James E. Dew Died March 2, 2012. Jim Was Born Sept. 15, 1922, to Frank R. and Frances

James E. Dew died March 2, 2012. Jim was born Sept. 15, 1922, to Frank R. and Frances Riley Dew in Barnesville, Ohio. He attended Oberlin High School and graduated from Oberlin College with an A.B. in 1946 and an A. M. in 1947. He attended the University of Alabama in 1943-44 and received an A.S.T.P.

Jim served in the military during World War II with the U.S. Infantry, 106th Division, and was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He was incarcerated in a German concentration camp from Dec. 19, 1944, to April 24, 1945. In 2005 he became the commander of the Montana Ex-POWs. After the war he came to the University of Montana and taught in the Art Department from 1947 until his early retirement in 1977. Jim was instrumental in bringing the Fra Dana art collection to the university and as chairman and acting chairman of the Art Department, helped bring Rudy Autio and Walter Hook to the department. He was active in the art community, exhibiting his paintings in Spokane, Seattle, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Jim was listed in “Who’s Who in American Art” and in “Who’s Who in the West.”

In 1948 he was a founding member of the Montana Institute of the Arts and was a member of the Montana Watercolor Society. Jim also was active in the Missoula community as a Rotarian and president of the Rotary Society from July 1, 1995, to July, 1, 1996. Every morning when in town, Jim attended the Press Box Coffee Club. Jim was a member of the Butte Rotary Club since 1975. He was Club President 1995-1996. He was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Sustaining Member. He also took a turn as Sergeant of Arms 2004-2005. He will be remembered for his art work in the creation of the Club Banner.Two years ago, Jim spoke of his experiences as a POW in WWII at a regular meeting.His good humor, interesting trivia and kindness to many members will not be forgotten.

In 1951 Jim married Jane Duffalo, who brought two children, Jule Ann and Bruce, to the marriage. After his retirement, they traveled extensively throughout Europe and Mexico. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, one sister and his wife. He is survived by his two children, Jule Ann (Robert) of Ruidoso, N.M., and Bruce (Betty Lou), and grandchildren Jolie of Florence and Jim (Shana) of Lolo, and great-grandchildren Skyla and Dillon. Jim has numerous surviving nieces and nephews. In his final months, Jim received loving assistance from Partners Hospice and the Veterans Administration. Special thanks and recognition go to Dr. Stelbach, Jan, Pam, Chris, Ben and Tobie. A memorial is being planned for this summer. Memorial donations may be sent to the Jane and Jim Dew Visiting Artists Fund, University of Montana Foundation.