James “Jim” Russell Scow, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the age of 71.
Jim was born on May 1, 1952 in Helena, MT to parents Robert Vincent Scow and Beverly Joy Liedle. During his high school years, Jim sang and played bass guitar and drums in a band. They played all the school events and dances. Following graduation from Helena High, Jim attended college in the Architect program, but later changed to Physics, graduating from Carroll College with a Bachelors.
During his college years, Jim was involved in a wide variety of hobbies. Whenever he needed a few extra bucks, he would catch rattle snakes for the state, getting paid $1 for every snake he caught. This was during the time that Canyon Ferry was being developed and was ridden with an abundance of snakes.
Jim was also very artistic, enjoying pottery and having an eye for photography which won him many prizes for the best nature pictures. Going a completely different direction, Jim also loved drag racing and won numerous medals. His ability and desire to be proficient in so many completely different areas of life made him the epiphany of what it means to be a Renaissance Man.
During these younger years Jim met who would be the love of his life, Caryn Haniuk. They later married on July 31, 1976 and had two daughters, Erica and Alisa. Again, Jim’s ability to be a jack of all trades shined as he completely remodeled their homes, doing everything from plumbing, electrical, construction, wallpaper, etc. He even had a delicate hand for the finer arts like embroidering.
Jim was quite the outdoorsman and an avid hunter and loved time spent in the woods hunting with his brother Jeffrey. He also enjoyed 4 wheeling and camping; camping being something he shared with his first daughter Erica. Jim and his dad owned a gold mining claim. When his second daughter Alisa got a bit older, Jim and Alisa loved spending time panning for gold.
Jim spent the beginning of his working career with Kmart as a Supervisor. He was so good at his job that the store would send him to other locations to troubleshoot areas within those stores that were having problems. During the time when Martha Stewart became the face of Kmart, Jim not only got to meet her but was privileged to have been able to work with her in multiple facets. After 30 years with Kmart he retired but couldn’t just hang up his hat.
Soon thereafter, Jim took a job with Power Townsend as a floor manager where amongst his many duties, trained future store managers, some of whom are there this very day. In 2016, during the store’s 150th Anniversary, Jim held a large role in remodeling the store. In 2017, Jim retired for a second time, having spent 16 years with them.
In the later years of Jim’s life while raising a family, working, and just enjoying life, Jim suffered a ruptured aneurysm in 2018 but was successfully treated. Then two years later he battled cancer and won. Jim and his family were grateful to God for having miraculously survived both illnesses.
Jim was a hardworking husband and father who loved his family dearly. He was a proud grandfather and enjoyed keeping in touch with his sister through greeting cards and email. He was a firm believer in the Lord and prayed diligently for his family. His presence within our lives will be missed each and every day as he touched so many areas within our lives.
Jim was preceded in passing by his parents, Robert and Beverly Scow; sister-in-law, Evie Scow; grandparents, Roy and Inez Scow, Art and Emily Liedle.
His is survived by his wife of 47 years, Caryn Scow; daughters, Erica (Michael) Renny, and Alisa (Derrik Leach) Scow; grandchildren, Cody Renney, Lynsey Renney, Jasmine Scow Hughes, Zane Leach, Bella Leach, and Freya Leach; brother, Jeffrey Scow; sister, Caren (John) Fisher; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins of whom he loved and adored.
A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Life Covenant Church, 800 N Hoback St., with a Reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
Caryn scow says
I love you forever, honey. I’m praising The Lord that your pain is over and you can rest in the arms of Heaven.
Alisa says
Miss you dad. ❤️❤️
dan roemmich says
Jim , you made the world a better place , RIP my friend
Jim Paulsen says
Very sad to hear of Jim’s passing!
I always enjoyed our time together in addition his wisdom on multiple fronts, Jim’s sly sense of humor and rye smile. May you find comfort in the faith you share with Jim.
Katy Fields says
When I was a little girl, I lived down the street from Jim and Caryn. I used to stop by their house to sell them everything and anything I was involved in for school. Jim was always so kind to me and always supported me. He obviously made an impact on my heart. I am almost 50 years old now and I never forgot him. Praising God that he is in heaven and no longer in pain.
John says
I remember Jim being so into car racing and had a pretty hot mustang that he was very proud of. RIP Jim.
Davy & Patty Elliott says
Caryn and girls, our hearts go out to you but we all know that we will be together again. Patty and I really loved renting your house for several years before moving to Missoula with VA. LORD bless you all.
Deborah Strandberg says
I am so sad about the new of Jim’s passing. Caryn you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I grew up knowing the Scow family. My mom, Dorothy (Leach) Dean and Beverly Scow were best friends in school and through their adult lives. When they got together I would be there at the house and see Jim and Caren. I remember seeing Jim when he mamaged Kmart and so many times at Power Townsend. We will miss him and his smiles.
Debbie Strandberg (Leach, Gibson)
Steve Wilson says
I met Jim when we worked together at the Kmart in Helena in the late 70’s. We spent quite a bit of time hunting and fishing together. I will remember his tall tales! Prayers of peace to Caryn and family