Obituary - James Oliver Catt Sr.

James Oliver Catt Sr. was born on July 5, 1925, in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, to Benjamin and Tressie Catt. 

He entered the presence of his Lord, Jesus Christ, December 16, 2023, in Medford, Oregon, where he was surrounded by his family. 

Merchant Marine, US Navy sailor, business owner, and mechanic were a few of Jim's jobs before starting his career as a police officer. Jim started out walking the beat in Havre as a new police officer, and after 20 years of service, he retired as chief of police. Always a productive man, Jim started his next career at Burlington Northern Railroad the day after he retired from the police force! He was a railroad brakeman for 10 years. 

While in the Navy, he married the love of his life, Maxine Wilson Catt, in April 1945. It was love at first sight when he met her. Moments after meeting Maxine, Jim said to his Navy buddy, "I'm going to marry that girl!" And he did, four short months later. They were married for 67 years, until Maxine died in 2012.

Jim and Maxine were blessed with six children. They raised their children to be hospitable, hard-working, and to have good character. Jim and Maxine practiced what they preached.

Retirement years were filled with trips to see his children and grandchildren and snowbirding in Arizona. 

Generosity, positivity, humor, hard work, and love for all people are qualities for which James will always be remembered. Also, James had many memorable expressions like: "Get a bigger hammer!" "A man is only as good as his word." "That's the way it is!" "You bet!" and "I'll give you a holler in a few!"  

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; grandson Bobby Vernon, and several siblings.

He is survived by all six of his children, Larry (Pam) Auge, Arizona; Allan (Lydia) Auge, Arizona; Dennis (Pat) Eldridge, Washington; Myrna Catt (Robert) Vernon, Oregon; James (Laurie) Catt, Oregon; and Cindy Catt (David) Heaney, North Dakota. Additionally, he is survived by 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, three siblings, nieces, nephews, and countless friends! He was loved and will be missed by so many!

Jim was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church, Havre, Montana, where his funeral will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please visit Jim's online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for his family at https://www.hollandbonine.com .