James "Jim" "Shamus" Lawrence Krivec

James “Jim” “Shamus” Lawrence Krivec, of Billings, Montana, went to be with the Lord Thursday, March 3, 2022, after an unexpected cardiac arrest. He was surrounded by family and close friends, having a good time.

Jim was born November 14, 1961, in Billings, Montana, to Stanley “Staunchy” Patrick Krivec and Leila “Peg” Margaret (McMahon) Krivec, the youngest of five children. He grew up in Billings and proudly called it home. Jim graduated from Billings West High in 1980 and, post-high school, he studied geology at Rocky Mountain College. In the winter of 1993, good friends Brenda and Loren Zoanni invited Jim to be Janet Steinbeisser’s date to a work Christmas party. It was true love. Janet’s father even introduced Jim as Janet’s fiancé before Jim proposed! Janet and Jim were married on June 24, 1995, and Jim planned the perfect honeymoon; he took this opportunity to introduce Janet to one of his favorite places, Butte, America, and beautiful western Montana. On April 12, 1998, his favorite daughter, Lauren Ashley, was born. Exactly two years later in the year 2000, Jim’s favorite son, Jonathan James, was born.

Jim had a big heart, great wit, deep faith and a zest for life. He never met a dog, an old movie, or a history documentary he didn’t like and especially loved Jonathan’s passion for them too. Enjoying the outdoors (especially in Nye, MT), cheering on Lauren, Jonathan and every young athlete he knew at sporting events, and good old camaraderie with family and friends, especially over a cold beer, was how Jim preferred to spend his time. His door was always open ... just ask the Freitags!

Jim was a Billings athlete through and through, playing catcher for the Billings Scarlets and football at Rocky Mountain College, where he met so many lifelong friends. He was a football All-American his junior year in high school and was inducted into the Billings American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015. In addition to his athletic abilities, Jim was very artistic. One of his proudest awards was his daughter’s first place toothpick bridge they built together during Lauren’s fifth-grade year. He was known for his elaborate Valentine’s Day boxes and, because of Jim, Lauren and Jonathan never lost a contest.

Jim was giving in so many ways, often with no one knowing. If you needed a tool, he had it; if you needed advice, he’d give it; if you needed a shoulder, his were strong enough to handle anything. Another representation of Jim’s big heart was his support of family. Jim loved being a father so much that when Janet’s sister Trisha was diagnosed with cancer and Janet wanted to be her surrogate, Jim simply said, “I only hope you would.” Jim didn’t let the humor of the situation escape him. He happened to work with Trisha’s husband, John, at NAPA Auto Parts. When their co-workers heard that Janet was pregnant with Sara, he would tell them, “Yes, but funny thing...it’s my brother-in-law’s kid!” and then simply walk away with the biggest grin.

Jim proudly followed in his father’s footsteps with a career in auto parts sales. He started working for NAPA Auto Parts when it opened its Billings Distribution Center doors in 1989 and never looked back. Jim won awards too numerous to count. It was said, “If Jim can’t sell it, it can’t be sold.”

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Peg Krivec; and parents-in-law, Don and Leona Steinbeisser.

Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years, Janet; his daughter, Lauren, and his son, Jonathan, all of Billings; his brothers, Patrick Krivec, Thomas (Judy) Krivec, Michael (Diane) Krivec, all of Billings; sister Margaret (Stan) Daugherty of Midland, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the St. Vincent Healthcare’s Emergency Department team. You are a credit to your profession, and we appreciate all you do.

Memorials may be made in Jim’s name to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation, or a charity of one’s choice.

A Wake Service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive, followed by a reception at Yellowstone Country Club.