James Morrison Corbett

James Morrison Corbett went to meet Jesus on May 18, 2024, in Billings, Montana.

He was born on Sept. 25, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to C.T. and Gladys Corbett. He grew up in Kankakee, Illinois and graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais High School in 1959. Jim attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and then, for 18 months, attended Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, where he met his wife, Vernetta Mae Schmidt, in 1960. They were married on Dec. 22, 1962.  Jim graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1963, where he studied history and education. Jim later received a Master’s Degree in History from the University of Idaho after accepting his first teaching job in Billings in 1963. Jim and Vernetta settled down in Billings and had three children: Tim, Kelly and Will. The family attended the Billings First Church of the Nazarene, and now attend New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Jim enjoyed history, travel, sports, genealogy, puzzles and time with his family. He received the Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching in 1998. Jim was a popular teacher, and he was often stopped in public for a chat with one of his former students. For years he was also the announcer for Skyview High School football games. Jim also served on the Board of Regents at Northwest Nazarene University, and for many years was the Student Council Advisor for Skyview High School. Jim also worked as a school bus driver in Billings for over 15 years after he retired from teaching. During the last 18 years, Jim and Vernetta have spent the winter months in Sun City, Arizona, where they attended the Sun City Church of the Nazarene.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, C.T. and Gladys Corbett. Jim is survived by his wife, Vernetta Corbett; son Tim Corbett (Patti); daughter Kelly Lange; son Will Corbett (Shelly Roybal, and sons Alex and Josh Frazier); and grandchildren Kyle Lange, Jordan Corbett, Robyn Corbett and Rachel Corbett; and great-grandson Shane Lange.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life service for Jim at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at the New Hope Church of the Nazarene in Billings. After a time of fellowship, there will be a burial at the Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park at 1:30 p.m. You are also invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 31, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary and Crematory, 1001 Alderson Ave.