James Franklin Battin

Republican Representative of Montana's 2nd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

February 13, 1925 (71 years old)

Birthday

September 27, 1996

Death

Served as a U.S. Congressman and later as a federal judge.
Born in Wichita, Kansas, and moved to Montana at a young age.
Educated in public schools and graduated high school in Billings, Montana.
Enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving primarily in the Pacific theater.
Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Montana College in 1948.
Received a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School in 1951.
Practiced law in Washington, D.C., and Billings, Montana.
Held various legal positions, including deputy county attorney and city attorney in Billings.
Elected to the Montana House of Representatives in 1958 and 1959.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving four terms from 1961 to 1969.
Nominated by President Richard Nixon to the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana in 1969.
Served as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court from 1978 to 1990.
Assumed senior status in 1990 and continued to serve until his death in 1996.
Notable for handling significant legal cases, including one involving extortion related to the Teamsters Union.
The James F. Battin Courthouse in Billings is named in his honor.