James Gardipe

James Edward Gardipe, 73, passed away on April 11, 2025 in Ronan, MT. James was born on August 28, 1951 in St Ignatius, MT to William Gardipe & Juanita (Bunny) Pellew. James was raised in Evaro, later moved with his 13 siblings, to Polson, and settled in St Ignatius. He attended school at the Ursulines then to Lost Creek Job Corps in Anaconda. James married his lifelong partner, Rose Ann Bourdon.

James worked odd jobs like fleming spuds, at powwow stands. His calling was being a driver. James drove for SKC, Job Corp, but his favorite was for Tribal Health. He made friends with the patients he drove. James enjoyed spending his time fishing, camping, berry picking, cheering on his family at the stock car races, playing bingo, playing pool, horseshoes, playing cards, watching wrestling on Tv, but most importantly spending time with his grandkids, James was their Best Friend.

James was preceded in death by his parents, William & Juanita Gardipe; brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and many aunts & uncles.

James is survived by his children, Amanda Lee Bourdon, Franklin Red Cherries Bourdon; 11 grandkids, Baptiste BJ, Leon Nowhel, Nathaniel, Liam, Chase, Leiloni, C'Ann, Jonah, Ruby & Little Baylor; siblings, Scotty Gardipe(Evaro), Charlene & Jim Si John(Wellpinit, WA), Bruce & Eve Gardipe(Worley, ID), Bernie & Tim Atwin(Ronan), and Marilyn Gardipe(Pablo).

Services to be held at the Longhouse with rosary on April 13, 2025 at 8 PM and funeral service will be at the St Ignatius Catholic Church, Monday, April 14, 2025 at 11 AM burial to follow at the tribal cemetery.

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