James Wray Peretti passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024 in his apartment at Sweetwater Senior Living in Billings, Montana. Our dad was born February 2, 1932 to John B. and Mildred E. (Robinson) Peretti. He was raised alongside his brother, Howard. At the age of five, his father completed construction of their home at 509 Smelter Avenue. He would later assist in farming the family land north of Smelter Avenue between Hill 57 and the Twilight Cinema Center. Jimmy attended Franklin School and Great Falls High School, graduating in 1950. He played on the 1949 championship football team.
While attending Montana State College, he was involved in the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and ROTC. Following graduation, with an industrial arts degree in 1954, he joined the USAF. Some of his most ‘enjoyable years’ were spent flying numerous types of planes out of four different air bases. While stationed in Salina, Kansas, he met a most amazing TWA stewardess, Mary Carol Campbell of Maquoketa, Iowa. They married in 1957 and together raised their family. He was discharged from the Air Force in January 1958.
Upon his return to Great Falls, he and his brother joined their father in the operation of Central Wholesale Company, which was later called North Central Wholesale Company. This grocery and beer business occupied their time for 15 years until the passing of their dad in 1972.
A new career path was taken after completing his masters degree in Vocational Education from Northern Montana College. For 17 years, dad taught math and accounting at the Great Falls Vo-Tech Center as well as job placement for those with developmental disabilities. He was awarded numerous times for his work. Before he retired, he was also employed by School District #1 as an Industrial Arts teacher at North Middle School. Dad constructed three homes over the years. One being our family home which he built in 1959.
Jim enjoyed many hobbies and activities in his lifetime, including: building furniture, camping and exploring Montana ghost towns, playing slow pitch softball (until the age of 50), his Masonic relationships (Euclid #18, Scottish Rite and Shrine), Westside Optimist Club charter member, President Local Carpenter’s Union #280, longtime member of the Fortnightly Dance Club, a member of Daedalians (organization for military pilots) and traveling with mom.
Our family will always remember his quick wit and great laugh, his delight with his Italian heritage, his affinity for boots, bolo ties and cowboy hats, and that he was rarely seen around Great Falls without mom at his side. Jill and I are convinced we lived an idyllic childhood. Dad was always so patient and kind. He never got upset, or swore. Even as age caught up with him and he moved into independent and then assisted living, he maintained his sense of humor, dignity and cheerful demeanor.
He is survived by his son, Donnie (Patsy) Peretti, daughter, Jill (Pat) Endres; grandchildren, Ryan (Jillian) Endres, Samantha (Russ) Bruner, Jenna (Mack) Thayer, Hannah and DJ Peretti; great-grandchildren, Ella and Lucy Bruner, Kennedy Thayer, and Baby Boy Endres (due in late September); sister-in-law, Joanne O’Hara and many nieces, nephews and friends.
We will celebrate Jim’s life at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Croxford Funeral Home, Great Falls, Montana. Following the service, he will receive military honors at Highland Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Benefis Peace Hospice, or Great Falls Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic or the charity of one’s choice.
Dad, we want you to know how much we miss you. Thank you for loving us. You are still with us as we carry you in our hearts.
Author: Staff
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