James D Allison

James D Allison, 76, passed away on Wednesday July 9th, 2025.  He was the son of Merial and James Robert Allison.  He grew up in Spokane WA.  Joined the Navy right after high school in 1967 during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1971. 

After leaving the Navy, he met Suzzane Morrison, they married in 1971 and moved to Missoula to raise their family and pursue his career as a Boilerman. Through his career he worked at the University of Montana, sawmills in both Bonner and Missoula, as well as the Federal Building.  He was a member of the Lions Club and volunteered at the East Missoula Fire Department for 20 years.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and boating with family and friends and kicking butt in a game of horseshoes.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Merial & James, sisters Judy, Sandy, Roberta (Bobbie) and Georgia and brothers Bill, Jerry and Joe Paul. He is survived by his wife Suzzane, sister Kathy Many Hides, son Andrew (Crystal) Allison, daughters Tracey Bertek, Darla Cotton and Kelly Allison. Grandchildren Kendall (Brittany) Cotton, Tyler (Brett) Edwards, Amanda (Matt) Wolter, Karli Cotton, Shea (Damien) Sandon, Hunter Bertek.  Great grandchildren Carter Edwards, Addison Edwards, McKenna Wolter, Roran Cotton, Owen Wolter and many nieces and nephews.

He will be laid to rest at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, September 19th at 2:00 pm with a gathering to follow at the East Missoula Lions Park, 735 Michigan Ave, E Missoula MT 59802.