. & Chong Ae Boyd
USA, Retired
Pauline Azure-Feuvray says
We are sorry to hear of Kip’s passing but he is now with loved ones in heaven. Families Are Forever and he left his earthly family to be with his heavenly family. God bless all the family members.
Andrea cantrell-weston says
Imma miss u nef
fly high !!! Now u can be back to yourself again being that free spirit u always was. Love u n gunna miss u but until we meet again …make um all laugh up there !!!
Florence Fourstar says
Sending prayers and condolences to Joni Lee, Michelle and kipp’s children. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you all. Fly high Kipp.
Brian Weston Sr says
Have a safe and wonderful journey my brother.gonna miss you and all the fun, crazy, messed up times
FLY HIGH MY BROTHER. DON’T LOOK BACK.
YOUR SAFE NOW.
Shari Daniels says
Prayers and condolences to the families
Jessica Mason Cantrell says
My prayers to Kipp’s family that God will bring them peace during this time. My heart goes out to his mom and dad for the loss of their children. My heart goes out to his siblings for the loss of their brothers. We will be with them again! God bless Jessica
Donald Lee Boyd says
Prayers And Condolences To The Family In The Days Ahead…
MichaelJ & Earlene says
Rest In Peace Nephew Kipp. Sincere heartfelt condolences to Kipp’s Babies, Dad Tater, Momma JonnyLee, Brother Josh, Sister Jodene, in-laws, Family and Michelle. We love you all, will be in our thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort.
Larry and Ramona Cole of Plano, Texas says
Larry and I send the family and friends our deepest sympathy.
May Our Lord place His Arms around each of you, and give you all peace, and comfort. We are sad to hear of our dear friend.
Joe Stiffam Prayers said for you.
Jackie G says
I remember both Kipp and Jeremy as beautiful, kind people! So sorry to the family!
Summer Four Tracks Bear says
I’m glad we stayed in touch through out the years. You helped me laugh when I needed to. You were also dang helpful with Single parenting questions omg! I’ll miss your light!
Florence Garcia says
Prayers for Kipp’s family. May you be comforted with memories of his extraordinary life.
emma groat says
jonny Lee and .family, so very sorry to hear of your loss, I’m so very very sorry for the heartache and loss you and the family are going thru.
Lara Riley says
Gonna miss you bro say hi. To my sister baby have a safe journey
Sara Hawley says
Sending my condolences, love and prayers. I am so sorry you have to go through this heartache, I will keep you all in my prayers..
John Feller, White Hills, Arizona says
To Kipps family, I was saddened to hear of Kipps passing. He was a great kid and I was honored and privileged to be his 5th Grade teacher at Northside School in Wolf Point. I pray for his family at this time. Comfort one another and honor Kipps memory.
Carrie Shawl says
This was such a heart breaking shock wen our son told me about u bein in ICU I had never prayed so hard for u to come over it for all of the kids. Then the songs we use to hear came on back to back at different times and all the memories came back n I remember the last time that me n u hung out was like old times bcuz I was in my old room at my moms and u and BMan came picked me up. That was fun n I’m glad we got to talk n hang out for a while. Keep watch over the kids and ur family. Tell Chaba I love n miss him n give him a hug.
My love, prayers and condolences to the family of Kipp
Joe torres says
Its November, 2021. Read all this. It’s been since 1997, USMC days. We had lots of laughs, jokes about everything. WALKING FENCE POST! Damn Stiffarm, I will always remember our laughs in our Marine Corps days!
You were one of a kind. Rest well my friend.
Joe Torres
Pearla Woodie says
Just thought of looking Kipp up earlier today cause I lost Mama number “Jonny” . Sorry for your loss. You and J were my brothers. From DIA to the basement. Love you bro.