Obituary - James Delmar "Scotty" Maze

James Delmar "Scotty" Maze was born March 6, 1927, in Havre, Montana. He was one of 13 children born to Luther and Victoria (Jackson) Maze. Scotty was raised and educated in Havre.

Scotty served as a Navy veteran from 1944-1948 and received the World War II Victory Medal. In 1950 he re-enlisted to fight in the Korean Conflict and earned the Service Medal before his honorable discharge.

He worked many jobs in carpentry and mechanics over the years. He also trained horses in the horse racing circuit for several years.

In 1977 Scotty married the love of his life, Rita (Vukasin) Maze. In 1985 they purchased the Wheel Inn Bar & Restaurant in Devon. They operated this hospitality business, which was well known for its delicious broasted chicken. Scotty loved his time as a tavern owner and his customers were some of his best friends.

In 1995 they sold the place and purchased a home in Joplin for their retirement years. The Mazes enjoyed their life in Joplin and stayed active in the Hi-Line community. They were married 38 years when Rita died this past January.

Scotty enjoyed camping, fishing, dancing and cards. Scotty simply had an unlimited mental library of jokes. So no matter the topic of conversation, he had a joke, a good zinger or a funny one liner.

Scotty lived in his Joplin home with his granddaughter Delena until his peaceful passing on Wednesday evening June 17, 2015, of pancreatic cancer. He was 88 years old.

He is survived by his two children: son, Ken Vukasin of Great Falls and daughter, Karen Maney of Bozeman; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Norman (Margrett) Maze of Havre and Harvey (Carol) Maze of Great Falls; two sisters, Lorraine (Bert) Fraley of Anchorage, Alaska, and Audrey Halcomb of Touela, Utah; and many nieces and nephews.

Scotty was preceded In death by his parents; wife; stepdaughter, Barb; grandson, Jason; brothers, Archie, Harold, Gordon and Merle Maze; and sisters, Eva Ellis, Louise Nelson, Minnie Simpson and Noreen Maze.

A memorial service will be 6 p.m. today, Monday, June 22, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Joplin, with a reception to follow in Kjos Hall. Scotty and Rita will be buried together at Fort Harrison Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Rockman Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.