Jim W. Jensen

Jim W. Jensen, 78, went to our Father on July 25, 2012 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jim was born on March 25, 1934 in Kalispell in a house on West 3rd Ave, to Catherine and Christen Jensen. Jim started and ended his school career in the Kalispell School District, and graduated from Flathead High School.

Before enlisting in the Navy in Feb. of 1953, he worked as a logger for Ernie Kinshella. Upon entering the Navy, he was sent to San Diego, Calif. for Boot Camp. He was assigned to the USS Bremerton, where he joined the cruiser in Yokoska, Japan. After three years aboard the USS Bremerton he was transferred to the USS Tausig for 10 months. During his 10 months on USS Tausig he and his shipmates made four cruises to the Far East during the Korean Conflict. In 1957, Jim separated from the Navy, after spending four years in the ready reserve he received an Honorable Discharge in 1961.

In May of 1957, Jim returned to Kalispell and became a Deputy for the Flathead County Sheriff Department. During his time with the Sheriff’s Department, he was selected to attend the first class of The Montana Law Enforcement Academy at Montana State University. He served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Flathead Life Saving and Rescue Association.

Jim was married to Marlys Mielke of Osakis, Minn. on Jan. 16, 1960. He returned to Kalispell with his bride and remained a Deputy Sheriff.

In December of 1962, Jim was hired as a probationary patrolman with the Montana Highway Patrol.

His first position was as a civilian driver examiner. In April and May 1963 was sent through the Highway Patrol Academy at Fort Harrison, located in Helena. He returned to his driver’s examiner post as a uniformed officer (badge # 237) upon his completion of the Highway Patrol Academy. In July 1964, Jim was transferred to Libby as a patrol officer. The two-man station saw the beginning of Libby Dam. In March 1970, he was assigned to Bigfork post as the first resident Patrolman. December 1979, he received a promotion to Sergeant (badge # 133) and transferred to Glendive for six months. Havre was his next station from July 1980 to June 1983. Jim received a promotion to Lieutenant (badge # 120) and transferred to Butte, in June 1983. Eight months later the Highway Patrol transferred him to Helena, where he served as an Inspector until October 1986. The announcement of his retirement from the Highway Patrol brought one last transfer to the Communication Center in Helena where he served as Commander until Sept. 30, 1986. Jim returned to Bigfork, where he and his family established a permanent residence in 1971.

The road being in his blood from the Highway Patrol, he longed to return to driving. He became a driver for Carie Trucking in February 1987. He delivered various petroleum products. In April 1992, Jim moved his driving career to City Service as a part time employee. His travels with City Service took him to Oregon, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, Canada, and Alberta, Canada. The driving was mainly fill-ins on weekends, holidays and the summer months.

Jim joined Marlys in driving a School Bus for Bigfork School District. He drove from Yellow Bay to Woods Bay picking up children and getting them safely to and from school. Jim had many fond memories of the children he drove. The ones that remained close to Bigfork would run into him and often let him know how they were doing. He retired from driving school bus.

Jim currently held the office of President for both the USS Bremerton Reunion and U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association. He has held the position of Past Master for the Bigfork Masonic Lodge.

Jim is survived by his wife Marlys and three daughters and their families, Kim, Marv and Kayla Gielen of Bigfork; Kristie Jensen of Dundee, Ore.; Kari, Todd, Kearsten and Scott Friedrich of Newberg, Ore.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Christen Jensen; mother and stepfather Ben and Ann Hebert.

He will be greatly missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to The Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604; also online at www.montanahope.com or Bethany Lutheran Church P.O. Box 398, Bigfork, MT 59911.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1 at Bethany Lutheran Church, located at 8559 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Jim’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.