James Wilbur Storey

James “Jim” “Papa” Wilbur Storey, 90, of Bozeman, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015. He was born August 29, 1925 in Bozeman, MT to Wilbur and Hilda (Smith) Storey.

Jim’s entire life was spent on his family’s Storey Hereford Ranch. He attended Pine Butte School, Gallatin County High and Montana State College.

Jim married Beatrice Louise “Bette” Andrews on November 24, 1949 in Chicago, IL.

Jim’s parents, Wilbur and Hilda Smith Storey, began farming outside of Bozeman in the early 20s. His father entered the registered Hereford business in 1935, making Storey Hereford Ranch one of the oldest Hereford operations in the state.

Jim served on the Pine Butte and Gallatin County High School boards. He served on the Gallatin Farmers’ Advisory board of directors from 1971-72, on the board as president in 1974 and vice president in 1979. He sat on the first Gallatin County Study Commission in 1985-86 and on the Gallatin County Fair Board for 18 years.

He served as advisor to the Montana Junior Hereford Association for nearly 20 years.

Jim was inducted into the Montana Winter Fair Wall of Fame in 1994. In 1996, the 50th Montana Winter Fair gave special recognition for 50 years of continuous participation in the Montana Winter Fair Cattle Show. In 1995, he was honored by the Montana Hereford Association as the Hereford Man of the Year for his long time support and dedication to the Hereford industry.

Jim was named 1997 Outstanding Farmer/Rancher. This award recognized individuals dedicated to agriculture and its value to the area’s economy and resident’s lives.

Jim never retired from ranching; he was involved in the operation with his family until he died.

Papa will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, his patience, his manner and his kind soul and heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Bette.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Chuck Kohlbeck , daughter Lisa Storey, granddaughter Katelyn Storey Kohlbeck, sister Marjorie Williams, long time herdsman Ted Ruf, close family friend Sadie Reddick, all of Bozeman, MT and long time friends from the Kountry Korner Cafe and The Korner Klub.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Reception following services at the Elks Club, 205 Haggerty Lane, 2-4pm.

Memorials may be made in his name to the MSU Foundation, 1501 S. 11th Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715. In memo line put Livestock Judging Team. Mail to Animal and Range Sciences Department, Attention Hannah DelCurto, 103 Animal Biosciences Building, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com