James Richard (Clem) Johnson

James Richard (Clem) Johnson, age 63, passed away on Thursday June 9, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with his best friend and companion Corinne at his side, after a heroic battle against an unknown disease with courage and dignity. He accepted without complaint every challenge and inspired everyone who witnessed his battle.

Clem was born on June 25, 1941, in Lewiston, Mont., to Lee and Eleanor Hughes Johnson. He was raised in Great Falls where he graduated from high school and was the Montana State Wrestling Champion. At the University of Montana he played football, enjoyed the ski club and was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He graduated from college with a degree in business.

In 1963 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a Bomb Disposal Officer in Vietnam and Thailand. He rose to the rank of Captain. He was Honorably Discharged from the Army in 1971.

Clem was the friendly Ford Tractor Dealer in Great Falls and also worked for Kyser Cement. He operated Rocky Mountain Air and was proud to be a pilot. They provided medical transportation service to those in need. Clem was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Bigfork.

Clem was interested in military history, including Lewis and Clark and was a gun collector. He loved flying, golf, boating and sports cars. He was the drummer in the Great Falls Shriner Band and later became a bagpiper himself.

Clem loved his many friends, his dog Smokey and his wife. He lived big and loved big and left us all better for knowing him. Clem married Corinne Richardson on Sept. 21, 2001 at their home on Flathead Lake. They shared trials and joys together with gratitude for the time they had.

A special thanks to professionals who cared for him during his illness.

His parents Lee and Eleanor Johnson preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Corinne in Bigfork, stepchildren Ryan Richardson of Meridian, Idaho and Molly Squires of Kalispell, one sister Linda Myhr of Cannon Beach, Ore., grandchildren McKenna Squires of Kalispell, Rafe Richardson of Meridian, Idaho, nieces Susan Fritz, Karen Myhr, uncles Jack Hughes and J.T. Johnson.

Graveside services were held June 15 at the Swan View Cemetery in Bigfork, with the Rev. Jan Witman officiating. The United Veterans of the Flathead Valley provided military honors. Memorial services were also June 15 at Bigfork Community Methodist Church. A reception followed at the church.

The family requests memorials in Clem's name to be given to the Disabled Veterans of America. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.