James L. Parrow

James Louis Parrow of Livingston Montana passed away while mowing his lawn on April 24, 2024. He was 78 years old and truly was living his best life. The sun was out, the lawn was probably not even very tall, and God had decided to bring him Home. What a blessing.

Jim was born on September 9, 1946, in Graceville, MN to Walter and Edna Parrow. He started life on the family farm in the neighboring community of Clinton with his three sisters and a plentitude of cousins and family friends. In 1953 Walt and Edna, after droughts and too many harsh winters, packed up their family and moved to Anaconda, MT. where Walt went to work at the Smelter and Jim settled into growing up. He loved sports, along with hunting and fishing with his dad, cousins and friends. After graduating from High School, he attended MSU where he played football for the Bobcats.  In 1965 Jim’s path shifted and he joined the Navy. After traveling abroad, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor, where he and his wife Karen welcomed their 1^st child Vern. In 1970 they left Hawaii and the Navy and returned to Montana to settle in the Gallatin Valley where Jim and Karen welcomed their daughter Ressa.

Jim moved to Livingston where he worked for the Railroad. He loved to golf, hunt and play softball. He passionately followed his kids in sports. He loved hunting and fishing with Vern. They went on epic adventures that included Northern Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and even Alaska chasing fish and caribou. He loved watching Ressa with her horses, always making sure she had a good one to ride.

When grandkids entered the picture, Jim was the best Grandpa. He followed his grandsons Colter and Clay as they played football, basketball and even coached their baseball team. He became a prominent fan for the Shields Valley Rebels. There wasn’t a game he missed no matter how far he had to drive and in what sort of weather. Jim loved watching his granddaughter Willow play softball and bragged about her hunting skills. Going to the Bobcat games with her and her parents was one of his favorite things to do. He loved his kids so much.

Jim’s infectious smile and easy-going personality will be greatly missed. He had a heart of gold and loved his son and daughter more than anything. He was so proud of them. He bragged about the incredible business Vern founded and always said the Ressa was the best teacher ever. His fellow softball teammates called him Moose, but to his children he was just dad, and grandkids grandpa, and the community grandpa Jim.

Jim is survived by his son Vern Parrow (Eve), his daughter Ressa Herta, his grandsons Colter Scidmore (Katie), and Clay Scidmore, his granddaughter Willow Laine (Jordan) and great-grandchildren Gus and Ada Scidmore.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge in Livingston Montana, May 31^st @ 4:00.