James W. Hartry, 81, 'peacefully left this life' on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. He was born in Hannah, N.D.a to George A. and Christian M. (Mortimer) Hartry.

In 1929, James' family moved to Brockton then on to Culbertson where he was raised and educated. He joined the United States Navy at a very young age.

While home on leave, he met his future wife, Jeannine I. Gabrielson, and they were married in February of 1947. James spent six and one half years in the Navy. He then went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration in 1952 and apprenticed for four years in electronics at Alameda Naval Air Station. He and his family traveled extensively with his work to many states including California, Washington, Colorado, Oklahoma and finally back to his roots in his beloved state of Montana where he retired in 1980.

Over the years, he enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with the lifelong friends they had made along their journeys. James and his family enjoy many memorable camping and boating outings to state and national parks, and various scenic locations throughout the western U.S.

James was preceded in death by a son, Stuart; his parents; an uncle, Jack Mortimer; four brothers: Maurice, Clifford, Jack and Floyd; and a niece: Jackie Lynn (Larsen).

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine Hartry, at their family home in Marion; daughter, Wanda Bissell and her husband, Dennis, of Burlington, Wash.; and a son, Warren Hartry of Marion; a sister, Thelma Larsen and her husband, Les, of Libby; grandchildren, Brian Marcus of Anacortes, Wash., Jeff Marcus of Seattle; Dawn Hawkins, Courtney and Brittney Hartry of Pequot Lakes, Minn. and Caleb Hartry of Kalispell; a stepbrother-in-law: Howard Nordmeyer and his wife, Genny; special friend, Sam Marcus; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. At Jim's request there will be no visitation.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for James' family.