JAMES TAPLIN obituary

BOZEMAN - James Elwood Taplin died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2004, at a Bozeman health center.

A memorial service was scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel.

He was born on Nov. 20, 1917, in Livingston to Harry and Lucille (McClain) Taplin. He graduated from Ronan High School, where he played basketball, a game he truly loved. He played on the St. Ignatius town team until

he was past 50. He continued to follow his beloved game and spent many hours watching and cheering for his favorite teams.

Jim attended one

year of college at Montana School of Mines Technology in Butte and continued his love of learning by being an avid reader and maintaining his own library.

He was a member of many organizations. He was a concerned environmentalist but believed strongly in game management. He loved to hunt big game and would tell many stories about various hunts from his younger years. He loved shooting sports and was an excellent trap and skeet shooter.

James retired from the railroad in 1977 after 41 years of service as a telegrapher and railroad agent

In 1977, Governor Tom Judge chose three men to represent Montana in a state conference and Jim was chosen to represent the hunters in Montana. He enjoyed this experience immensely. One of his proudest accomplishments was the time he spent serving in the Legacy Legislature as a member of the House of Representatives in 1982 and as a senator in 1985.

He spent the remainder of his retirement years traveling, fishing, and camping with Wanda, his wife of 19 years.

James is survived by his wife, Wanda of Bozeman; son, Lynn (Lynda) Taplin; daughter, Ann (Ron) Ries; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N. Tracy, Bozeman, MT 59715.