James Pearson
courtesy photo
James Pearson
BIGFORK — James Merwin Pearson, 81, passed away quietly at home surrounded by his family Aug. 15, 2020 after a trying battle with Mesothelioma. He fought that battle courageously and faithfully, culminating in a peaceful transition to his new home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jim was a business teacher/administrator for 24 years beginning in Arlee and ending in Ronan. He saw the potential in his students, invested in them, and was encouraged to see them develop to their full potential while having fun along the way. As a result, he was respected by his students and colleagues alike. During the later years of teaching, Jim combined his business knowledge and woodworking skills to establish Cottage Creations of Crow Creek. He and his wife of 61 years, Lora, created and produced many beautiful wood items. Over the course of 23 years they enjoyed touring the west selling the same at craft shows enabling many happy customers to enjoy his talents as a craftsman.
Jim was always the gentlemen and was full of sage advice for his family, whom he dearly loved. He was always genuinely interested and engaged each of them to learn what was happening in their lives and provided support, love and also counsel, but only if asked! Jim’s family, including some very dear friends and his faith were the two things that were paramount in his life. A lifelong Lutheran, he most recently belonged to and enjoyed Christian fellowship at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lora; three wonderful sons and their families, Eric and Theresa, Kirk and Leslie and sons, Carl and Micah, Victor and Christy and daughters, Hannah and Danielle and son, Nathaniel. He celebrated the addition of Stephen Kleinheider to the family as Hannah’s husband, in May of this year. While each is deeply saddened for their loss at his passing, they also rejoice in the knowledge that he is now in the presence of Jesus in a far better place and reunited with his parents and brother, who preceded him in death.
Services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church on Sept. 10, 2020, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Shawn Osborne leading in this celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make donations in memory of Jim to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp at: flbc.net/donate-volunteer or Heifer International at: Heifer.org/give/giving-in-honor.html.
