James "Jim" Hoffman

Glendive, Montana: James "Jim" Hoffman, age 88, passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at his home in Glendive with his family by his side. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, December 26, 2011 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 26, 2011 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Father Joseph Ponessa officiating. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Alex Pulickaparambil officiating. Rite of Committal with military honors will be held in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Gripping your hand firmly, Jim would often declare by way of greeting, "Go to your knee cap, and while you're down there, say a prayer." A colorful personality and always ready to share a story or repeat a joke, this often-quipped line typified a man who lived a wonderful life dedicated to two things: God and his family. Jim was an indisputable people person. Born November 20, 1923, James D. Hoffman grew up with his grandparents and brother, Ken, graduating from high school in Bozeman, Montana. Upon returning home from serving in the Navy during World War II, Jim enrolled at the University of Montana, earning a bachelors degree in secondary education (he would later earn a masters degree in school administration). He then took a job as a teacher and coach in Lodge Grass, where a young teacher named Marylin Reynolds soon "knocked his socks off." They were married in 1957. Over the years, Jim held many positions in the field of education, working his way from teaching to administration as a superintendent in Shepherd, Belfry and Baker, and finally president of Dawson Community College in Glendive, where he lived until his death. To each of these roles, Jim brought his warm personality and gentle integrity. He worked hard, and his palpable kindness made him well liked by both students and teachers. Jim's large personality filled a room, and his unassuming nature had the unique ability to bring out the best in others. Jim was always passionately dedicated to his wife, four daughters, nine grandchildren, and his great-granddaughter. Throughout his whole life, he loved kids, and played with his own whenever possible. He was always a positive force, parenting with compassion and a sense of humor. As a grandfather, he would often drive hours with Marylin to applaud his grandchildren's piano recitals and band concerts, cheer at tennis matches and soccer games, and watch baptisms and First Communions. Never one to hide his humor, Jim would shout out, "If it turns out, I'll take a dozen!" after posing for family photographs. Realizing he was too loud, his eyebrows would shoot up and he'd flash a sheepish grin before going right back to joking around with the kids and grandkids he loved to be around. In his free time, Jim indulged in two healthy appetites—his wife's cooking and his love of sports. Claiming he didn't want to "waste away to a shadow," Jim joked he ate "every hour on the hour whether I needed it or not" until he was "stuffy-wuffied." In his younger years, he didn't miss a single sporting event in town, attending high school basketball and Little League games alike. Later in life you could find Jim settled into his recliner in the den, watching all the football and baseball games he could find on TV. While a significant influence in his life, Jim's faith was lived quietly. You would find him kneeling in the pew at church every weekend, although he would often lean over to remind you they banned him from singing in church because his "high notes would shatter the stain-glass windows!" His strong religious convictions inspired his gentle demeanor and guided his caring actions. No words can adequately capture just how much we will miss Jim, but his love will continue to live on in the lessons he taught his family and the fond memories we will always have of him. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marylin, of Glendive, and daughters: Cindy Zimmerman (husband Duane and children Sarah (Matt and Emma West), Danny, and Katy) of Billings; Darcy Crum (husband Dave and children Ellie and Molly) of Great Falls; Lori Billings (husband Kevin and children Drew and Catherine) of Sandy, Utah; and Denise Hudson (husband Brian and children Paul and Matthew) of Sandy, Utah. Should you choose, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Dawson Community College. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

James "Jim" Hoffman

November 20, 1923 - December 27, 2011

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James "Jim" Hoffman

November 20, 1923 - December 27, 2011

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support