James Allen Gardipee, "Approaching Thunderbird", 51, passed away due to natural causes at the Northern Montana Care Center on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.  Wake services will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, and will continue until his funeral service, which will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, all at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with Russell Standing Rock officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rocky Boy Cemetery.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

James was born on July 18, 1970, in Havre to Irene Gardipee.  He was raised mainly in Rocky Boy, attending Rocky Boy High School, but he also lived in Alberta, Canada, and attended school there, as well.  He attended Stone Child College for a time, but he also worked as a ranch hand, a crew boss for Tribal Forestry, and as a wildlands firefighter.  He married Tess French in Washington, and the couple had three children before separating.  He later married Collette Stump, and the couple remained together until her death in 2018.  He was involved with Jennifer Denny for a few years before they separated.

James was a very outgoing man who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.  He was proud of his heritage, and celebrated his culture.  James enjoyed singing, especially with the Haystack Singers (his uncles).  He also enjoyed Pow Wows and all traditional ceremonies, and he adored his family.

He was preceded in death by his son, Noah French; wife, Collette Stump; mother Irene Gardipee; and brothers, Curtis Belcourt and his stillborn brother.

James is survived by his children, Mason Weasel Child of Alberta, Canada, and Tyrell French of Washington; and his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.