James Soumas

James D. Soumas died on January 17, 2026, at the age of 89 in Billings, MT. Jim was born April 7, 1936, to Dionysius and Faye Soumas in Mason City, IA. His parents immigrated from Greece before he was born, and Jim was very proud of his heritage.

In 1962 while serving in the Air Force in Denver, CO, Jim met and married Georgia Anne Wagner. They lived in Colorado and California before settling in Riverton, WY to raise their family and build their accounting practice. To their union three children were born, Deane, Denise, and Jim, Jr. Jim and Georgia spent many years working side by side in business, parenting, and public service. Together they gave their children the gift of a wonderful, nurturing childhood. In 2006, Jim and Georgia retired to Goodyear, AZ and enjoyed nearly 47 years of marriage before Georgia passed away in 2009.

After Georgia’s passing, Jim moved to Billings, MT to be closer to his children (per Georgia’s orders.) While serving on the condominium board of his new home, he was lucky to find love again with fellow board member and raucous party thrower, Joan “Jo” Sciaini. Jo and her family were fully loved and embraced by Jim’s children and grandchildren who considered Jo their “bonus” family matriarch. Jim and Jo hosted many family dinners and parties, and every year they would take an extended adventure vacation. They had a wonderful, fun-filled life together until Jo’s passing in 2020.

Jim was a devoted family man and lifelong public servant, accountant, and business advisor whose career spanned more than four decades and touched countless individuals, businesses, and communities across the western United States. Jim’s commitment to public service extended well beyond his professional career as an accountant. He served as Mayor of the City of Riverton and was deeply involved in community leadership. Over the years, he held key civic roles including chairman of the hospital board and president of the Chamber of Commerce, contributing his leadership and financial expertise to strengthen public institutions and community organizations.

Jim is survived by his children, Deane (Gary), Denise (Bob), and Jim (Tami), all of Billings, MT, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. They will miss him greatly and try their best to remember and carry on the legacy of his devotion to family, professional integrity, public leadership, and lifelong commitment to service.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary in Billings, MT. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.