John Douglas Ham

John Douglas Ham, 88, lifelong rancher of Bridger Canyon, passed away at his home February 19, 2013. He was born August 11, 1924 to Fred and Mary Evelyn (Pease) Ham and lived his entire life in Bridger Canyon. John enlisted in the Navy and served on the Destroyer USS Rooks in WWII. He earned 3 stars on the Asiatic- Pacific Area Campaign Medal, a Philippine Liberation Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. When John came home he went to agricultural school on his GI Bill. He married Carol E. (Stevens) Pardue on September 21, 1948, they purchased his parents original homestead up Bridger Canyon. John and Carol spent the rest of their lives building up the 4D-Ranch. John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol, sister Alberta Woosley and daughter Vonnie Pardue Hyde. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Dan Spence; his son Cliff Ham; his daughter-in-law Kathy Middleton all of Bozeman; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters Isabell Rassley and Loretta Stevens of Bozeman; and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of John’s life will be held this summer on the ranch; the date and time will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com