James Dellwo

James Joseph Dellwo, 93, of Choteau, died peacefully at the Pondera Medical Center Extended Care on December 30, 2016. Jim was born in April of 1923, in Conrad, the oldest child of Thomas and Helen (Corcoran) Dellwo. He moved to the Choteau area in 1929. Jim graduated from Teton County High School in 1941 and married Anita Mowbray in October 1942. Jim and Anita made their home in Choteau. In 1943 Jim entered the Army and fought in the European Theater during World War II. Returning to Choteau in 1946, he was elected Teton County Assessor. Jim wore many other hats including selling insurance, driving school bus, refereeing, riding irrigation ditches and working for the City of Choteau. Jim served three years as the Choteau Mayor and then finished is career as the City Manager until retiring in 1985. During retirement he stayed busy continuing his ditch riding job and volunteering with several community organizations. He thoroughly enjoyed working as a bailiff and his time as the Water Commissioner for the 9th Judicial District Court- Teton County. Jim was also very active with the Teton County Democratic Party. Following his wife's death, Jim enjoyed living at the Skyline Lodge for 14 wonderful years.

Jim participated in many different sports over his life-time and particularly enjoyed the years he spent as a referee for both football and basketball. He began his refereeing career in 1946 and was selected as an inaugural member of the Montana Official's Association's "Official's Hall of Fame." Jim and Anita enjoyed golfing and bowling together over the years and he was very proud of Anita's skill with a golf club. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed watching his grandchildren's athletic and school events and traveled many miles to watch a football game. In 2014, he traveled to Washington DC with his brother Bob on a Big Sky Honor Flight to view the many memorials. Spending time at the Vietnam Memorial was a highlight of his trip.

Jim is survived by his daughter's Diane (Alan) Richter of Kalispell, Mary Ann (Curtis) Ries of Conrad, and Jeannie (Greg) Eylar of Colton, Washington; his brothers Bob and Larry (Anne) and sister Annetta (Jim) Weinert; and brother-in-law Harold Hinman, 10 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Anita; children Tom Dellwo and Betty Jo Depner; and siblings Connie, Margaret Ann and Gordon.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Peace Hospice of Montana, or one of the donor's choice.

A Vigil Service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. On Friday, January 6, 2017, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Choteau. A Memorial Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. On January 7 at St. Joseph's followed by a reception.

Jim was an extraordinary son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, friend, and forever our "Pop". He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.



Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com