WHITEWATER-James A. Murdock
Lifelong Whitewater rancher, James (Jim) Alexander Murdock, 83,
passed away July 8, 2018, in Malta, Montana, from congestive
heart failure. He was born in Malta on June 3, 1935, to Scottish
immigrants Alexander and Agnes (Hunter) Murdock.
Jim was raised on the family homestead north of Whitewater with
his three elder sisters, Margie, Evelyn, and Kathleen (Ree), and
little brother, Bill. At the young age of 4, Jim and his
siblings lost their mom to pneumonia. Determined to keep
the family together, the three sisters took over the mom duties
and father, Alec, made it a priority to be home with all his
children each evening. Between Alec and his widowed sister
Jean, 11 kids grew up on their family homesteads, a short pony
ride apart.
Jim attended grade school at Plainsview and entered high school
in Whitewater. At 14 years of age, Jim had to forego
school to help on the ranch while his dad recovered from kidney
surgery. During winter months, he and his siblings hand
pumped water for 100 head of cows between feedings.
At an early age, cousin Tant Anderson taught Jim and Bill how
to haze the cattle back home on horseback prior to the building
of fences. As a young man, Jim grew a love for good cattle and a
handy sorrel horse, a love he passed on to his children,
grandchildren, and now, great-grandchildren. He broke many
a good horse (like his Tony) and roped and rode well into his
seventies.
Jim married Patricia Solberg on June 6, 1954, in Malta.
Pat joined him on the ranch. After the loss of their
father in 1956, Jim and Bill took over the ranch. Jim and Pat
continued to make a home for their children: Jesse, Jimmy, Lexie,
Jeffrey, and Kathleen. Life was never easy for the family.
Jim picked up odd jobs to bring in desperately needed cash.
The near breaking point was met shortly after taking over the
ranch. Operating money ran out, and the bank turned down
his loan request. If not for the intervening of major bank
stock holder, Fred Robinson, this family wouldn’t be here now.
Jim proved his worth trailing Fred’s yearlings in from the
Frenchman to the stockyards in the dead of winter a few years
before when no one else was willing. He refused pay.
Fred never forgot. Jim continued to operate the ranch
until his death.
Generations of family and friends helped celebrate the renewal
of Jim and Pat’s vows on their 60th anniversary.
The event was all the more special as they were joined at the
altar by his Best Man Bill Murdock and her Maid of Honor, the
bride’s cousin, Maureen Kirwan. Pat was escorted down the
aisle in her original wedding dress by great-grandson Ty Murphy
led by great-granddaughters as flower girls. Grandkids and
great-grandkids knew him well and felt the love he held for
each.
Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia, his sisters
Marjorie Olsen and Kathleen (Ree) Simonson, brother William
(Bill), and children: Jesse (Rebecca), James W (Nancy), Alexis
(Ron) Haynes, Jeffrey (Athlene), Kathleen (Charlie) Carlson, and
special son Joe (Tammie) Cartwright. He is also survived
by his grandchildren (Jerilyn, Mary, Kathy, Jane, Kate, Alex,
Billie Sky, Lacey, Therese, Stacey, Hector, Daisy, Emma, Cally,
Tristen, Jesse, and Blaize), his “adopted” exchange students
from Mexico, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and
nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Evelyn,
sister-in-law Jeannette (Bill), and brothers-in-law Swede
(Margie) Olsen, Roger (Ree) Simonson, and Lyle (Ev) Hanson.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, July 13th,
7pm, at Kirkwood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be
conducted by Pastor Bob Nagy on Saturday, July 14th,
1pm, at Malta Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left at
www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.
Guest Book
From: Vivian Dolphay-Stolle
Pat and Family...so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed by all. He touched many lives.
From: Diane F Smith
Rest in Peace my old friend. Happy trails in green pastures.
From: Kathy Mayer
I am so sorry about the loss of Jim. He was a wonderful man, hard working, all-around good man, and he and Pat raised a whole bunch of kids who turned out beautifully!!
He was very proud of his "brood"! I am so sorry that I can't be there for the funeral; I can't drive anymore so I am dependent on Lori or Brandon to get me to wherever. I have a bunch of medical problems and I don't get to go many places. Just know that I am there in spirit and that you are all loved!
Kathy
From: Edward Ostlund
This is late since I just now learned of Jim's departure, Hoping that all of the family gets this. Condolences from an old White Water native, and wife, Sarah.
From: Sherry/John Demarais
Sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs for all.
From: Michael Fred & Nancy Ereaux
We were so sorry to hear about Jim. Sad to lose another cowboy & gentleman. He took time to do little things for so many and he always made time to visit. Jim was such a character & had such a good sense of humor.
Those old cowboys didn't like being cooped up so that rest home was a tough place for him to be. He's in a much better place now where every year is a good year & all the trails are easy to ride. Better than anything we've ever seen. Even though we know all that, it doesn't make us miss them any less.
Our thoughts & prayers have been with all of you --
Love & prayers,
Michael Fred & Nancy
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