Jim Diede

Beloved father, “Papa,” and dear friend, Jim Diede passed away on February 2, 2020 at his home in Bigfork, MT, surrounded by his immediate family. He lived a full life of 87 years, dying just two days shy of his birthday.

There was a small service held in Bigfork on February 4, 2020 at Crossroads Church. A larger celebration of Jim Diede’s life will be held on July 11, 2020 in Billings, MT (an announcement of the time and location will be distributed by family and posted in the Billings Gazette).

Jim was born February 4, 1933 in Billings, MT to Christ and Matilda Diede and was raised on a farm west of Billings with his brother, Jerry, until the family moved into Billings when Jim was ten years old.

He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1951 and then served in the Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve, including two years of active duty in the Pacific during the Korean War as an airframe mechanic. Jim then attended Eastern Montana College, where he studied business, was involved in theatre and musical productions, and elected into leadership of the Intercollegiate Knights service organization.

On June 17, 1956 Jim married the love of his life, Loretta Berst, and they were happily married for almost 64 years.

During Jim’s career he was an executive in the trucking and distribution industry and served on the Board of Directors of the Wyoming Trucking Association as well as President of the Montana Motor Carriers Association. Over the years, Jim was employed with Sohio Petroleum Company and Consolidated Freightways, was Vice President of Hi-Ball Trucking and General Manager of Dyce Chemical.

He was always active and respected in Billings, including membership at BPOE (Elks) Lodge, but especially as a dear friend to many individuals and through demonstration of his Christian faith as a mentor and layperson. He retired in 1999 when he and Loretta moved to Missoula to be near their daughter & her family.

His favorite hobbies were spending time with family and friends, as well as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, snorkeling, traveling and enjoying time with his children and grandchildren. Jim and Loretta were active at church in each community in which they lived.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Diede, their three children and their spouses: Brad and Liz Diede of Auburn, CA, Michelle and Gary Watson of Bigfork, MT, Chris and Trae Diede of Austin, TX; and their six grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan and Dinah Watson, Will Watson, Emily and Natesh London, Christopher Diede, Gwen Diede, and Beau Diede.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Operation Heal our Patriots via the Samaritan’s Purse memorial page for Jim Diede: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/jim-diede-bigfork-mt/