Julian K. “Sonny Boy” Shields Jr. of Wolf Point, Montana, passed away peacefully at Trinity Hospital on January 2, 2024, surrounded by his family. A member of the Fort Peck Tribe, he was born in Poplar, Montana, on August 4, 1950, to Viola Red Elk and Julian Shields Sr.
Among his achievements were earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Montana State University in Billings, Montana and his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He worked in Indian Country in a variety of capacities from Portland, OR to Gallup, NM, including the Indian Health Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the social work field. Julian returned home to serve his community at Health Promotion Disease Prevention (HPDP) and as the Tribal Health Director for Fort Peck until 2023.
He had many interests, including gambling, dancing, reading, playing pool, watching crime documentaries, car, cooking, comedy, home repair shows, traveling, providing mentorship, and those who knew him well enjoyed having a few with him.
In addition to his many nieces, nephews, cousins, Michelene, Michael Jr, John, and Lucinda. Julian is survived by his wife of 44 years, Veronica Firemoon-Shields; daughters, Summer Firemoon and Tanya Firemoon (Chris); and grandchildren, Eli Firemoon and Turqoyez Foote.
He is preceded in death by his mother, father, siblings Joseph, Celeste, Melinda, and Marian. “Earn Your Way” was one of his favorite sayings, and he truly earned his way. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Time of Sharing
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 11, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2024
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Time of Sharing
6:00 p.m.
Thursday January 11, 2024
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 12, 2024
New Community Hall
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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Dr. Reyling's Office says
So sorry to hear of Julian’s passing. He was a kind, gentle soul that loved his family! We send our prayers for all of you. May you hold the many cherished memories!
Francine Boxer says
I am so sorry Veronica & family. Jules was one of my best friends. He was like a father to me he always tried to teach me to do right and not to be angry . I so totally appreciate Jules. I’m going to miss our long conversation. God bless you all well going through this hard time. If you need anything please reach out to me.
R,
Francine
Janeen Firemoon-Ricker says
Love u ma…I am sorry! Keeping you in prayer!
Gina Bearfighter says
My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones, family, and friends.
JAMES BIGHORN says
My sincere condolences to the family.
Cheryle Cantrell says
My Sincere Condolences to my Relatives family. He was a good man, he will be Missed 💙 Fly High n Journey Well 🩵
J White Eagle - Johnson says
Veronica and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Julian was my cousin and my friend for years and I sure am gonna miss him. Julian had a memory of a elephant and could tell us something funny that happened along time ago and make everyone laugh. He was so much fun. Be strong Veronica and we will all be thinking of you during this sad time. Janice
Jerri Frislie says
Condolences veronica. My cousin Julian rests in peace. Prayers to all. Jerri Lynn Smoker
Karl Eder says
My condolences to the family. RIP my friend.
Henri Headdress says
So many good memories of our Brother Julian! Damn gonna miss you! Our prayers are with you Veronica and your family!
Theresa Forrest & Family says
Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the difficult days ahead. 🙏🏽
At times, there are no words to comfort a loss so great.
But know that I am always here for you my dear friends Summer and Veronica. ❤️
Eugene and Leah Boyd says
We so sorry for the loss of Julian. We are sending our sincere condolence and prayers to Julian wife and family. Hope it will comfort you and your family and this time of your loss. Julian was educated,Traditionalist , civil servant and family man. He was a restless spirit and love to travel. In my travels two Billings Missoula and down to Seattle. You always manage to show up but I was especially glad when you showed up in Seattle. Where we remain friends for 25 years. . Going to miss our Sunday talks brother. You you always mention your family and how much you love them and I know what you did love them. Going to miss you brother see you later..!!!
Deborah "Dobis" Balch Ricker says
I’m Sorry for Your Loss Jules was a Good Man that I had the Pleasure of working with in Social Services – Great Boss! Always had a smile, will miss our visits and will Cherish all my Good Memories….Rest in Perfect Paradise My Friend..Stronges Prayers of Strength, Support and Comfort to Family and Friends
Kenny and Judy says
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Julian always liked to tease and have fun.
Stephen Clincher says
Julian i looked forward to visiting w you now that im back home,shocked to get news of your passing. I wanted to ask you to consider seeking a seat on our tribal executive board,we needed college educated local enrolled native sioux tribal members making future plans for our grandchildren. You spent years getting college education an it showed w the many jobs you worked in both in federal and tribal,im sure there was much more you wanted to do here at home for tribe an your beloved family. Heavenly Father strengthem this family this year,the work Julian did touched many members of this community, we like his family will miss his presence within our health field here an whereever he worked.
Neva Spotted Wolf says
The family of the late Vera Roberts Ironman send our heartfelt condolences to our relative, Julian and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Charlie Headdress says
My sincere condolences and prayers to Veronica and family. Julian was a brother to the Headdress clan he stayed with us for a couple of years during high school. Julian and I both attended Haskell and took up Business. He and Mervyn Shields, Phillip (Prima) Cummins and myself roomed together at Haskell. What a blast that was. He was a quite and gentle man with a killer sense of humor. Julian, Janice and myself all worked at IHS for many years and have fond memories of all the crazy times of our youth. Julian you earned your wings and now you took flight to see all of your family and friends. Till we meet again brother beyond the veil.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the family. Julian was my classmate, friend and co worker. He will be miss.
Sharon Yellow Owl says
My condolences to cuzn julians wife n family. Im going to miss our visiting n the memories of his dad n mom he spoke of. Im so sorry i didn’t know he was sick.
Larry Headdress says
Julian was a kind soul, I remember visiting with him when we worked at IHS. I got stranded in billings in 1986 when my greyhound bus left me and I walked to Julian’s place ,he told me that John pipe and his family were going to stop by soon maybe you can catch a ride home..rest easy Julian and I wish I could have made you that half a back strap sandwich..RIP bro.
Patt Iron Cloud says
Julian. I love you and I’ll miss you terribly Siceshi. Families are forever! 💔💔💔. Your cousin Patt 😭😭😭
Arlene Small says
Jerry and Arlene Small
We have known Julian for over 50 years and he always had a good sense of humor! Since he was married to Jerry’s sister “Ronnie” we enjoyed hearing about his many travels for work experiences. It was always nice when he moved back home with his family. He was a great mentor to those he spoke with and he was very knowledgeable in both the Federal and Tribal government. He was like a gentle giant and kept his cool when under pressure. He loved Ronnie and his family and always provided for them. Until we meet again, our prayers are with Ronnie and your children and grandchildren! Veronica, let us know if we can be of help in any way…..
Angel says
I remember when my dad introduced me to Uncle. He said thats my cousin and hes well educated and hes someone to look up to. I just graduated high school. I admired him and the path he took in his education endeavors. When I started college I wanted to go into the social work field like him so i got my AA in human Services.. Thank you uncle for being that inspiration to me. Thank you uncle for checking up on me over the years.. especially after dad passed.
My heartfelt condolences to your wife and family..
Sincerely
Daughter of Dennis Scott
Grand daughter of Artie Crazybull
Great grand daughter of Lillian Shields
Angel Leah Scott
Jonny BearCub says
Julian was good friends with my brother George. They were always laughing, teasing and just having a great time enjoying Life! Julian enjoy your reunion on the other side for I know it will be filled with laughter, jokes and lots of love. Many prayers for strength for the family as they prepare for this next part of Life without you physically, but may the Lord let them know you are always there for them in Spirit. Blessings and travel in joy back home across that Star Road.