Lester Alvin Youpee Sr. “Jim”, the love of our lives went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2015, surrounded by his children, family and friends. “Jim” as known to everyone, was born on October 5, 1922 in Poplar, MT to Frank Youpee and Helen Lester Brush Horn. He was raised by his mother Helen and stepfather Joe Brush Horn.
Jim went to Indian school in Poplar and Boarding school in South Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and was honorably discharged in 1943. Jim met and married the love of his life Jeannette Cloud Youpee on October 2, 1950 at 11:00 a.m. in Wolf Point, MT. To this union 12 children were born, Dolly, Linda, Sharon, Lester Jr., Joe, Gary, Bobby Sr., Tommy, Kate, Millie, Russell and Jamie. They also raised and adopted two grandsons Sheldon Ray Youpee and Shilo Wade Four Bear and a granddaughter Jeannette Lorraine Youpee and adopted children Toni and Dewey Johnson, Joseph Red Star and Ida Good Bird.
He sat on the Tribal Executive Board during the years between 1955 to 1957, 1957 to 1959 and 1969 to 1971 and was also on the Brockton School Board. He owned and operated Jim’s Standard Filling Gas Station in Brockton from 1961 to 1974.
He had various hobbies that included Bingo, watching rodeos, watching the men’s pool league, playing cards especially solitaire, chewing tobacco (he always had a can of chew) and sitting on his ramp hanging with Diondre “Tuffy” and Dante “Tiny Man”.
Jim is survived by his brother Lloyd Youpee of Poplar; sons Robert Youpee Sr. of Brockton, Russell, Sheldon and Illenda Youpee of Poplar and Shilo Four Bear of Brockton.; daughters Dolly Boyd, Sharon Red Thunder, Kate Youpee, Millie and Marion Runs Through Sr. all of Poplar, Jaime Kay of Brockton, Toni and Dewey Johnson of Medicine Lake and his adopted children Joseph Red Star of South Dakota, Ronald “Stinker” Crow, Ida and Arnie Good Bird all of Poplar and Aurelia Bets His Medicine of Fort Kipp. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. The family apologizes if any one was left out, he leaves behind a very extensive family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Youpee and Helen and Joe Brush Horn; his brothers Bill, Louie and Leroy; sisters Edith, Elizabeth and Helen; his daughter Linda; his sons Lester Jr., Joe, Gary and Tommy; adopted sons Shep Ferguson, Ernie Yozachippi and Richard Blue Earth; grandsons Joseph Boyd, Kenny and John Jr., Rocky Clark and Baby Boy Yellow Horse; granddaughters Denise Kay Red Thunder and Danny Joe Youpee.
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Sorry to hear about Jimmy passing, I remember all the times I spent at their home when I was young. He had a good and long life.
Patt Iron Cloud says
Dekshi Jimmy. My heart is broken today and my wings cannot fly anymore. I know that you are with Grandma Helen and Grandma Frank…and Grandma Joe.. but it still hurts and I want you to know that I love you and I appreciate your beautiful hugs and smiles for me. You made me feel so special in my life. You always made me feel like a Princess and I love how your eyes would smile and light up my life. Uncle Jimmy, you are a blessed man for God blessed you with so many wonderful children and Takojapi !! I am so thankful for your life on Mother Earth.. I am so thankful for your service to our Great United States of America in the U.S. Army. Our Native Homeland. Lililililililililililili !!! I know you were always brave. I know you always loved your babies and for that I am so thankful…Because that’s how Grandma Lizzie loved me. I am so thankful for your heartfelt love for Auntie Jeanette and all the babies that she gave you.. Each one of them are hurting today and I pray for comfort for them. All the babies who are in Heaven and all our Tiwahi in Heaven are happy today and they rejoice on your arrival. We will see you again and we will always love you forever and a day Dekshi. May Tunkashina Wankan bless your on your wondrous journey to Mahpiya Wankan.. May this journey be filled with true love and happiness and finally you get to hold your beautiful wife once again… And remember what we said at your passing, “Auntie Jeanette said, “what took you so long?”.. ” Love you Dekshi Jimmy… from your niece who cherishes you your life… Patsy..