James A. Underwood 77, of Bigfork, Mont.

James Arnold “Jim” Underwood, 77, passed away on Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at his residence in Bigfork, Mont.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1934, in Fairview, Mont., the son of Charles and Sarah (Hammer) Underwood.

He attended schools in Fairview and at 18, he moved with his family to Silver Butte, Mont., where they owned and operated a cattle ranch. He later went to work at J. Neil’s Lumber in Libby where he worked as a mechanic and maintenance worker for more than 25 years until his retirement.

After retirement, he worked as head of maintenance at the Fairgrounds in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, until he retired because of health reasons.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and water skiing and was also a beekeeper.

He was an avid reader of western novels especially Louis L’Amour and western movies.

He was a past member of the Moose Lodge and Eagle’s Lodge both of Libby.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Jackie Hooper of Spokane, Wash.; Randy Underwood and Beth of Bigfork, Mont.; Bonny Nadrau and husband Thomas of Spokane, Wash., and Becky Sarbaum of Libby, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and two brothers, Vernon Underwood of Missoula, Mont., and Bill Underwood and wife Jennie of Tri-Cities, Wash.; and his sister Lois Theonnes of Libby.

There are no services planned at this time for Jim.

Johnson – Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Jim’s family.

Friends and family are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com.