James “Jim D” Wilbur Dillon was born in Boulder, Colorado on January 22nd, 1955 to Charles and Jean Dillon. Jim spent his childhood in Victor, Montana and then moved to Concrete, Washington in high school and graduated there. After high school Jim attended Eastern Washington University and earned his bachelor’s degree in education. Later in life he continued his education at UofM in Missoula and received his master’s degree, which he was very proud of.
In 1978 James met and married the love of his life Marty. In 1980, they had their first child, a son, Chaz. Soon after they moved to Brockton and had 2 more children, daughters Kari and Caitlin.
James began teaching at Brockton School’s in 1980 and spent the rest of his teaching career there until he retired in 2006. Jim took on various roles in his career such as assistant administrator, junior high science, high school art and supervisor for student council. Jim was very interactive with his students and was always known for hanging out in the hallway at lunch taking the time to get to know each and every one of his students (or just trying to get the hot gossip from the weekend). He loved rewarding his students for their accomplishments, which is why he invented the infamous gold slip auctions. Jim also had a deep love for high school sports. He could be seen doing everything from announcing the starting lineup, taking stats and even sweeping the floors. He loved chaperoning the high school basketball tournaments because everyone was too scared to sneak out when he was manning the halls. Later in life Jim enjoyed visiting with friends, attending auctions and hanging out with and spoiling his grandsons.
James had many close relationships with families of the community including the Nygard’s, Lambert’s, Spotted Birds, Bighorns, Johnson’s and Belgrade’s. He was a pillar of the community and respected by many for the work he did with the students of the Brockton community. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife Marty; Parents, Chod and Jean; Sister Colleen; adopted son, Sean Bighorn.
He is survived by his son, Chaz; daughters Kari(Chase), Caitlin(Dan); Grandsons Chandler, Aca, Jared, Eli and Mateo; Sister, Shannon (Dale); nieces, Dee and Jenny; nephew, Jason; adopted sons; Joseph Chase Sr., Adrien Spotted Bird Jr; Special friends, Rod, Larry, Gordy and Doug.
We would also like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Z of Wolf Point for all the care, kindness and friendship that he displayed to Jim throughout the years.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.