Floren “Jim” Schott, age 80, passed peacefully in his sleep, of natural causes, Saturday morning, January 30th, 2016 at Goldstone Assisted Living in Great Falls. A celebration of James’ life will be held in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 3:00 PM. He will be laid to rest in Cottonwood Coulee Bench Cemetery at a later date.

James Schott, or “Jim” to his family and friends, was born August 20th, 1935 in Stockett, Montana.   He was the eldest of five children of Floren and Helen Schott. He was raised on the Schott Family Ranch south of Stockett, which was homesteaded in 1894 by his grandfather. He attended grade school at Selstrom school and graduated Centerville High School in 1953. After graduation, he worked for local ranchers and farmers before starting as an apprentice carpenter working on the Minute Man missile sites. Jim had also become a professional welder and worked for Great Falls Iron Works before starting his own carpentry business.  He continued to grow his business until his 30’s, when he was asked by his father to work the family ranch, which he then took over after his father’s death. He stayed at the family homestead until June of 2015.

James married Jacqueline Mee of Highwood in 1960, and had twin sons, Ward and Wade in 1961 and a daughter, Tina, in 1962. They divorced in 1967.  Jim stayed single until he remarried in 1988, to Ramona Meier of Great Falls.

James was known for his easy going demeanor and unique style of humor, making people laugh.  Humor and an insatiable curiosity of observing and understanding was a tremendous part of who he was. Jim had an incredible work ethic and would often work until early morning hours because “there was so much to get done.”  He was an incredible father and was always there for his children; working together as a family on the ranch or enjoying outdoor activities such as exploring caves, ghost towns, and camping.

James had a passion for hunting, which he enjoyed all over the state, and has wall mounts of almost every big game animal from Montana. He enjoyed hunting the “old fashioned way” of walking for miles into wilderness areas. Jim was very social and enjoyed the nightlife. He enjoyed dancing, socializing and “people watching.”  He enjoyed lifelong friends, which was a testament to his enduring loyalty.

James is survived by his children, Ward, Wade, and Tina; grandchildren, Wyatt, Avery, and Emilie; his aunt, Lillian; bother’s Robert & Dale; and sister, Sharon. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, Floren and Helen; brother, Donald; and his wife, Ramona.

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