Leland James “Jimi” Hewankorn, 61, of Ronan, passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

He was born on Jan. 14, 1952, in St. Ignatius, to Charles and Alice Hewankorn. In his younger years he graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1970 where he was an all-around MVP athlete. He was also a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion of Northwestern Montana. A little later in life he was a director for the Indian Alliance Program in Missoula, a man who had a flair for cooking and his culinary talent took him to Las Vegas to work as a chef. He also held various jobs for the tribe for many years and was currently employed with the Tribal Maintenance Department.

He was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and a strong believer in his traditional ways. His passion and love in life was his music. With his music skills he donated his time to various agencies and groups to raise money for those in need. He was a very generous man. He played with numerous recording artists such as: Faron Young, Johnny Rodriguez, and Boxcar Willie to name a few.

Jimi was well known all over Indian country for his stickgame skills and notorious boyish humor. He was a true sportsman and enjoyed his time spent in the outdoors. Jimi was a very special man who held many hearts close to his with a respectful yet, quiet dignity.  So, as he leaves us, remember his own last words, “Don’t worry about me.”

Leland is preceded in death by his father Charles Hewankorn, brother Laverne Hewankorn Sr., sister Linda Rae Hewankorn, nephew Donald Collins III, and infant daughter Karen Sue Hewankorn.

Survivors include Janice Couture, whom he cherished dearly, Ronan; his mother Alice Hewankorn, Niarada; brother Levi (Bonnie) Hewankorn, Pablo; sister Charlotte Hewankorn, Polson; sister Rosalee Roberson, Florida; uncle Walter Matus, Pablo; four daughters: Candi Rafal, Oregon, Jami Hewankorn, Texas, Kim Hewankorn, Pablo, and Christina Hewankorn; and his grandchildren: Rose & Felix Rafal, Elizabeth Majefski, Michael Torres, Adella Ort, Karen Sue Hewankorn, Kwe’lulexw’ Hewankorn, and aunts, uncles, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Traditional wake services began Tuesday at the Hall in Elmo with Rosary on Wednesday. Burial will be held on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m. at Dayton Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.groganfuneralhome.com.