James was born Feb. 15th, 1976 in Sidney, MT to Judy Wilson. They moved around during James’ youth, and his mom married and had 4 more children, David, Misty, Calene and Chase, who all played together in the outdoors James loved, until the sun would set each day. James was a handful as a teenager, and decided school was not for him, but learning and work were. He earned his GED, and was always reading and drawing. He was a gifted artist and a lifelong learner.

He landed in Great Falls, MT working for Moderne Cabinet (1999-2010), eventually becoming lead sawyer there. In 2011 he moved to Grand Junction, CO, and worked for Cabparts Inc. (2011-early 2019) in all departments. He then worked for Western Filament until early 2021.

In Oct. 2013 James met the love of his life, Shaneen Bissell. They met on the website “Plenty of Fish”, (which is funny, as James loved to fish!) They were a great team, and were building a life together, when in November of 2019, Shaneen became very ill and passed peacefully at home with James by her side. James heart was hurting, and in 2021, he moved to Williston ND for a fresh start, and to be near friends. In May of 2021 he moved to Sidney MT, and began working in the specialty department at Sidney Millwork Co., quickly becoming a valued friend and co-worker there.

James had a pure faith. He loved learning about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He studied his bible, and the history of the bible from many aspects. He had an amazing memory for the intricacies of the books of the bible. His favorite bible has years of highlighted or underlined passages, and notes in the margins referencing related verses. He was continually increasing his knowledge of the Word of God. This helped him immensely when he was diagnosed with urothelial cancer in January 2024. He began a battle powered by the strength of his faith. He believed that God had a plan, and James knew that whatever way this battle ended, he would be right with the Lord. On November 6th, 2024, James was baptized at the Church of Christ in Sidney, later stating… “Most important thing I have ever done in my life ” James peacefully passed at Sidney Health Center on November 5th, 2025, one day shy of a year following his baptism, with friends by his side.

His strength, courage and grace have impacted so many who met him. The Nurses and CNAs at SHC were amazingly kind during his 6+ week stay there, and James was lucky to have some very meaningful conversations with them as they cared for him. He was truly grateful for them. He was grateful for his Sidney Millwork family, saying that was the job he always wanted. And James had a very special bond with his church family, especially Tim and “Debra” (He never called her Deb, always Debra) Baisch, Ron and Petrea Rauch, Coy and Sarah Martin, Marietta Keller. And friends Doug (Grasshoppa) and Sonia Hallett (Reset), Linda Becker, Kidus Dirasse, Kayle Lillemon, Keith Lindberg, Mike Kiser, Steve Case and Lori Utter.

He is survived by his sisters Misty (Jeremiah) Kamplain and Calene (Charles) Reed and brothers David (Anjelica) Hoover and Chase Hoover. And nieces Trinity Toms, Khloie Springer, Amelia Reed, Mackenzie Reed, Janet Kamplain and Grace Kamplain, and nephew Tyler Hoover.

He was preceded in death by his love Shaneen Bissell, his Mother Judy Caviness and his stepfather Russell Caviness.

“Drive Safe, Be Safe, God Bless, Love You!” James.