James Thomas "Pogie" Rogers

James Thomas “Pogie” Rogers passed away on August 12, 2023 in Butte, Montana, at the age of 83. He was born on August 11, 1940 to Edwin A. “Bidda” and Hazel (Thomas) Rogers. His early life was spent in Centerville among family and friends. He attended St. Lawrence Grade School and Butte Central High. He played football, baseball and basketball. He enjoyed fishing, biking and hiking in the hills north of Butte and Browns Gulch. Skating and sleigh riding in winter was always thrilling. Especially enjoyable was family time spent in Elk Park at the Sawmill gulch cabin. Jim was a paperboy, delivering the Butte Daily Post. During high school he worked at S&S Jewelers, Patterson Dental Supply and Butte Truck and Motor. In 1959 he went to work for the Anaconda Company, as an oiler and was promoted to shovel operator. He worked there until the pit closed in 1983. For two summers he worked for the Stratton Gold Mining operation in the Highlands. In 1985 he began work for Western Energy Company during their gold exploration program in Winston, Montana and Lincoln, doing claim staking and sample processing. In 1989 he began working at Golden Sunlight Mine until his retirement in 1998. Jim married Shirley Westfall in 1962, two children were born of this marriage. (Jamie Ann and James R.) They later divorced. In 1984 he married Gloria Stratton Helm. They moved to Whitehall in 1986 where they had some acreage for horses and a big enough house for lots of company and grandkids to visit. He loved having his horses close and riding out from the property. From an early age Jim loved horses. Which he passed on to his daughter, son and grandchildren. Always teaching them to properly saddle, brush and care for their horse. Many memorable times were spent riding with Grandpa. Jim took exceptional care of his horses, dogs and his family. Lovingly caring for each one! It was a sad day when he sold his last horse and left his Whitehall home to move to Butte. Jim and Gloria enjoyed traveling, especially Alaska. Cruising or once a very long road trip with the camper and their lab Que. They cruised the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Traveling to Europe soon after 9/11. Camping was a favorite activity when his kids were little and later with Gloria and her family and the grandkids. Hunting trips were always a fun activity with family and friends. Jim enjoyed people and always had a smile for everyone. Rodeos and bull riding events were always attended whenever possible. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jamie Ann, cousin John Rogers, sisters Thelma (Charles) Kehoe. Dorothy (Darryl) Scott and Edward (Louella) Rogers and many good friends. Daughters-in-law Esther Helm, Linda Helm and Michelle Helm. Also preceded by In-Laws Howard and Vady Stratton, Sister-in-law, Peggy Stratton; Brother- in -law, Ron Lester. He is survived by his wife Gloria, his son James R., his stepsons, Thomas Helm, Havre; Edward Helm, Butte; Tim Helm, Townsend. Beloved grandchildren Tia (Patrick) Schleiger, Pasco, WA, T.J. (Grace) Helm, Burbank, WA and Shay (Ashley) Helm, Bozeman. Brothers-in-Law, Bob Stratton (Joy Roberts); Mark (Etta) Stratton, Dave Stratton, and Howard Stratton of the Philippines. Sisters-in-law Margie (Tommi) Haikka, Helena and Alice Lester, Jackson, TN. Also bonus granddaughters, Laci Lane (Jim Diffenbaugh) Billings and Holly Lane, Havre. Four great-grandchildren Morgan, Bella, Beau and Lazarus with two more on the way. Many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors. Jim was the love of my life, my partner and friend. The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away. Gloria Our family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at the ICU, Dr Raiser, Dr. Monson, Dr. Yakymovych and the 3rd floor nurses and cnas for their care while Jim was at St James.

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James Thomas "Pogie" Rogers

August 11, 1940 - August 12, 2023