Obituary - James Robert "Bob" Upshaw

James Robert “Bob” Upshaw passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, at the age of 76.

Bob was born in Chinook, Montana, at Gertie Clausner’s Maternity Home on April 22, 1938, to Margaret Audrey Marion Jacobsen (Upshaw) and John Wilkens Upshaw.

He graduated from Chinook High School in 1956 where he participated in all sports. During high school, he worked for Taylor’s Cleaners and developed a love for golf. He also participated in American Legion baseball and earned the nickname “Bullet Bob” on the pitching mound.

He enlisted in the Army and became a military policeman. After his honorable discharge, and a short time as a student at Northern Montana College, he went to work for Watkin’s Distributors and also managed a bar in Havre.

He returned to Chinook and purchased the Stockman Bar from his dad. After 23 years he retired with the motto, “It’s Been No Picnic.”

His family was first and foremost to Bob. His mother was never far from his thoughts, and his evident pride and joy in his daughter and granddaughter was expressed in every conversation he had.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father; several cousins; and two brothers-in-law. He is survived by his daughter, Lea (Joe) Potoczny, daughter, Cheryl Barber; son, Bob (Ruth) Dannels; granddaughter, Julia; as well as grandchildren Casey, Katey, Cody, Casey, Ryan, Kyle and Jesse; sisters, Jewel Jamieson and Karen Ekegren (children, Travis, Shane and Ashley); many cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Chinook Food Bank.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Chinook High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Kuper Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Eagles in Chinook.