Beloved father, “Papa,” and dear friend, Jim Diede, passed away on Feb. 2, 2020, at his home in Bigfork, Montana, surrounded by his immediate family. He lived a full 87 years.

Jim was born on Feb. 4, 1933, in Billings, Montana, to Chris and Matilda Diede, and was raised on a farm west of Billings with his brother, Jerry, until the family moved into Billings when Jim was ten years old.

He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1951 and then served in the U.S. Naval Reserve, including two years of active duty in the Pacific during the Korean War as an airframe mechanic. Jim then attended Eastern Montana College, where he studied business, was involved in theater and musical productions, and elected into leadership of the Intercollegiate Knights service organization.

On June 17, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Loretta Berst, and they were happily married for over 64 years.

During Jim’s career he was an executive in the trucking and distribution industry, and he served on the board of directors of the Wyoming Trucking Association as well as president of the Montana Motor Carriers Association. Over the years, Jim was employed with Sohio Petroleum Company and Consolidated Freightways, was vice president of Hi-Ball Trucking, and was general manager of Dyce Chemical.

He was always active and respected in Billings, including membership at BPOE (Elks) Lodge. And he was a dear friend to many individuals and demonstrated his Christian faith as a mentor and layperson. He retired in 1999 when he and Loretta moved to Missoula to be near their daughter and her family.

His favorite hobbies were spending time with family and friends, as well as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, snorkeling, traveling, and enjoying time with his children and grandchildren. Jim and Loretta were active at church in each community in which they lived.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Diede; their three children and their spouses: Brad and Liz Diede of Auburn, CA; Michelle and Gary Watson of Bigfork, MT; and Chris and Trae Diede of Austin, Texas; and their six grandchildren and their spouses: Ryan and Dinah Watson, Will Watson, Emily and Natesh London, Christopher Diede, Gwen Diede, and Beau Diede.

A small service was held in Bigfork on Feb. 4, 2020, at Crossroads Church. A larger celebration of Jim Diede’s life will be held on July 11, 2020, in Billings, MT. An announcement of the time and location will be distributed by family and posted in the Billings and Missoula newspapers.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

Please enter the amount you would like to give and click continue.