James Lloyd Holen, 53, passed away on April 6th, 2016 in Wolf Point, MT. He was born on July 17, 1962 in Wolf Point to Lloyd and Doris Holen. Jim grew up in Poplar, MT. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1980. He attended college in Bozeman, MT and throughout his career received numerous certificates. He had a boiler license. He had a varied and fulfilling employment career that made the most of his skills and talent. He was a concrete finisher in Denver, Co. He owned Missouri River Contracting, a construction company. He worked in seismograph, farming and ranching, mechanic, master of the custodial arts, a general jack of all trades.
Jim married Gloria Urbaniak in 2002 in Wolf Point, MT. They were happily married for 14 years. His father – in- law, Ken Ryan, gave Jim his Nakoda name of “Bobcat” and shared integral cultural identity morals and lore with Jim which endeared Jim to his many tribal in-laws. A long running teasing of Jim was captured in his nickname of “Little Big Man” for when he married Gloria he also inherited many of her female relatives as his “wives”. He had many fun episodes in his Life generating great stories of which one was his renowned international hunting experience with his friend Jonsie and the dog! He and Jonsie explored the interior of the border patrol’s offices during their international escapades. He loved hunting, boating, fishing and long drives in the countryside.
Many wonderful memories were generated during his enjoyment of his Life with family and friends. Jim’s greatest thrill was becoming a grandpa to Joy who he treated like his own daughter. She gave him a reason to work harder at improving his health and striving to see her reach young adulthood. He never missed any of her recitals, concerts, plays,or games. He loved to listen to her sing, especially “Chain, Chain of Fools.” His two grandsons Logan and Leo were treasured blessings to Jim. Jim spent his last Saturday celebrating Logan’s birthday with him by doing Grandpa and Grandson things, having hamburgers and milkshakes, cleaned out the dog runs, went to the farm to work on the Jim’s pickup restoration and just had fun. Baby Leo made his “PaPa” laugh for when Jim’s voice became raspy – Baby Leo began talking with a raspy voice just like his “PaPa” which delighted Jim. Jim grew close with his sister Karen for as his health began to falter, she flew up to be with him when he was in the hospital and she called him on a regular basis to encourage him and cheer him on. He dearly loved his sister Karen.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Doris Holen. Jim is survived by his wife, Gloria of Wolf Point, MT; and his children Angela Urbaniak and grandchildren, Joy and Logan Wolff and son-in-law Judd Wolff of Wolf Point, MT; Donald and Ivy Urbaniak and grandson, Leo Urbaniak. His brothers Richard (Lucille) Holen, Bob (Jenny) Holen, and sisters Kathleen(Gary) Brekke, Karen (Clark) Holen Lyda, and a special niece Elizabeth (EJ) and his nephews Mike Holen and James Dean (Brooke Boyd) Holen; grand nephew Stetson Roan Holen and his adopted brother Michael Palivoda and adopted nephew Joshua O’Malley.
Visitation will be held at Noon until the funeral service at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10 at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.