Obituary - James Michael DuPree

James Michael DuPree, born in Roundup, MT, Oct. 3, 1959, to James and Carol (Templeton) Dupree, died Jan. 1, 2018, due to health problems.

Mike started his schooling at Roundup Elementary. After various moves around Montana he landed in Fort Benton, where he graduated in the Class of 1978.

He then went to Havre to attend Northern Montana College. It was in Havre he met the love of his life, Nancy Sundberg. The two married Feb. 14, 1981.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education in 1982, James began his teaching career in a two-room schoolhouse in Rexford, MT.

Upon moving to South Pasadena, CA, James taught in Inglewood and also at McKinnley Home for Boys.

In 1995, the family moved to Flagstaff, AZ, where James substituted and began officiating for the football program there.

In 1998, a teaching job sent his family packing to their final destination of Winslow, AZ.

It was in Winslow that James spent the next 18 years, bringing his passion of learning to students at Washington Elementary School and continued to officiate for football. When James was no longer capable to officiate, he made his presence known as a proud and committed BULLDOG supporter with his booming voice cheering and his cowbell ringing. The teams knew when Mr. DuPree was in the stands!

In 2017, when kidney dialysis became needed, James retired from his beloved classroom, leaving children he loved and who in turn loved him.

James is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Jennelle (Russell Steven) Layne of Moreno Valley, CA and Jessica Kilbourn in Winslow, AZ; four grandsons, Jalen and Russell Steven III Layne, and Branden and James Michael Kilbourn; his brothers and sisters Robert (Anita) and Darin DuPree of Billings, Michele (Dennis) Drube, Bozeman, and CharLee Alefteras in Minot, ND. James is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, uncles, aunts and cousins throughout the United States.

Preceding James in death are his parents, Carol Anne and Charles Stein, James Arthur "Frenchy" and Reta DuPree, and a sister, Becki Nulf-Miller.

A celebration of James' life will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in Winslow, AZ. at the First Baptist Church

Though James "Mike" is gone from our presence we know he lives completely healed in Heaven with his loving Father. Until we meet again ...