James Ronald Short, 81

James “Jim” Ronald Short, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at home in Libby on Sept. 15. Jim was a beloved husband, father, papa and great papa to his wife, Anita, his three children, and his nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.

Jim was born in Landusky on Nov. 4, 1939, to John Joseph and Lilly Marie (Kelsey) Short. He grew up in Zortman, where his parents worked on the Henson Ranch, and Landusky. His family moved to Malta when he and his brother Jack were both old enough to start high school. When he was 16 (even though he said he was three months older than his older brother) he joined the Army National Guard. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 18, 1957. He served — until his discharge on Nov. 3, 1960 — on the USS Henley.

On Thanksgiving Day 1960, he met the love of his life, Anita Marie Pohlman. It was love at first sight for both of them. They were married in Malta on June 17, 1961. They were soul mates for 60 years. Together they raised three children — Teresa, Kevin and Darren — in a loved filled household.

Jim spent many years serving his community as an EMT with the Libby Volunteer Ambulance and David Thompson Search and Rescue. While raising his children, he spent many hours coaching their baseball teams, coaching and reffing boxing, and supporting the youth in the community in any way he could. He and Anita were often seen on the sidelines of sporting events, cheering on the kids. He also enjoyed many hours hunting and fishing with his family. He made everyone feel like they were very important and worthy of his time.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, of Libby; children, Teresa (Jim Verhoef) Robinson of Malta, Kevin (Lisa) Short of West Haven, Utah, and Darren (Debbie) Short of Libby; grandchildren, Kimberly (Steve) Oswalt, Andrew (Jeni) Short, Steven (Alonna) Short, Jessica Short, Christian (Faith) Robinson, Katie Short, Kacie Short, Niki Swennes Wilkins and Cassie Grinder; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Blace, Brynley, Tristan, Corbin, Jackson, Caroline, J.J. and Sariah; great-great-granddaughter, Lauryn; sister, Carol Winchell of Great Falls; beloved aunt, Thelma Seyfert; many nieces, nephews and countless special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lilly, and his brother, Jack.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Libby on Nov. 6 with burial taking place in Malta at a later date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.