JAMES R SHORT

James Ronald Short "Jim", 81,  passed away peacefully at his home in Libby, MT on September 15th surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was a beloved Husband, Father, Papa, and Great Papa to his wife Anita, his 3 children, and his 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grand child.

Jim was born in Landusky, MT on November 4th, 1939 to John Joseph and Lilly Marie (Kelsey) Short.  He grew up in Zortman and Landusky where his parents worked on the Henson Ranch in Zortman.  His family moved to Malta when he and his brother Jack were both old enough to start High School. When he was 16 (even though he said he was 3 months older than his older brother) he joined the National Guard. After graduating, he enlisted in the Navy on September 18th, 1957.  He served until his discharge on November 3rd, 1960 on the U.S.S. Henley.

On Thanksgiving Day 1960, he met the love of his life, Anita Marie Pohlman.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  They were married in Malta on June 17th, 1961.  They were soul mates for 60 years.  Together they raised 3 children Teresa, Kevin, and Darren in a loved filled household.  Jim spent many years serving his community as an EMT with the Libby Volunteer Ambulance and David Thompson Search and Rescue.  He spent many hours when his children were younger, coaching their baseball teams, coaching and reffing boxing, and supporting the youth in the community in any way he could.  He and Anita were often seen on the sidelines of any sporting event cheering on the kids.  He also enjoyed many hours hunting and fishing with his family. He made everyone feel like they were very important and worthy of his time.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, of Libby, children Teresa (Jim Verhoef) Robinson of Malta, Kevin (Lisa) Short of West Haven, UT and Darren (Debbie) Short of Libby; grandchildren Kimberly (Steve) Oswalt, Andrew (Jeni) Short, Steven (Alonna) Short, Jessica Short, Christian (Faith) Robinson, Katie Short, Kacie Short, Niki Swennes Wilkins, and Cassie Grinder; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Blace, Brynley, Tristan, Corbin, Jackson, Caroline, J.J., and Sariah; Great-great-granddaughter Lauryn;  sister Carol Winchell of Great Falls, and a very beloved Aunt Thelma Seyfert; many nieces, nephews, and countless special friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents John and Lilly, and his brother Jack.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held at the VFW in Libby on Saturday, November 6th with burial taking place in Malta at a later date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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