James Robert Dubois Sr., age 91, of Box Elder, Montana, rode gently into his final sunrise on May 25, 2026, at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, Montana.

Jim was born on September 26, 1934, in Havre, Montana, to Francis Dubois and Elizabeth Henry. His early years were shaped by hardship, responsibility, and resilience. After the loss of his mother's steady presence due to illness, he was raised between family homes and boarding school in Pierre, South Dakota. He attended boarding school through the sixth grade before returning home, carrying with him the lasting weight of a difficult era in the boarding school experience for Native families. As a young boy, Jim learned the value of hard work early by picking potatoes, taking whatever jobs he could find, and doing whatever was necessary to help his family survive. Those years helped shape a man known for grit, quiet strength, and perseverance.

In search of opportunity and a chance to see more of the world, Jim enlisted in the United States Army. His service took him throughout Europe, including Austria, Italy, and Germany. While overseas, he served as a ski patrol and a lineman, duties he remained proud of throughout his life. The military became one of the defining chapters of his journey, giving him discipline, lifelong friendships, and experiences far beyond what he had known growing up. He often spoke fondly of skiing in Europe and the memories he made during his years overseas. He remained proud of his military service throughout his life.

Jim married Dolores LaFromboise, and together they had two children, James Dubois Jr. and Beatrice "Tootsie" Dubois. Though their marriage was brief, their children always remained an important part of his life. Later, Jim married Florence Dubois, the great love of his life. Together they built a strong partnership rooted in loyalty, hard work, and family. They adopted and raised their son, James Lawrence, and created a home filled with love and stability. Florence was not only his wife, but also his closest companion and the heart of their home.

For more than 20 years, Jim worked for Sletten Construction Company in Great Falls, retiring through the Laborers Union. He was a skilled mason and concrete worker whose craftsmanship still stands throughout Great Falls and the surrounding area in bridges, buildings, downtown structures, and even the floor of the Great Falls Target. Jim took great pride in his work and deeply respected the men he worked alongside. One of his favorite things was driving through town and pointing out projects, often saying, "I built that," or "Me and my brother built that." He especially treasured the years spent working beside his older brother, Elmer, sharing job sites, long days, and a bond built through labor and loyalty. Those years represented much more than construction to Jim. They represented family, pride, and leaving something lasting behind.

After retirement, Jim and Florence made their home in Box Elder, Montana, where they built a life centered on family, discipline, and love. Together they raised their grandchildren Brandy, Michelle, and Shane, giving them a home filled with warmth, structure, and strong values. Later in life, Jim also helped raise two of his other granddaughters Tami and Danae, always making sure his grandchildren felt cared for, protected, and supported.

even in his later years, Jim continued working with Chippewa Cree Construction Corporation as a night watchman and helping with projects whenever he was needed. He enjoyed staying busy, visiting job sites, and being around the crew. The people at C4 became much more than coworkers to him, they became family. Jim built many close friendships there and deeply valued the respect, laughter, and good times he shared with those he worked with. He took pride in being part of the C4 family, and they valued and respected him just as deeply in return. Those years gave him continued purpose, connection, and friendships he carried with him throughout his life.

Jim enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved the Raiders (win or lose), old cars, especially his El Camino, garage tinkering, poker, casinos, and collecting treasures. He enjoyed watching football, boxing, game shows, the news, and especially cowboy westerns. He was an old cowboy in every sense of the word: a builder, mechanic, mason, storyteller, and a man of quiet strength. He worked hard, laughed often, and lived life on his own terms. He also loved watching his grandchildren play sports, especially basketball, and nothing made him prouder than watching them on the court.

Jim came from a generation that fixed things instead of throwing them away, valued sacrifice over convenience, and showed love through hard work and dedication. Born during the Great Depression, he lived through Pearl Harbor, World War II, the Korean War era, the moon landing, the rise of television, and nearly every major change America experienced over the last century. He went from black-and-white cowboy westerns to smartphones, computers and Hulu, though he still trusted hard work, common sense, and a good wrench more than anything else.

Above all else, Jim was family. He was a grandfather and great-grandfather whose presence shaped generations. To many people, he wasn't just "Grandpa Jim." That is simply what everyone called him. Friends of the kids, nurses, and healthcare workers all knew him by that name. He carried it proudly and lived up to it every day.

Sylvia held a very special place in Jim's heart. In his later years, Jim was able to stay in the home he cherished because of the loving care and support provided by his niece Sylvia and Shane. Their unwavering presence, compassion, and dedication brought him comfort, companionship, and peace, allowing him to be surrounded by family throughout his final years. Jim cared for them deeply, and their kindness and devotion will always be remembered with heartfelt gratitude.

Jim is survived by his special niece, Sylvia Sangrey; grandsons, Shane Sangrey, Carl Sangrey, Joshua Sangrey and Jason Infante; his granddaughters, Tami Infante and Danae Infante; his great-grandchildren,  T'auna, Brandon, Briahnna, Araya, Alivia, DJ, Mya, Connor, Tesleigh, Harley, Lexus, Chavelle, Mercedes, Denali, Layton, Nicolas, Jacob; and many others whose lives he touched. He is also survived by extended family and countless friends who became family along the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Dubois and Elizabeth Henry; his beloved wife, Florence Dubois; his children, James Dubois Jr., Beatrice "Tootsie" Dubois, and James Lawrence; his grandchildren, Brandy Mae Lawrence and Michelle Ann Lawrence; and his siblings, Louise Bruno, Josephine Thingstad, Elmer Dubois, and Betty Dubois-St. Marks.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Northern Montana Health Center, especially the 5th Floor nursing staff and the 4th Floor dialysis care team, for their kindness, compassion, and dedicated care. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Parambi of Benefis Health System, Wendy Tilleman of Rocky Boy Health Center, and the staff of Rocky Boy Health Center for their continued support and compassion throughout Jim's healthcare journey.

Jim's life was not simply lived. It was built. Brick by brick, story by story, handshake by handshake. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, humor, love, and devotion to family that will carry on for generations. He did not just pass through this world. He helped build it, and he built it well.

James Robert Dubois Sr., age 91, of Box Elder, Montana, rode gently into his final sunrise on May 25, 2026, at Northern Montana Hospital in Havre, Montana.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Rosary services will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, all at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.