(Nov. 22, 2008)
Ross A. Jamieson, 94, of Billings, Mont., died at St. John’s Lutheran Ministries on Nov. 22, 2008. Ross was born in Valley City, N.D. on Oct. 6, 1914. After homesteading in Ekalaka, Mont, the family lived a few years at Marmarth, N.D. and Roundup, Mont., before they settled in Powell, Wyo. in 1928. Ross graduated from Powell HS in 1932 and attended the University of Wyoming, playing football for the Cowboys one season.
Ross began his life’s work in groceries with Safeway, working for 8 years in the Red Lodge, Mont. store. Ross served 4 years in the Army during WWII as a quartermaster staff officer. His duty included Washington, DC, Africa under General Patton, Sicily and the European Theatre. His recounting of many escapades during this harrowing time in our nation’s history has filled our family gatherings with appreciation and humor, especially for Ross’s great nieces and nephews in Billings. Following the war, Ross returned to Safeway as manager of stores in Sidney and Miles City and became District Manager for Safeway in Butte and Great Falls. Ross later owned and operated Jamieson Distributing in Billings selling various food products to grocery outlets.
Ross married Catherine Parsons in 1945. They drove to Mexico for a one-month vacation in the mid-1950’s, enjoying the restaurants and hotels, bull fights, and unique culture. Catherine passed away in 1965. Ross married Alta Page Glover in 1976. Ross and Alta traveled worldwide with Friendship Force, including hosting FF travelers from other countries in their home. Alta passed away in July 2003.
Ross enjoyed people and was a super storyteller. He loved his family and welcomed involvement with all of their activities. Ross typed a regular family letter during the past 40+ years to keep everyone in contact and typed special “epistles” such as his “Army Daze” and about growing up in Ekalaka. Ross loved sports, especially football, and recalled many fun evenings at Daylis Stadium. Ross appreciated the fellowship of the families of the Billings Seventh Day Adventist Church. In October 2007, Ross moved to an apartment in Chapel Court at St. John’s.
Ross is survived by his brother Hewitt and wife Jennie Jamieson of Powell and three nieces and their families of Billings, Connie Wicker, Bonnie Ball, and Jean Ross. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, James Ellison and Jake Jacobs and two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Petersen and Lorraine Traeger. Other nephews and nieces and their families surviving Ross are Scott Jamieson, Paul Ellison, Dr. Warren Ellison, James Ellison, Amy Mayes, JoAnn Zakotnik, Mary Kay Zakotnik, Patsy Sanderson, Jeanne Hall, Bill Barber, Pennie Muth, Barbee Hekkel, Sonja Smart, Patti Tjelde, Robert Petersen and Rich Petersen. Ross was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mabel Jamieson, brother Charles Jamieson, two sisters Roberta Jacobs and Patricia Ellison, and nephew Bob Barber.
At Ross’s request, cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes will be in Richland Memorial Park. Arrangements for a private family celebration of his life are pending. Memorials, if desired, may be sent to: Lewis & Clark Middle School Angel Fund at 1315 Lewis Avenue, Billings 59102 or Friendship Force Legacy Fund, 233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 2250, Atlanta, GA 30303 or Boy Scouts Camp Fund at 2528 Grand, Billings 59102.