Ida Marie Burke Jam

Ida Marie Burke Jam, 87, of Billings, passed away Saturday April 28, 2007. The youngest child of Jack and Clara Burns Burke, Ida Marie was born August 24, 1919 in Minot, ND. She graduated from St. Leo’s High School in Minot, and got her R.N. at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Minot, in 1941.

On October 16, 1942 Ida Marie married her high school sweetheart, Bob, who was in the Army at that time, and has resided in Billings since 1947. Ida Marie was a joke teller and loved nothing more than telling a good story and making people laugh. It was not surprising to see her launch into an Irish jig at a moment’s notice. She loved her children and grandchildren and was looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild in September. She was an expert knitter and created hundreds of sweaters for friends and family.

Ida Marie was St. Vincent Hospital’s super volunteer. For many years she was the gift shop buyer there for religious items and stuffed animals. After Bob retired she encouraged him to join her and together they contributed over 20,000 hours to St. Vincent Healthcare. Mom enjoyed fishing and did not believe in catch and release! Two or three always had to make it to the frying pan for her dinner. Bob and Ida Marie enjoyed their cabin at East Rosebud since 1954, and spent many wonderful times there listening to jazz and having a martini on a quiet evening. The grandkids all remember trying to beat Grandma at checkers and gin rummy.

Bob preceded her in death in 2002. She is survived by three children, son, Robert B. Jam, Jr., his wife Patricia and children, Trent Schara (Sarah), Burke Jam, Sari Jam and Kevin Jam; daughter Jacqueline M. Walsh and children, Jeff Walsh (Jaime) and Justin Walsh; and son, David G. Jam and wife Jeannette and children Justin and Jae. Ida Marie was also preceded in death by an infant son Joe, and sisters Mable Burke Ronshaugen and Marian Burke Stewart.

Thank you, Mom, for the wonderful memories. We will miss you every day. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at Autumn Care for the love and support they gave mom in her final years. We are also very grateful to Moms special angels, Kathleen LaMeres and Helen Walsh for the care and devotion shown to our mom.

Visitation will begin on Monday at 2:00 P.M., at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary Vigil services will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, at Michelotti-Sawyers. Cremation will follow. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, at Holy Rosary Church.

Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.