Lungs full of crisp morning air, in Montana's Kern Basin. The hum of a finely tuned chainsaw, with razor sharp chain; then the crack of a mighty pine as it hits the forest floor. Jim Wigen has arrived in heaven.
Born James Robert Wigen November 15, 1960, "Jim" graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1978. He traveled across the western United States for 8 years with Petty-Ray GeoSource. Earning the name "Hardcore" in the first Oil boom.
He was called "Git in the Way" as he worked in the woods for Lyle Klasen and Sherm Anderson. On the side he started his own firewood business. There was nothing he loved more than showing up at people's houses with gigantic loads of firewood. He single handedly kept wood prices in Dillon down for all his customers.
When the Black Gold Rush hit(2nd oil boom); Jim worked in Williston, North Dakota as a Pallet Manager for SLB Schlumberger. Always proud he had survived not one, but two oil booms; in two different centuries.
He worked for both brothers; Fred and Mike Coleman Horizontal Boring. As lube/mechanic, he was fired once for going through a 55-gallon drum of grease in one evening, only to be quickly rehired the next day.
Working was Jim's thing. Always pushing himself and anyone around him to perform at their highest potential. His favorite statement "hurry every chance you get."
Jim was a pioneer of the "tiny house" movement, a self-proclaimed inventor whose design, not quite ready for prime time, predated the current trend. He was a creative soul, always trying to build a new gadget or button to make life easier. Jim's trucks and chainsaws weren't just tools; they were individuals, each with its own name. Given the sheer number of them, conversations could get interesting, as it became difficult to distinguish between man and machine.
Troubled about his health issues; he found comfort in the story of JOB: "People must have faith in God even in adversity. People cannot know everything happening in the universe and therefore cannot know why certain things happen.
Proceeded in death by his father John Wigen; 3 half-brothers and 4 half-sisters. Jim is survived by his Son James Wigen; Grandson Hunter, and Mother Myrtle Wigen, all of Dillon. Brothers Andy of Dillon, Mike (Liz) of Ashland, and Ken (Jane) of Wisdom. Sisters Donna Sevalstad, Jennifer Wigen (Tom Pierce) and Kristy (David Bagley) all of Dillon. Nieces Bernice Wigen and Tarna Sevalstad of Dillon and nephew Tyler Bagley of Sequim, Washington.
Jim's kindness touched the lives of many, especially those who were struggling, whether human or animal. Last of his kind, he was a memorable character, and whether you loved him or not, Jim Wigen left a lasting impression and will be missed by many.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday March 15th, from 1-4 PM at the Dillon Elks Lodge- 27 East Center Street Dillon, MT. Please leave firearms in your vehicles.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
1:00 - 4:00 pm (Mountain time)
Elks Lodge
Visits: 1241
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