Robert Earthboy

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert John Earthboy 'Bobby John' on July 23rd, 2026, at the age of 62. Bobby John was born on January 10th, 1964, to his parents, Jim and Edith Earthboy of Fort Belknap, Montana. Bobby John was an enrolled Assiniboine tribal member of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Bobby John was brought into this world to a large, close-knit family including siblings Stephanie Earthboy, Tony Earthboy (Sharon), Becky Earthboy, Geraldine Rutherford (Melvin), Helen Butterfly (Burt), Joyce Castillo (Tony), Debra Cochran (Franny), Lydia Montes (Jim), Tina Walls (Curtis), and James 'Bass' Walls, who all loved him immensely.  

Bobby John was a proud graduate of Harlem High School, class of 1984, During his high school days, he participated in activities such as cross country, basketball, and throwing javelin in track and field. During the 1981 cross country season, Bobby John ran on the Harlem state cross country team that took 2nd place that year. Later pursuing higher education at the University of Montana, Southwest Indian Polytechnic institute (S.I.P.I), and Northern Arizona University. During his time at Northern Arizona University, he was also honored as the headman dancer during the University's powwow, where he danced grass.
it was at Southwest Indian Polytechnic institute that he met Clona James, and they would later bring two sons into this world: John James Earthboy and Kizhon Earthboy, and also took on the role of being a stepfather to Althea James. Their family grew when their first granddaughter, Hensley, came into this world this past year. Bobby John was a good father to his two boys and grandpa to Miss Hensley.

Bobby John later went on to accomplish many things throughout his life. He was a skilled carpenter and proudly served as a crew boss for the Montana Indian Firefighters, During his time with the crew, they assisted in the recovery efforts following one of the Space Shuttle disasters in Texas, where they located the flight recorder (commonly referred to as the "black box), an experience that became one of the highlights of his firefighting career Bobby John was also remembered as one of the best dog catchers Fort Belknap Tribal Housing ever had. In addition, he devoted himself to caring for his dear friend, George "Iggy" Stiffarm demonstrating kindness and loyalty.
Bobby John enjoyed many hobbies, such as being an avid hunter down in the valley and all over the place. He enjoyed fishing in the Milk River, Snake Butte, and in Strike Reservoir. During this time of year, he enjoyed participating in the Mosquito Run during the Milk River Indian Days. 

Bobby John is preceded in death by James Edward Earthboy, Edith Mae Earthboy, Mary Jane Earthboy, sister Stella Earthboy Brown, James Edward Earthboy (JR or II), Baby Earthboy, and William "Bill" Walls. While survived by his sons John James and Kiizhoni, brothers, sisters, nephews, and nieces, extended family, and friends.

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