James " Mike " Sprague, (1944 - 2016) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

We know each summer's coming means that winter's waiting there.

And gold would not be precious if we all had gold to spare.

You only know how low is low the first time that you fly.

And the first time that we said hello began our last goodbye.

72 years old
Born on January 14, 1944 in Cut Bank, Montana, United States
Passed away on April 16, 2016 in Billings, Montana, United States

This memorial website was created to honor celebrate and remember the life and adventures of Mike Sprague. Your stories will be treasured by his family and especially his grand children.

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April 16, 2020

I wonder what Dad would say about the crazy world we are living in today. I can hear his voice in my head saying " well when the going gets tough - the tough get going" then he would refill his coffee and start making plans for how to solve some problems. I would love to pick up the phone today and hear his ideas. I would hang up feeling like things were not so bad and that sitting around worrying wasn't going to get me very far. Thanks Dad for always being so encouraging and for putting a positive spin on things whenever possible. As a parent I know you were probably tired of being a cheer leader but non the less you were a source of great comfort. I miss you every day.

January 14, 2019

Great Falls HS class of 63 held a 55th class reunion in August, with a lot of visiting, catching up, and reminiscing. As an accomplished man and popular member of GFHS 63, Mike was remembered in conversations of which I was a part and in others overheard. Truly a tribute to his well-lived life and to fondness of his colorful character.

January 15, 2018

Dear Susie, It's been a lot of years but in high school you knew me as Craig Plummer. I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. It sounds like you guys have a wonderful family and have a great life. I remember how young and in love you guys were. You always made the perfect couple. Once again I'm sorry for you loss.

January 26, 2017

To Mike's family, Jerry, Jack and Ramona, Just heard about your brother Mike via my sister. I have such fond memories of the 'good ol' days' in G.F. with the Spragues. Sending you my thoughts and prayers. With my sincerest condolences.
Bill Beaulieu / Seattle

May 31, 2016

Dear Susie,
My apologies for not responding sooner to Mike's passing, but please know you and yours have been in my thoughts and prayers. Seeing his obit in the GTF paper was truly a sad shock. Just a few days before that I had come across a picture of your wedding party and thought how fun it would be to catch up on how our lives had all played out? His obit was such a great tribute to him and warmed my heart to learn some details of the wonderful life and family you two created. Several of our class mates get together the third Thursday of each month for lunch. If you are ever in GTF on one it would be great to have u join us. We do change location each time, so check with one of us if it ever works out. My sincere condolences and prayers for healing as you cling to the good memories that held you two together for so many years. Penny Bowlin Meeks

April 27, 2016

I met Mike and Susie during Marc Racicot's campaign for governor so many years ago. Mike's enthusiasm was contagious. He was truly remarkable and tireless. He served Montana with honor and possessed a conscience and dedication that is rare to find in a politician.

Susie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All my best, Christy Norman (Hutchins)

April 25, 2016

A life time ago Mike and I got to know each other as classmates at EMC. Over the years we occasionally would run into one another, catch each other up as to careers, wives, families and always promise each other we'd get together for lunch just as soon as life slowed down a little and gave us a break. There weren't many lunches. I'm saddened this is the last catching up I'll ever do with Mike Sprague. My condolences.
Michael L. Foley

April 25, 2016

Mike never knew a stranger and it was the times we spent together with our heights friends reminiscing about high school days in Great Falls, the Demolay, the stories he told about Wayne Newton; the friends we had in common in those days, he truly lived life. He was a role model for his family in every sense of the word; a hard worker, a real gentleman, a fabulous dancer and taught his children Mike and Laurie the same. We have so many great memories and are saddened to see him go ahead of us all so soon. Our memories are of fun times with both Mike and Susie. Our sympathy to the family at this time of sadness. Doug and Raedene

April 24, 2016

Avenue B and 19th Street days were only the beginning of some of the best memories ever with this man!!! Young with young kids, in the early 70's, we had the world by the tail. Susie, Lori our saddened hearts and our prayers are with you. Thanks to Mike and Michael, we have these wonderful memories forever....... God's strength. Tom and Sally Crawford

April 22, 2016

Susie I have such fond memories of you and Mike from high school and to this day whenever I drive by your house or his I think of you. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. It sounds like you two had an incredible life together. I even came across a copy of your wedding picture from the paper. You two were meant to be together. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

April 22, 2016

So sad to hear of Mike's passing. I served as an advocate for veteran and national guard issues in the legislature and Senator Sprague was one of my favorite legislators. His excitement and enthusiasm was infectious. If he was behind an effort to help veterans you could be sure it would get the full support of the Senate. I haven't seen Mike for a long time but will always have memories of our friendship. May God bless your family.

April 21, 2016

Mike was a favorite classmate and what a character! As a teenager, he was the coolest guy during the iconic fifties and sixties. I think the later TV series featuring the character, Fonzi, was an attempt to emulate Mike. His hard work and well thought-out opinions as a legislator were appreciated by me and many others.

Susie and family, may your grief and sad feelings of loss be quickly overwhelmed by happy memories and warm laughter at recollections of the fun times.

April 21, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy to Mike's family. Mike was a dynamo. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious.

I knew Mike mostly in his "political years" and was so pleased when he became Sen. Mike Sprague. Mike did a great job for his district, standing up for them and what he knew was right.

Mike, you left to early. God Speed.

May the peace of God that transcends all understanding be with Mike's family.

All my best,

Judge Russ Fagg

April 21, 2016

Susie and family,
So sorry to hear about Mike, I have many happy memories of you two. Was another time in our journey in life growing up in Great Falls - School days! What fun times those were!

Happy Trails Mike!

Although we know heaven has welcomed a very special person we still have some sadness. May you and your family know this and the blessing of God as you move forward in another one of our journey's in this life.

Warm regards,
Shirlee Cure Brillhart
406 -749-1036 we will do lunch or dinner

April 21, 2016

Susie and family
Our thoughts are with you and yours. We always enjoyed Mike when he and Walt were together in the Senate. Shared some wine more than once. Walt and Karen McNutt

April 21, 2016

Have not seen Mike since high school in Great Falls. Lots of wonderful memories of those good old days. We followed his senate career and admired his contributions to Montana. Jack and Monta Bell

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