James Rosenbaum
courtesy photo
James Rosenbaum
BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA — James Alfred Rosenbaum, age 79, passed away peacefully at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center on Wednesday June 10, 2015, in Burnsville, Minnesota. James was born in St. Ignatius, Montana, on July 18, 1935, to Alfred Jackson and Annie Mae (Krantz) Rosenbaum. He lived his earliest years in Arlee. He grew up on the family farm in Charlo, Montana, the oldest of five. Jim was very active in 4-H and played high school football. In 1951 Jim was the well-deserved recipient of a trip to 4-H Congress in Chicago, Illinois. After high school, Jim “cowboyed” – working on the Catholic Mission Ranch out of St. Ignatius.
In the mid-fifties Jim went to work for the Bureau of Public Roads, (now the Federal Highway Administration), working road construction and surveying around the state.
In 1957 he met his future wife and love of his life, Lola Odland in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. They were married on Dec. 7, 1957, in Missoula. Jim pulled an 8-foot wide trailer with his beloved 1957 Buick and the couple moved wherever the job took them, all over the Northwest. Three children arrived in rapid succession: Sheryl LuAnn, born in Kalispell, Montana; Mark Alfred, born in Prairie City, Oregon; and Elaine Michelle, born in Lewistown, Montana. After making their home in numerous places, Jim and Lola returned to Missoula in 1964 where they lived for nearly 37 years. A fourth child, Theresa LaRae, was born in 1973.
Jim was employed by Missoula County, first as a surveyor and finished as the Missoula County Roads Superintendent. He worked for the Forest Service and Evans Products before he went to work for Washington Corporation in 1979 where he was the Vice President of Operations for Industrial Constructors. He retired from the Washington Group in 2000.
Jim always raised a huge garden at their home on South Ave. W. He took great pride in his yard with its beautiful lawn and many flower beds. He and Lola loved to have friends and family gather on the patio for happy hour. James was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church. He was on the Missoula County 4-H Council for a number of years and was a 4-H Club Leader. To this day, many members of the Wide Horizons 4-H Club still speak fondly of his leadership lessons and high expectations.
Known as Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jim loved those grandbabies. Memorable nicknames were given to all. “Driving” Papa’s riding lawn mower from his lap and “helping” in the garden were always a big hit. Going to feed the fish, or the ducks, and hitting any and all yard sales to find treasures provided hours of fun with Papa. Papa’s grandchildren would likely tell you their Papa was a man of “salty language,” gruff demeanor and without a doubt loved them all so very much.
Jim wasn’t much for hobbies – he and Lola mostly liked to work. They enjoyed going for a drive in the evening and were always up for a drink or dance at the Eagles. Jim and Lola loved to dance and even won a few dance contests through the years. He named dancing as one of the things he missed the most as his health declined and his Lola went home to God. It is likely they put in a song request for “Tiny Bubbles” when Jim arrived in heaven so they could dance to their “lovin’ music” there.
Since the year 2000, Jim had lived in Boise, Idaho; Winnemucca, Nevada; Hamilton, Montana, and spent the last few years in Burnsville, Minnesota. For the last year Jim made his home at Ebenezer Ridges Care Center. He took advantage of the many activities offered there, being involved in everything from the jug band, to a recent fishing trip, and to art class. Jim continued to treasure time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and, with his typical strong spirit, made friends and gave the staff of Ebenezer a run for their money. We appreciate their patience and professional care. Jim loved a good scotch, watching wrestling on TV and he continued to have an appreciation for farming and ranching. He thoroughly enjoyed watching his son Mark develop his ranch- Rosenbaum Livestock- near Casper, Wyoming.
James is survived by his four children: Sheryl (Bruce) Bousu of Burnsville, Minnesota; Mark (Stacy) Rosenbaum of Casper, Wyoming; Elaine (Rob) Tripp of Missoula, Montana and Theresa (Mike) Mavity of Winnemucca, Nevada; 19 grandchildren: Trevor, Kathryn, Caleb, Trenton, Meredith, Julie, Megan, Jacob, Heidi, James, Lukas, Sadie, Molly, Libby, Lindy, Abbey, Macie, Makenna, and Maxwell and 26 great-grandchildren; his sister Addierene (Don) Albertson of Yacolt, Washington; and brothers: Raymond (Bev) Rosenbaum of Kelso, Washington; Lawrence (Pat) Rosenbaum, Missoula, Montana; and John (Delma) Rosenbaum of Newport, Oregon.
His parents and his wife of 57 years, Lola, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church in Missoula on Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m. with interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
At Jim’s request, Honorary Pallbearers are his grandsons: Trevor, Caleb and Trenton Bousu, Jacob and James Rosenbaum, Lukas Haaglund, and Maxwell Mavity.
Correspondence and condolences for the family can be sent to the Tripps at: P.O. Box 18333 Missoula, MT 59808.
