James Allen “Lippy” Lander was born on June 3, 1950, in Great Falls, Montana to Wesley and Barbara Lander. Jim passed away from an accidental drowning on July 18, 2024, at Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota.

Jim graduated from CMR High School in Great Falls, Montana in 1968. He met the love of his life, Patricia Paulson of Scobey, Montana. They united in marriage on February 19, 1972. From this union came one son, Chadwick (Julie) Lander of Sidney, and one daughter, Barbara (Kyle) Lander Nelson also of Sidney.

Jim began his work life at the Anaconda Company for several years. He then started his commercial painting career as an apprentice with the Rainbow Painting Company, later starting his own commercial, residential and oil field painting business. Jim and Pat then moved to Sidney, Montana in 1978 where they continued to expand Lander Painting Inc. Jim retired from commercial painting in 2019 after nearly 50 years as a painting contractor.

Jim had many hobbies throughout his life, including drag racing, where he enjoyed working on and racing his drag cars. He was also an avid bowler, golfer, and rockhound, creating many beautiful items out of Montana agates. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and producing many fishing components over the years.

He was a parishioner of St. Matthews Catholic Church of Sidney and served as the Grand Knight of the Sidney Knights of Columbus. He was the “Knight of the Year” in 1990.

Jim was a member of the API in Sidney. He was on the scholarship committee that gave many financial scholarships to area students.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patricia; his son Chad and wife Julie and their children Ryan (Alyssa), Randy, Riley (Brooke) and daughter Allison; daughter Barbara and her husband Kyle; brother Larry and his wife Marion and their son Josh (Jamie) and their two children; and daughter Heather (Brandon).

Honorary Pallbearers are Jim’s coffee shop friends, golfing buddies, his good friend Bill Linder who helped Jim when he lost his eyesight and was ready to help with anything Jim needed.