James ‘Jim’ Peel
courtesy photo
James Peel
RONAN — James “Jim” Lyndal Peel passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Nov. 10, 2015 in Ronan. Jim was born on March 14, 1928, in Idalou, Texas, to Sylvester and Betty Peel.
As a young man, Jim was athletic and energetic and enjoyed many pursuits including the sport of baseball. He played extensively until a severe ankle injury would keep him from playing any further. Jim attended school in Idalou and Muleshoe, Texas. In January of 1946, Jim joined the Navy where he proudly served two years. He married the love of his life, Ruth Craigo, on Jan. 23, 1948. Together they had two children: Mike and Gail. They lived many years in Lubbock, Texas, where he was a cookie delivery truck driver for the Pioneer Cookie Company. In the early 1960s, Jim, along with other members of the Peel family, saw opportunities to be successful in agriculture in the Mission Valley of Montana. The lure to Montana eventually grew strong enough that Jim and Ruth moved their family to Ronan in February of 1964. They raised a family and ranched on a beautiful piece of property along Baptiste Road for over forty years. Eventually they would decide to sell the ranch and move into town all the while remaining faithful parishioners to their Christian Church in Ronan.
Jim’s parents Sylvester and Betty; brothers, Ardenon Peel, Jack Peel, Ted Peel and Bennie Peel; sisters, Mildred Ward and Vernie Killian; his wife of 60 years, Ruth; and his daughter, Gail, all precede him in death.
Jim’s son, Mike Peel; sisters, Artell Pointer, Modelle McCright and Nell Luck; grandchildren Hoke Lytton, Jesse Lytton, Justin Peel and Melissa Miller and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews survive him.
Grandpa Jim was a loving and endearing man to his family as well as being very devoted to his Christian faith. We miss and will forever remember a kind and patient man who lived his life with unshakable principle and unconditional love for his family.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at the Ronan Cemetery, where Jim will be laid to rest next to his wife Ruth and daughter Gail. If there is inclement weather, services will be held at the Terrace Lake Community Church. A reception will be held at Terrace Lake Community Church following the internment services.
