James L. "Jim" Badura
James L. “Jim” Badura, 80 of Billings, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center.
The son of Peter and Antonio Badura, Jim was born March 3, 1929 in Mason City, NE. At an early age the family moved to Clark Wyoming. Jim was a part of the first class to graduate from Billings Central High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Wyoming and served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Jim worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs until retiring in 1980. He spent the next 12 years working for the Yakima Indian Nation.
He married Mary Pat Novasio in 1956. She preceded him in death in 1991. He married Lucille Lathom McKnight on September 11, 1993.
Jim loved to fish and dance and enjoyed woodworking. He was proud to have been a member of Toast Masters since 1968 and was also active in Knights of Columbus, Billings Lodge 149 AF & AM, Billings Friendship Chapter #124 of the Eastern Star, American Legion, Elks, and the Al Bedoo Shrine where he was “Tingles” the clown. He had also served as the first president of the Yellowstone Billings Ballroom Dance Club.
Survivors include his wife Lucille of Billings, 4 children, James L. Badura, Jr. of Reno, NV, Janet (John) Pulczinski of Bemidji, MN, Julie (Jim) Miller of Sequim, WA and Jerry Badura of Billings, 2 stepsons, Chuck (Mary) McKnight, Idaho Falls, ID and Kent (Deanelle Conway) McKnight of Genoa, IL, a brother Daniel of Powell, WY and 10 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Mary Pat.
The family would like to thank the staff at Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center and especially “Big Ben” for their care and support.
Visitation will begin 3:30pm Friday and Vigil services will be 7pm Friday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 10am Saturday at St. Thomas the Apostle Church followed by cremation.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Billings Central, Rocky Mountain Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Remembrances
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Sorry to hear about Jim's passing, I remember him well from the Wind River Rez, Good man and good family, Jim Jr. was my good friend back then, lots of good memories
Mrs. Montana, sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Montana. I know the road and has been difficult. I hope your new normals become easier. You both left a lasting impression on this small town and we are thinking of you.
Char Carte, a Forks buddy.