Obituary - James 'Jim' LeRoy Howendobler

James "Jim" LeRoy Howendobler, 84, passed away due to natural causes at his residence with his daughter and son by his side on Thursday, November 11, 2021.

Viewing will be held at noon Thursday, November 18, 2021, followed by his funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Holland and Bonine Funeral Chapel with Ila McClenahan officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery with a reception following at Harvest Moon Lanes, 1920 US Hwy 2 E.

Memorials may be made in Jim's name to the Alzheimer's Association of Montana, 3010 11th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland and Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Jim's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

Jim was born November 26, 1936, to Glenwood and Gertrude (Plummer) Howendobler in Havre, MT. He was raised in Havre with his younger brother, Robert "Bob." Jim graduated from Havre High School in 1955. He joined the Montana Army National Guard in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Jim moved to Shelby, MT, for a few years, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Combs. They were married May 15, 1957, and were a month shy of celebrating their 60th anniversary when Betty passed away in 2017. The couple was blessed with two children, Jamie and Troy.

Returning to Havre, Jim owned and operated the Philips 66 service station on 1st Street and the bulk plant for several years. Throughout his lifetime, he worked at Valley Motor Warehouse, was the parts manager for B&R Implement/Tri-County Implement, owned and operated Country Paint and Repair, and worked for Case IH and Big Bud/Big Equipment from which he retired.

Jim was a true "Mr. Fix It." He had a knack for tearing broken things apart and fixing them. He was a perfectionist, a hard worker who had to stay busy, and was always ready to lend a helping hand anyway he could.

Jim was a member of the Havre Jaycees in his younger years and later in life a volunteer and board member for the Havre Community Giveaway House. Over the years, Jim enjoyed a variety of hobbies including quick draw, stock car racing, collecting old cars and trucks, mechanics, ceramics, and collecting eagles.

Jim was a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather, doing anything in his power to care for his family and help anyway he could. He will be deeply missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Gertrude; beloved wife, Betty; and his brother, Bob.

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Shane) Christiansen; son, Troy (Julie Rodgers) Howendobler, all of Havre; grandsons, Avery and Austin Christiansen of Havre and Jared (Heather) Howendobler of Buckeye, AZ; granddaughter, Chandra Howendobler Brees of Glendale, AZ; great-grandsons, Troy Howendobler Barrett of Rudyard, Elliott Brees of Glendale, AZ, and Leo Howendobler of Buckeye, AZ; and great-granddaughters, Ashleigh Howendobler Barrett of Rudyard, and Aubrey and Alexis Brees of Glendale, AZ.