Irving James Afraidofbear, Jr.

Irving Afraid Of Bear Jr., 43 of St.Xavier, MT, passed away on February 25, 2026, in St. Xavier. He was born on October 4, 1982, in Crow Agency, a son of the late Irving and Doreen Afraid Of Bear Sr. He was a child of Ties the Bundle clan. 

Irving grew up and made his home in the Bighorn Valley. He graduated from Hardin High School in 2001. Right after graduating, he enlisted in the Marines and went straight to boot camp. He served as a Marine Rifleman Scout in the 2nd LAR BN Camp Lejeune. He did one Mediterranean deployment where he saw many different European countries, as well as one in Africa. He was also deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, and participated in many gun battles. It was here that he was wounded and was a recipient of the Purple Heart, Medal for Bravery, and V for Valor. Irving was a very proud Marine, Semper FI. 

After his time in the service, Irving returned to his home in Montana. He worked for Sarpy Mine for 17 years and was also part of the Mine rescue team. He loved working for the mine. Irving loved spending time in the Bighorn Mountains, especially in the fall, chasing elk, but he still liked to chase deer too. He had a love for fishing, especially for walleye. He was a proud fisherman and part of TeamRezNeck.

Irving married the love of his life, Micheallynn, on February 25, 2023. He had many friends that he enjoyed spending time with. He was always willing to teach someone hunting and fishing. 

Irving was proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He loved to share them on his social media. He loved all of his nieces and nephews. He always had a smile on his face. Irving's friends and family are fortunate to be left with many stories and adventures. He will be missed greatly.

Irving is preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Henry and Elizabeth Bullchief, Sr.; paternal grandparents, Frances and Josephine Afraid of Bear; his beloved big sister, Eileena Milda-Afraid of Bear; and his Marine brothers, Scott "Vinny" Vincent and Timothy Creager.

He is survived by his wife, Micheallynn; his sons, William and Asher Afraid of Bear, Michael Elk Shoulder, and Jeffrey Iron; daughters, Vanessa Afraid of Bear, Alyssa (Michael) Parker, Lane Iron, and Eileen (Karmen) Afraid of Bear; adopted children, that he cherished as his own, Stormy (Taneshia) Whiteman, Jackson, Jarren, Jaidan, Kiera, Maleah, and Jade Bigman, and Beau Plenty Hawk, William, Cody Kills On Top, Donnie Chief Child, and Yolanda Gets Down Often, Leon Milda Jr. "Handsome" and Irene Afraid of Bear; his cherished grandchildren, Wyatt Iron, Leo, Dane, and Rachel Lynn Parker, Denise Hope "Tiny", Ash, JoLee "Monkey", and Stormy Jo, Jr “Gus-Gus”; his brothers and sisters, Faith, Cecilia, Pauline, Chantelle, Sarah, Alfreda (Henry), Emerson, Jason, Michael, Henry (Brandy), Bear (Chicky), Jerry, and Jordan Bullchief, Joseph Larance, Duane Bullchief, Jerry (Lane) Bull Chief, Kathy and Joan Afraid of Bear; adopted brothers, Brian Big Man, Sam Carlson, Dave Baier, JD (Jolaunna) Pickett, Jordan, Thomas Bonko Jr., and Cal Walks Over Ice; as well as all of his hunting and fishing buddies, his TeamRezNeck family, and his friend for many years Kateri Hogan.  

Irving is also survived by his Marine brothers, Justin Hall, Daniel Botty, Brad Swenson, Aric Spenard, Jack Leuba, Pat Walsh, Jason Wheeler, Ronnie Rowell, Dean Zenoni, Chris Amstrutz, Aaron Ferguson, Jared Hendrickson James Coleman, Brent Bombach, Dale Barthalomew, Gaw Jones, Michael Jennings, Marcus Rowe, Shawn Farrar, Paul Valliere, Coy Thomas, Charles Haberle, Rob Thornton, and Tony Cable.      

His extended families include: Bullchief, Afraid of Bear, Gun Shows, Yellow Horse, Stops, Reed, Walking Bear, and Stewart families. 

Irving had many friends, aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. We apologize if we missed anyone. Please forgive us at this time of grieving. 

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