Jim Pinkerton, of Melstone, passed away of natural causes on September 28th, 2012 at the family ranch. He was born in Miles City, MT on February 23rd, 1952 to James and Grace (McGraw) Pinkerton. He was the second of 6 children. Dad spent his youth attending schools in Rosebud, Cartersville, and Kinsey. The family moved to Ingomar in 1965 where he attended school until his senior year. Dad graduated from Melstone High School in 1970.
On August 16th, 1971, Jim married Donna Kincheloe in St. Anthonys, Idaho. They had three children: Tana, Jenny, and Cotton and made their home in Melstone. Dad enjoyed competing in rodeo and loved watching it. He drug Mom and us kids to several rodeos with his two horse trailer and his dogging horse, Monroe. Dad loved going to Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and had also gone to Oklahoma City before the rodeo was moved. Dad worked most of his life as a truck driver. He owned and operated D&J trucking in the 1980’s providing vac truck services. He then started Jim Pinkerton Trucking hauling cattle and rodeo stock. Dad enjoyed driving his truck. The local ranchers always said Dad was reliable and he was always on time. Dad enjoyed his truck and took pride in it. He spent many long days and nights away from home over the years.
On August 16th, 2002 Dad suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and spent 2 years in therapies recovering from the accident. He had to learn how to read, write, and eventually took driving classes to regain his driver’s license. Eventually, he was able to drive his “Pete” again; but that was short lived because Dad decided that he no longer had the stamina to put in such long days. He was forced to retire from his position as the Mayor of Melstone and from driving truck. He wasn’t one to sit around and needed to keep himself busy so he got a herd of cows and a little flock of sheep. He also had chickens and kept several people in Melstone in good supply of fresh farm eggs. He was often seen heading out to the Butte’s with his dogs, Sassy and Belle, sitting in the front seat of the pickup.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He leaves behind his wife, Donna, of 41 years and his children; Tana (Luke) Cates of Musselshell, Jenny (Jason) Seamster of Melstone, and Cotton (Cecelia) Pinkerton of Billings. His grandchildren are Jaguar Cates, Riley Pinkerton, Brooke Seamster, Seth Tigner, Payton Tigner, Reegan Tigner, Ivy Pinkerton, and Sawyer Pinkerton. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters; Mark (Doris) Pinkerton of Forsyth, John Pinkerton of Custer, Bob (Lynn) Pinkerton of Melstone, Ruth Pinkerton of LaGrange, Kentucky, and Penny Seader of Shepherd.
Visitation and Family to Receive Friends will be held on October 3rd from 4pm-6pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11am in the Ingomar Gymnasium. After the burial in the Melstone Cemetery a luncheon will be held at the Melstone Fire hall. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is charge of funeral arrangements and condolences may be left online by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com . Memorials may be made to the Melstone Volunteer Fire Department, Melstone EMT’s, Friends of the Musselshell School, or the charity of one’s choice.
Diane & Mike Metzenberg says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. It has been alot of years since I have seen Jim but have many memories from the past I have kept in touch with Mark and Lynnda over the years and though them they have kept me up to date in the life of the Pinkertons. My gramma was Blanche and mother Betty Lou. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Rachelle Morton says
Jim was always kind to me growing up and always welcoming the many nights I slept over with Tana and Jenny while we were in high school. He was a character and liked to call me Rachael just to give me a hard time. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Rodney and Marilyn Askin says
Our Sympathy and Prayers are with all of Jim’s Family. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you. Rodney and Marilyn Askin
Jim Clark says
My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Many good memories of Jim and his family.
Susie Redding says
So sorry and shocked to hear about Jim…….he was a good guy and he was always good to me………my heartfelt condolences to Donna and kids and the rest of the family…….love and prayers to all……..
Darla Wier says
Sorry to hear about Jim. You are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Prayers and blessings to all. Remember that many others are thinking of you, and adding their strength to yours during this difficult time .
With sympathy
Darla and Jed
Bob and Elaine Graveley says
Donna and Family —
Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Jim was a very fine man and a very dear friend. He will be missed by all. God bless each and every one of you.
Bill Ryan says
You are in our prayers