James Root began his journey in the masonry trade in the summer of 1949 as a hod carrier for a neighbor Mike Churmage. Whose company was Cole & Churmage, who at that time were under contract to construct the new Elrod School. Jim was union indentured for apprenticeship under Riley Cole, & completed it under L.T. Philips & Joe Murphy of Great Falls. When Cole moved away, Mike asked Jim to partner up with him. At that point the company name was changed to Churmage & Root. The partnership remained intact until Mike's passing in May of 1960. The company then became James A. Root Brick & Masonry Contractor.

     Just prior to Mike's death Mike & Jim also partnered in retail masonry yard known as Mountain Masonry Supply.  The original shop was just east of Snappy Service Center on what was then Hwy 2 East until the flood of 1964. Later the company was moved to Western Building Supply location where it remained until after Jim's death in 1974.  Jim was just 41 years old at the time of his death. It is worth mentioning that Jim was also the Commander of the 2nd Squadron, 163rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He was also the President of the Montana National Guard Association.

     After Jim's untimely passing, his wife Georgia took over the reins, working with Jim's brother Norm and Jim Jr. until Jim Jr. moved to Utah.  At that point Norm purchased the business from Georgia and began to run it himself. In the years since, Norm has grown the company beyond its original footprint expanding his focus on quality well beyond the borders of Flathead County. You can now find happy Root Masonry clients throughout Northwest Montana and the surrounding area. Today Norm is glad to call on the expertise of his two sons Dan and Ben while they help guide Root Masonry into the future.