James Virgil Hilton, 53, passed away on Thursday, May 6, 2010, in Columbia Falls, as the result of an explosion. Jim was born on June 19,1956, in St. Ignatius. He was raised in the St. Ignatius and Ronan area, graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1974. Jim worked for Cenex in Ronan from 1974 until 1990, when he and his wife Shirley moved to Kalispell to start a new job with North West Propane. After two years, he accepted a job with Montana Power/NorthWestern Energy. Jim was the Gas Man . Any family or friends needing advice about propane or natural gas, Jim was the person we called. Jim was an avid blood donor and was adopted by the Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department as the official cook of steaks twice a year at the Montana Mutual Aid Meetings. He was always there for his friends and family. He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren, and would do anything for them. Jim loved fishing, especially bass fishing, it was the thing. He found that he also loved hunting, especially opening day, with his family. He also enjoyed farming, boating and bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Hilton and Margery Hilton, and stepson T.J. , Timothy. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Korrie; son, Ezeaquil Bautisa; four grandchildren, Shanae, Jathaniel, Isabell and Carlos; Tim and Delores McAllister; sister, Evelyn Jennotte, of St. Ignatius; brothers, Dave Hilton of Billings, Larry Hilton of Great Falls, and Ken Hilton of Darby; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A celebration of Jim s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, at Risen Christ Parish, with the Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Interment will follow the service at C.E. Conrad Cemetery. A reception will be held following the interment at the NorthWestern Energy offices located at 890 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell. You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to leave your condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.