Lyle James "Jim" Eshleman

Lyle James (Jim) Eshleman 58, of Hardin, Montana passed away suddenly on June 16, 2019. He was born in Nuremberg, Germany on October 3,1960 to William and  Clara  (Uffelman) Eshleman.

He graduated from Hardin High School in 1979 and was eager to celebrate his 40th high school reunion this summer. After graduation Jim attended Montana State University in Bozeman where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in photography. 

After completing his education, he moved back to Billings and worked for Kasper Photo. He later moved back home to Hardin where he took over Hardin Photo. 

In July 2006, he started working for Big Horn County News as a photographer and journalist and later became publisher. A position he held until his death.

As a youth Jim was active in 4-H and Boy Scouts, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. In high school he was a member of the DeMolay Boys, a youth service and leadership group. He also attended Montana Boys State.

Jim was an award-winning photographer and writer. His greatest passion was photography. He was baptized and later confirmed in Christ Evangelical & Reformed Church, where he was still a member at the time of his passing. He was an active member of his community and served as the chairman of the City-County planning board.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents Emerson and Ella Eshleman and Alex and Marie Uffelman. Survivors include his parents; siblings Lorrie (Jerry) Siebrecht and Paul (Danielle) Eshleman; his nieces Kristina (Jeremy) Jensen and their son Keegan and Katie Siebrecht; his nephews Jarrad Eshleman and William Paul Eshleman and his faithful dog, Reno. Jim looked up to his Pastor Able Baker and considered him a good friend.

A reception will follow the burial at the E&R Church.

Memorial in Jim’s name may be made to the E&R Church.

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