Jim Cornwell

Jim Cornwell

84, of Troy

E. Jim Cornwell passed away of congestive heart failure at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center on Saturday, May 7, 2016. He was born on June 7, 1931, to Sam and Ethel Clarke Cornwell in Murry, Wisc.

He married Darlene Tainter on Nov. 28, 1953. The family moved to Montana in 1964, first to Libby, then to Troy where they settled on top of Yaak Hill.

Dad was a proud “cat skinner” by trade and worked on many construction projects including the Yaak Highway and Libby Dam, as well as other places around Montana. He was an avid hunter and gun enthusiast. More than once he came home with a new gun or piece of reloading equipment disguised as a birthday gift or anniversary gift for Mom, but she was on to him and just went along with it. 

He also enjoyed history of the old west, reading and visiting museums and historical sites. He had a memory like an elephant, with a great sense of humor and could keep you entertained for hours. He had an especially soft spot for animals. He gave up hunting years ago saying he lost the thrill of the hunt and would rather observe than shoot them. 

Dad enjoyed breakfasts at Jack’s Café and missed the camaraderie when he had to give up going when it became too difficult.

There are too many friends and family to name but we want to express our appreciation to everyone who cared for Dad at the Libby Care Center rehab facility and at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. Thanks to everyone who visited, sent cards, brought him treats and made phone calls to check on him.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Darlene Tainter Cornwell, son Jimmy Cornwell, grandson Stephan Aceves, sister Evelyn Hope and faithful companion, his black lab Molly.

Jim is survived by his daughter Donna Cornwell Bush of Pasco, Wash.; granddaughter Christina Aceves of Brookings, Ore.; grandson Michael and wife Megan Aceves and great-grandchildren McKenzie and Mondo of Pasco, Wash.; nieces Mary Jo and husband Chuck Williams of Noxon;  Bonnie Ledoux and Pearl Gokee both of Hayward, Wisc.; cousins Ivan and Diane Clarke of Chaska, Minn.; Brenda and Bill Shimko of Murry, Wisc. and special care-giver Roz Larson of Moyie Springs, Idaho. Survivors also include sisters-in-law Marilyn Marlenee and Connie Corbine, and brother-in-law Gary Tainter and families all of Hayward, Wisc.

Special thanks to Roz Larson, Owen Dickerson, Andrew Maling and the Pete and Dawna Stenros family for the countless ways you provided help when it was needed most.

At Dad’s request, no funeral service is planned. However, all are welcome to drop by the Troy Church of God, 212 Kalispell Avenue, Troy, on Friday, May 13, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., for coffee and dessert, and to share a story or two. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.