JAMES CHARLES KEJSAR obituary

Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, James Charles Kejsar passed away Monday, March 15, 2010, at his daughter's home in Billings. Jim was born July 25, 1930, in Belvidere, S.D., to James and Mary Kejsar. He joined four older sisters; Sylvia, Alice, Frances and Irene and was followed by his baby sister, Mary. The family moved frequently due to the Depression and scarcity of jobs. At the start of World War II, he and his family moved to Seaside, Ore., where Jim became a pin setter at a local bowling alley earning enough money to buy his own Levis, much to his mothers chagrin. She didn't think he could keep them up since he had no hips. The family later moved to Klamath Falls, Ore., and it was here that he graduated from high school. After high school he joined the military serving first in the National Guard, and then in the Air Force during the Korean War where he was stationed in Greenland. From Greenland, he was transferred to a spot that could be equally cold and desolate, the air base north of Havre, Mont. While stationed there, he met Margaret Hamblock and they married Feb. 19, 1955. They made their home in Havre and over the next several years were joined by four daughters: Tena, Nancy, Judy and Pam. Jim had several jobs during his adult working career. He hauled milk for Vita Rich Dairy, bread for Eddie's Bakery, canned goods for Gamble Robinson and cement and gravel for Baltrusch Ready Mix. He went to work for Great Northern Railroad and studied hard to become a certified electrician. He retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1994 and stayed home to take care of Margaret before she passed away in 1996. Later in 1996, he reconnected with an old flame from high school, Lucille Ring, and they were married May 5, 1997, in Couer D'Alene, Idaho. They spent the next 12 years of their lives traveling back and forth between Montana and southern California with side trips to Oregon, Ontario, Alberta and many other spots. He is survived by his loving spouse, Lucille; five sisters, Sylvia Johnson, Alice (Nolan) Thatcher, Frances Smith, Irene Chambers and Mary Wilkinson; four daughters, Tena (Rusty) Pegar, Nancy (Kelly) Nelson, Judy (Hoss) Loendorf, and Pamela (Don) Trudell; five stepchildren, Diana (Bob) Thornily, Rodney Givan, Douglas (Tami) Givan, Robin (Robert) Belvidere, Shanna (Jerry) Steelsmith; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Per Jim's wishes, a private family ceremony will be held. Memorials can be made to Havre Senior Center, 22nd St. W., Havre, MT 59501; Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave., Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102-6440, or the charity of your choice. "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:7). Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent online to http://www.cfgbillings.com.