In memory of Jim Mershon

A true gentleman, mentor, and community leader in Sanders County passed away recently. James Mershon embodied community spirit, whether it was engaging in public processes, serving in the U.S. Forest Service for an entire career, volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America for half a century, or mentoring as a volunteer hunter/bowhunter education instructor for 43 years. I was lucky enough to work with him for the Montana hunter education program, and I enjoyed the wisdom and thoughtfulness that Jim brought to every challenge or task. It wasn’t a surprise when Jim was awarded the 2018 Champions of Hunter Education Award through the International Hunter Education Association. The nomination criteria basically described him in every way.

As part of his legacy, I’m reminded of the lives he impacted in a positive way. As a hunter/bowhunter education instructor, Jim helped mentor 1,255 students who learned the importance of firearms safety, personal responsibility, and ethics, among other topics he was passionate about. Jim made his community and Montana’s outdoor traditions better, and I’m very grateful for it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends for the loss of a great man.

Dillon Tabish,

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Kalispell