Jack "Bum" Ray Byam

Jack Ray “Bum” Byam passed away suddenly, Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 77, as the result of an accident.  At the time of his death, he was working on another of his multiple projects he so enjoyed,  A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place Saturday, July 20th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the GHS gymnasium in Philipsburg.

Jack was the youngest child born to Jennie Marie (Ward) and Charles Bill Byam, on January 29, 1947, in Elk City, Idaho.  When Jack was a young boy, the family moved from Idaho to Montana where Jack would live the rest of his days.  Jack attended school in Philipsburg through the tenth grade.  At that time, Jack’s father suffered a work-related accident that left him temporarily unable to work.  Jack quit school to help support the family.

Jack married Colleen Marie Rose on November 11, 1967.  Colleen would often laugh and say her mother warned her about getting tangled up with “that Jack”, as he liked to drive his car on the sidewalk.  Despite the warnings and Jack’s wild antics, Jack and Colleen were married for 39 years until Colleen’s passing on November 23, 2006.  Not a day went by that he did not miss her.

Bum was a true “Jack of all trades”.  He was a master welder and mechanic, and was often found in his shop working on his latest project, many times for someone else. From working in a sawmill alongside his best “pard”, Leroy Jacobson, to operating his own logging truck, to placer mining in Idaho and Nevada, Jack could do just about anything.  For many years, Jack was a millwright at Contact Mining in Philipsburg, working alongside two of his oldest friends, Bill Antonioli and Dave “Wildmeat” Harris.   He worked at MT Resources in Butte and cut posts in the woods with his four-legged sidekick, Hijoma, by his side.  In later years, Jack worked for Granite County as well as the state highway department.  Always willing to give of himself, Jack served for the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and even held the title of “Chief” for a time.

Jack was many things, but most of all he was a friend and a helper. Jack would do anything for anyone, never expecting anything in return.  A knock at his door with a need for help was energetically met with “Let me get my boots on”. Quick with  a joke, a funny story, or invaluable life advice, Jack left everyone with a smile.  He touched the lives of everyone who knew him.  Bum will be remembered for his firm handshake, his wit, but more than anything, he will be remembered for his heart, and his profound dedication to raising his girls. How lucky are we that are left behind to have had the privilege of his friendship and joy?

Jack is survived by his three daughters Amy Byam (Tony Lotton), Missoula, MT, Mary Jo Carstensen (Chuck Adam), Stevensville, MT, and Carrie Gillen (Jerad), Lewistown, MT.  He is also survived by his grandson, Kyle Jacobson (Mackenzie) of Colville, Washington, with whom he shared a very close and special bond, even serving as Kyle’s best man at his wedding. Other survivors include: great-grandchildren Bradlee, Dean, and Everlee Jacobson; former son-in-law, Mike Carstensen, and grandson, Zane Carstensen; grandchildren, Emma and Jack Gillen; granddaughter, Erica Schwenk, and great-grandchildren Hazlee and Holden Schwenk and McKinley Gamet; and Angela Jacobson and Jim Pederson, who Bum loved like they were his own.  He also leaves behind many dear, beloved friends too numerous to mention including, Chuck Houtz and Scott McDonald.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen, parents, Jennie and Charlie “Bill” Byam, brother, Norman “Pete” Byam, sister, Norma Key, and brother-in-law, Wayne Key, and dear friends, Leroy Jacobson, Curtis Smith, and Don Schroeder.

In honor of Bum, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Philipsburg Senior Citizens Center or the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department. Please visit the sidebar to offer the family condolence or to share a memory of Bum. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory are privileged to care for Bum and his family.

“The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind”.