James F. Canan

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James F. Canan, 83, died on September 22, 2009, in Billings following a massive stroke that occurred after Jim treated his wife to a birthday lunch.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 13th and Poly Drive in Billings on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m.  A graveside service for family members will precede the memorial service.

Jim was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on June 2, 1926, the son of Lawrence H. Canan and Marguerite Boggs Canan.   Jim entered the Navy during WWII and was called back to the Navy to serve in Korea.  Jim attended college at Swarthmore, Villanova and Haverford Colleges near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduating from Haverford in January 1949 with a B.A. in mathematics.

He married MaryAnn Peckett on March 7, 1952 in Englewood, New Jersey, and together they raised four children.

In 1949 Jim began a distinguished career with the Bureau of Indian affairs holding posts in Gallup, New Mexico, Ignacio, Colorado and Billings, Montana.  In Billings, Jim was Area Director for all the tribes in Montana and Wyoming.  He retired from the Bureau in 1979 and was awarded the highest honor of the Department of the Interior for his outstanding leadership and administrative talent.  After retiring, Jim was called back to the Bureau in Washington, D.C. to serve as Acting Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

His public service extended after his retirement as he served on many civic boards and projects including the Greater Billings Management Task Force, the Billings Food Bank, the United Way of Yellowstone County, the Rimrock Foundation, and the Yellowstone County Jail Committee.  He was a founding member of the Institute of Peace Studies at Rocky Mountain College.  Jim taught government courses at Rocky Mountain College for 18 years.  During the last few years and until his death he was a member of the Montana Supreme Court Committee on Practice.

Jim was a member of Yellowstone Country Club, First Presbyterian Church, Rotary, Town and Gown, YMCA, Westerners and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Survivors include Jim’s wife of 57 years, MaryAnn Canan, his brother Larry (Buffie), his children, Jim (Julie Von Laven), Deb, Dave (Kathy Schaeffer) and Rob (Peggy Johnson) and his grandchildren Jon (Ramona Pousti), Tim, William, Michael, Rachel, Robin and Amanda.

Jim’s family and friends remember Jim’s love of discussing politics, religion and current social issues.  He urged peaceful resolution of conflicts and was a friend to all he met.

Memorials may be sent to the Institute of Peace Studies, 1501 Poly Drive, Billings, MT 59102.

    

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Remembrances

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Jim will be missed by many in his church family. His energy and drive for the Peace Foundation was remarkable. Trina White, First Presbyterian

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Mary Ann, Jamie, Deb, David, Rob and grandchildren:

What a shock when I opened my email today! Somehow, it never occurred to me that Jim suddenly would no longer be there to talk to about almost anything, whether it be the weather, politics, people or how to solve the problems of the day. I regret that Linda and I will not be able to make to Montana for services, but you have our deepest condolences. We know you will miss Jim greatly, but we also know just how proud he was of each of you. I will always appreciate Jim's friendship, his wisdom and the help he gave me in my career. You can also be very proud of Jim's contributions - there were many - in moving the policies of the Federal Government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs towards furthering and supporting Indian Self-Determination for Indian tribes and Indian people.

Many Thanks!!! Bill and Linda Babby

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Dear Debbie and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss! I remember your dad as such a wonderful, happy man...so giving and passionately concerned about the Native Americans. Debbie, I would love to hear from you when things settle down for you...

Please write when you can...you are all in my prayers. God bless!

heidi gainan

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MaryAnn,

I was so sorry to receive an email from Lee Henry about the passing of Jim.

Bud and I so enjoyed meeting you and Jim and getting to know you at the VanValkenburgh Navy Reunions. Jim always had a great smile on his face and seemed to enjoy life! I empathize with you as I just lost Bud in a terrible car accident on September 14. Like the two of you, we were looking forward to our Navy reunion in Washington. However, we can never forget all the great memories of the times we had at the reunions, and the shipmates sharing their "sea" stories! My condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dorothy Renegar

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