James Houston Blevins

James Houston Blevins

James Houston Blevins was born in Chinook, Mont., at the Old Jepson house on Main Street, on April 30, 1921. Jim is the oldest son and fifth child of Mildred Irene (Miller) Blevins and Grover Latham Blevins.

The Blevins family homesteaded north of Lohman in 1914, when Woodrow Wilson was President. Jim attended rural school and graduated from Chinook High School in 1939.

He began a lifelong commitment of service to his country by joining the National Guard in 1935 and served for three years in Company M of the 163rd Infantry. In 1937, he served being an honor guard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the dedication of the Fort Peck Dam.

During World War II, he served with the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945. His awards plaque states the following: James H. Blevins — Sergeant. 1942-1945 U. S. Marine Corps. Alpha Company: 10th Marine Regiment — 2nd Battalion. Military Occupation Specialty: Aircraft Crew Sergeant. Conflict served: World War II (1942-1945). Award: Good Conduct Medal. Most Memorable Unit/Assignment: Tarawa Battle.

Jim and his three brothers as well as one sister were members of the armed services during the same period.

After returning home from the service, he was engaged in farming and ranching. It was at that time he married the love of his life, Hedwig "Hedy" Michel on Oct. 4, 1952.

In 1955 he joined the United States Postal Service and worked as a window clerk for 12 years before being named postmaster. He served the Chinook community in this job description for 30 years with his retirement date being Dec. 31, 1985.

Jim's devotion to the Chinook community is evident by the years of fostering and directing efforts in support of goals and ideals of community organizations. He was a member of the Lions Club, History Club, Masonic Lodge No. 50, Eagles and American Legion as well as a supporter of the Chinook Golf Course. His Christianity was an important factor in his life also. In 1989, Jim was selected by the community as king for the Centennial Celebration. He was presented a centennial jacket and a stetson hat.

Jim's wife, Hedy, provided total commitment to his efforts with love and devotion until her death in 1979.

Approximately 10 years after his retirement, he chose the warm sunshine in the South over Montana winters and settled in Truth or Consequences, N.M. He participated in dancing and other activities at the Senior Center. Jim quickly acquired a new circle of friends at the Recreation Center playing pool and golfing at the local golf coarse.

He met and married Mary Wright in 1990 and she passed away in 2011. Jim returned to his hometown, Chinook, in June 2011. He looked forward to renewing old acquaintances at Sweet Memorial Home.

Jim enjoyed music, singing and playing the harmonica and guitar by ear. Jim's highlight of his life was his daughter, Charlene, grandchildren, Todd and Kendra, and his great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his daughter Charlene Lowen of Havre; grandson, Todd Peterson of Havre; granddaughter Kendra (Terry) Richardson of Missoula; and brothers, Tom Blevins of Ronan, Lee Blevins of Billings; sisters, Juanita Mickelson of Bonner, Romona Groet of Vancouver, Wash., Lorraine Youngs of Vancouver, Wash., and Louise Albert of Missoula.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Mildred Blevins; brother, Lawrence Blevins; and sisters, Virginia Christian, Frances Heageny, Laro Hensley, Florence "Hecky" Porter and Celia Hyslop.

Memorials may be made to the Chinook Golf Course, Blaine County Wildlife Museum or one's choice.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 26, 2012, at 11 a. m. at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Chinook. Arrangements were made by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.