Sanders County Ledger - Your Best Source For Sanders County News

James O. Pavola, 84, of Thompson Falls, Montana, passed away on April 12, 2024. He was born May 25, 1939, in Greenville, California, to Oscar Pavola and Ruby (McKinney) Pavola. (James) Jim always regretted not finishing his education, but did become a successful truck driver for many years. He drove long-haul for about 10 years, hauling many dangerous loads that he didn’t know what, a lot of times. Some were bombs to Bremerton, Washington, and some were fertilizer (very dangerous) and some were foods and some he didn’t even know what they were.

Jim finally quit that job because he hardly ever got home to his family. After he quit, he went back to the logging profession and started driving log trucks. He even drove 5 pups loaded down Thompson River Road. He became a legend at that time and young people are reminded of the story when we have met them.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruby (McKinney) Pavola, and his sisters Roberta Pavola and Betty Lou Opelt; and his children, Scott, Theresa (Travis) and Angela.

A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 3020 Montana Highway 200, Trout Creek, MT, Monday, April 29, at 6 p.m.