James Gopher

James Lee Gopher was born to Babe and George Gopher on March 29, 1945 in Mabton, Washington. 

James was a proud tribal member of the Ahon-te-ways Ojibwe Tribe of Montana.  James’s early life led to living on Hill 57 with his parents.  At an early age, James was taught to be a traditional singer by his father, and sang many beautiful Ojibwe songs.  Later, in his life James sang traditional Sweat Lodge Ceremonial songs on Hill 57. He also sang Rounddance songs, Powwow songs, Stickgame songs, and other Ceremonial songs.  

When his father passed away, his mother moved James and her family to Ulm, Montana, and where he attended Ulm School.  As a young child, James was one of the Golden Gloves boxers, along with many of his cousins from Hill 57.           

James enjoyed traveling around Montana, and visiting family and relatives, and going to powwows and stick games around Indian Country.   

James was in the Job Corps and later worked on the oil rigs in North Dakota.  

James remained a bachelor and lived most of his life in Great Falls. After the death of his mother, James moved to Helena to be closer to his brother Paul.

James continued his traditional “family adoption” custom and eventually found his own family with an adopted daughter Trina of Helena, James enjoyed being an adopted grandpa, and cherished his new title of being called “Papa” by his adopted grandchildren.  

James is preceded in death by his parents George and Babe Gopher, Thomas Gopher Sr., Emma Gopher, Della Ahenakew, Georgianna Roastingstick. Grandparents:  Mary Chippewa and Jim Loud Thunder Gopher.  His grandmothers Elizabeth Mechance, Mamie Whitford, Mary Jackson, numerous aunts and uncles.  

James is survived by a sister Phyllis Gopher Parker of Box Elder and a brother Paul Gopher of Helena.  Numerous nieces and nephews were very special to him, and relatives throughout Indian Country, and a Special Cousin, Cecelia Walkingchild, who called him “Ki-say-neo”.  James enjoyed visiting and laughing with family, friends, and relatives.  He especially enjoyed being around his friends in Helena and “The Smelter Boys” of Great Falls.  

As his sister and brother say "Ki-sah-ki-tin Nis-tehs, and you will be missed very much."

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