James Edward Golik

Surrounded by family and friends, James Edward Golik, 67, of Billings, MT, peacefully passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on October 19, 2014, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Jim was born October 2, 1947, in Conrad, MT, to Matthew and Cleo (Ryan) Golik. He was later joined by three brothers and three sisters. Jim grew up in Malta, MT, where he attended St. Mary's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Malta High School with the class of 1965. Jim later earned an Associate Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Butte Business College.

Inducted into the U.S. Army 8 Dec, 1967, at Butte MT, Jim trained at Fort Lewis, WA, before serving in Vietnam as a Medic with the 7th Battalion, 8th Artillery, 54th Artillery Group. Jim received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Army Commendation Medal, before being honorably discharged 3 Dec, 1969.

For the last 25 years, Jim's full-time employment was with Spencer Fluid Power (formerly Yellowstone Hydraulics) in Billings, MT, where he was recently honored for his dedication and outstanding contributions to the company. Jim was also a long-time employee of Tiny's Tavern in Billings. His many friends and co-workers from Spencer and Tiny's were truly a second family to Jim and brought joy and meaning to his life.

Jim loved watching sports, especially NFL football and NBA basketball. Jim was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and that devotion never wavered. He appreciated classic country western music and a good western novel. We were constantly amazed by Jim's sharp intellect shown in his ability to successfully complete crossword puzzles in pen!

Jim was preceded in death by his Mom (1986) and Dad (1990), as well as his brother, Matt Golik, Jr. (2008). He is survived by 2 brothers: Tom Golik, Malta, MT; Ralph (Angila) Golik, Carson City, NV; 3 sisters: Maureen (Gary) Lundman, Glendive, MT; Marilyn (Jon) Larson, Hudson, WI; and Ann Marie (Rod) Perry, Devils Lake, ND; sister-in-law Kay Golik, Lewistown, MT; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn his passing are Josh & Wendy Ruggles (Colton & Carson) of Billings, MT, longtime dear friends who faithfully walked by Jim's side throughout his cancer journey. Jim continually referred to Josh as "my Guardian Angel".

Friends recall Jim's quiet way of helping any friend or neighbor down on their luck. Jim will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who helped (and was helped) by many others, loved by many, and who will be deeply missed.

God bless his memory.

The family sincerely thanks Billings Clinic; Billings Health & Rehab; and Morningstar Assisted Living for their kindness and compassionate care.

The family will be sending memorials to the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Memorial services were at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. The Funeral Mass was at St. Mary's Parish, Malta with Rite of Committal in the Malta Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.michelottisawyers.com.