James Reetz

Funeral services for James “Jim” Lee Reetz, Sr. , 66, of Baker, will be at 11:00 a. m. , Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Baker Community Church with Pastor Neva Rathbun and Pastor Len Shatkus officiating. Burial will follow at Bonnievale Cemetery.

Visitation for Jim will be from 3:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. on Friday, July 29, 2016 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a prayer service being held at 7:00 p. m. Jim passed away at his home on July 25, 2016.

James Lee Reetz, Sr. was born in Mountain Lake, Minnesota to Darwin and Marguerite (Marsh) Reetz on November 15, 1949. Jim grew up in Mallard, Iowa until Junior High when the family moved to Brainerd, Minnesota. While in school, Jim excelled in track where he held the school record in the 440 meter and 100 meter relay for several years. He was always doing mechanic work on those cars of the 60’s. In 1969, he joined the United States Air Force. He was at Lacklund Air Force Base and Sheppherd Air Force Base in Texas, where he won many medals in Marksmanship. He did Launch & Recovery at Ipswich, England, and was honorably discharged in 1970. He held various jobs until moving to Baker, Montana in 1972. Jim met LaTonne (Toni) Murphy on a blind date at the Fullerton Lumber Company Christmas party, December 21, 1972. They were married at the Baker Community Church on July 21, 1973. They recently celebrated their 43rd anniversary. No two people were more opposite for one another. In 1974, Jim started working on the Murphy Ranch. Toni made a cowboy out of a city boy. Jim loved the ranch and lived there the rest of his life. He treated the cows and land like it was his own. Jim had a close relationship with his father-in-law, Mike Murphy. Jim and Toni shared their love with Jim Jr. , John, Jolene and JaNae. Jim helped his kids with their 4-H projects, and he was so proud of them and all of their accomplishments, as well as the fine adults they have become. Jim was always ready to help a neighbor whenever they needed him. He wasn’t someone to boast, but did a lot behind the scenes. His job in retirement was keeping Thee Body Shop clean. He really liked being around Jim and the guys. He liked being busy and always had a project, or helping one of the kids, grandkids, and Toni. His main objective in life was to love and care for Toni. It was important to him to always look nice.

Jim is survived by his wife LaTonne “Toni” Reetz; children, James, Jr. (Tammy) Reetz, Jolene (Marty) Setinc, JaNae (Chris) Crawford; grandchildren, Jonathon Reetz, Brendon Reetz, Tai Setinc, Iva Setinc, Daley Crawford, Shaley Crawford, Cyler Crawford; brothers, Dave (Terri) Reetz and Randy (Kathy) Reetz; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Anthony Reetz, and his parents and grandparents.