James Thomas "Pogie" Rogers, 83

James Thomas "Pogie" Rogers passed away on August 12, 2023, in Butte, Montana, at the age of 83. He was born on August 11, 1940, to Edwin A. "Bidda" and Hazel (Thomas) Rogers.

His early life was spent in Centerville among family and friends. He attended St. Lawrence Grade School and Butte Central High. He played football, baseball, and basketball. He enjoyed fishing, biking, and hiking in the hills north of Butte and Browns Gulch. Skating and sleigh riding in winter were always thrilling; especially enjoyable was family time spent in Elk Park at the Sawmill Gulch cabin.

Jim was a paperboy, delivering the Butte Daily Post. During high school, he worked at S&S Jewelers, Patterson Dental Supply, and Butte Truck and Motor. In 1959 he went to work for the Anaconda Company, as an oiler and was promoted to shovel operator. He worked there until the pit closed in 1983. For two summers he worked for the Stratton Gold Mining operation in the Highlands. In 1985 he began work for Western Energy Company during their gold exploration program in Winston, Montana, and Lincoln, doing claim staking and sample processing. In 1989 he began working at Golden Sunlight Mine until his retirement in 1998.

Jim married Shirley Westfall in 1962, two children were born of this marriage (Jamie Ann and James R.) They later divorced. In 1984 he married Gloria Stratton Helm. They moved to Whitehall in 1986 where they had some acreage for horses and a big enough house for lots of company and grandkids to visit. He loved having his horses close and riding out from the property.

From an early age, Jim loved horses; he passed this love on to his daughter, son, and grandchildren, always teaching them to properly saddle, brush and care for their horses. Many memorable times were spent riding with Grandpa. Jim took exceptional care of his horses, dogs, and his family, lovingly caring for each one! It was a sad day when he sold his last horse and left his Whitehall home to move to Butte.

Jim and Gloria enjoyed traveling, especially to Alaska; cruising or once a very long road trip with the camper and their lab Que. They cruised the Caribbean, Panama Canal, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean; they also traveled to Europe soon after 9/11. Camping was a favorite activity when his kids were little and later with Gloria and her family and the grandkids. Hunting trips were always a fun activity with family and friends. Jim enjoyed people and always had a smile for everyone. Rodeos and bull riding events were always attended whenever possible.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jamie Ann, cousin John Rogers, sisters Thelma (Charles) Kehoe, and Dorothy (Darryl) Scott, as well as Edward (Louella) Rogers, and many good friends. Also preceding him were daughters-in-law Esther Helm, Linda Helm, and Michelle Helm; in-laws Howard and Vady Stratton, sister-in-law Peggy Stratton, and brother-in-law Ron Lester.

He is survived by his wife Gloria, his son James R., his stepsons, Thomas Helm of Havre, Edward Helm of Butte, and Tim Helm of Townsend; beloved grandchildren Tia (Patrick) Schleiger of Pasco, WA, T.J. (Grace) Helm of Burbank, WA, and Shay (Ashley) Helm of Bozeman. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Bob Stratton (Joy Roberts), Mark (Etta) Stratton, Dave Stratton, and Howard Stratton of the Philippines; sisters-in-law Margie (Tommi) Haikka of Helena, and Alice Lester of Jackson, TN; also bonus granddaughters Laci Lane (Jim Diffenbaugh) of Billings, and Holly Lane of Havre; four great-grandchildren Morgan, Bella, Beau, and Lazarus with two more on the way; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and neighbors.

Jim was the love of my life, my partner, and my friend. The world changes from year to year, our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you shall never pass away - Gloria

Our family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at the ICU, Dr. Raiser, Dr. Monson, Dr. Yakymovych, and the 3rd-floor nurses and CNAs for their care while Jim was at St James.