James Borgreen

James Jim Carl Borgreen, 65, of Lewistown, died of natural causes on June 28, 2015, near his family cabin in Monarch.Jim was born in Great Falls on December 25, 1949, to Carl and Ellen (Johnstone) Borgreen. He grew up on Smelter Hill where his father was the Safety Engineer for the Anaconda Company. He often told stories of these idyllic childhood years, which along with his many adventures and antics at their family cabin were some of his happiest of memories. Upon his father's untimely death in 1959, Jim moved into Great Falls with his mother, older siblings, John and Judy, as well as his younger brother, Jerry. He was proud of his education in Great Falls, and graduated from Great Falls High in 1968.From childhood, Jim displayed a rare talent for wildlife art, and he continued his education at Montana State University-Bozeman. He graduated in 1972 with his Bachelors degree in Art Education. He later completed his Masters degree through Montana State University Northern. Never one to ignore his patriotic responsibilities, Jim enlisted in the Montana Air National Guard in that same year and served for six years. Jim married Pat Mausehund, in 1974. They were married 25 years, and together raised their two children, Molly and Mike. Jim taught at Fergus High School in Lewistown, where he had a profound, yet steady and lasting influence on 34 years worth of high school students.Jim received multiple awards, honors and accolades for his stunning wildlife artwork. However, he saw the value of his talent in how he could use it for the benefit of others. Jim was known for his generosity and community spirit, donating countless pieces of art work for fundraising efforts and as tokens of appreciation for friends and the many land owners of central Montana. In fact, Jim most likely donated more art than he ever sold.In 2003, he married longtime friend, LaVonne Emerson. They enjoyed 12 years of camping and fishing together. Since his retirement in 2010, Jim has been prolific as an artist and an activist in wildlife conservation issues. Never one to stop when there was work to be done. Jim began seasonal research work for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks following his retirement.Jims greatest pleasures in life were of enjoying nature, in hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. He enjoyed a lifetime of these activities, but his fondest memories were those times he shared his with children, his close hunting companions and his wife, LaVonne.Jim was an honest, self-reliant, humble, quick-witted, and disciplined man. He will not only be remembered as a terrific teacher, artist, father, brother, friend, and grandfather but also for his devotion to wildlife conservation. As many have said, he was a wonderful hunting and fishing buddy .Above all else, Jim was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. He enjoyed his time ice fishing, drawing, playing cards or even washing dishes with his granddaughter, Grace. He spent hours searching for empty .22 shells and mushrooms with his grandson, Logan.Jims last words, recorded in the log book of his family cabin, relayed his excitement of finally drawing a moose permit in that area. While on a scouting trip for this hunt, he died suddenly of a cardiac event. Jim died doing what he loved, in a place he cherished. For that his family is grateful.Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ellen (Nell).He is survived by his wife, Lavonne; ex-wife, Pat; daughter, Molly (Kevin) Beck; son, Mike (Diane); and grandchildren, Grace and Logan Beck. Jim is also survived by his brothers John (Julie) and Jerry, as well as his sister, Judy (Gary) Marxer. In addition, Jim is survived by step children, Leslie Parks, and Jon Ducimetiere. Of course, we cannot forget all the nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends who were a big part of Jim's life.A memorial service will be held Monday, July 6, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fergus High School Performing Art Center in Lewistown, Montana.Jim was not one for flowers, rather the family requests donations in his name, be sent to the Central Montana Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Lewistown Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, or Lewistown Chapter of the Bowhunters Association.