Irma (Lowthian) James

On October 22, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio a sweet little girl was born to John and Edith Lowthian. Irma spent her childhood in a happy home with her brother John. When she was young their family moved from Ohio to a small farm in Pennsylvania. When she was a teenager, their family moved to southern California.

In 1968, Irma was pursued by a determined soldier, Steve James. Eventually, Irma agreed to go out on a date with Steve. This was the start of a lifelong journey full of memories.

On January 24, 1969, in El Monte, California, Irma and Steve were married. Together they raised three sons: Dean, Richard, and Michael. While raising their children they moved several times. They lived in New Hope Landing, California; Garland, Texas; and Grass Valley, California. In 1988, they moved their family to Lewistown, MT where they started a small trucking company. In 1999, Irma and Steve moved to Shelby, MT to be closer to their two younger sons.

Irma was a strong-willed, Christian woman who loved her family dearly. You could see the pride in her eyes when she talked about her children and grandchildren. She was very proud of her boys and the men that they had become. She was blessed with three daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Irma enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, beading, ceramics, shooting sports, cooking, fishing, boating, camping, taking spontaneous drives, and collecting many things.

On the night of October 20, 2022, Irma left our world to be with Jesus.  Steve was by her side, where he had been for the last 54+ years.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

Irma is survived by the love of her life, Steve; children, Dean (Shauna) of Lewistown, MT, Richard (Rikki) of Shelby, MT, Michael (Cassie) of Walensburg, CO; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and her nieces.

When we lose someone we love we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again.

Memorial services will be November 12, at 10am at the First Baptist Church Shelby. A reception in the church’s fellowship hall after the service.