James Alan Ferris, age 77, of Miles City passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019 at his home in Miles City.
Jim was born to M. DeVere and Opal (Muller) Ferris in Miles City, MT on March 5, 1942. He was raised in Kinsey learning the work ethic that he passed along, the joy of friends and family, and the faith that would help keep him grounded for the rest of his life. The joy of family gatherings was always very important to Jim. He absolutely loved a house full of hungry people, and was the head chef in later years.
On November 29,1963 Jim married Karen Kay Gamrath. They had three children, Troy, Danel, and Justin. This family became his whole life!
Jim wore many hats during the course of his life. He bought the Jordan Stage mail route from his uncle the spring before he was married. Driving the mail, freight, and milk to Jordan lasted for 15 years, gaining him many lifelong friends that he dearly enjoyed. Jim then took over the Kinsey grade school bus route upon his father’s passing. His genuine concern for the children’s safety prompted the purchase of his 1st cell phone. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident throughout his life. In his “free time” during summer evenings, he drove the Ding-a-Ling truck whose music brought the neighborhood kids from far & wide for ice cream while teaching his children that work could be fun and profitable. Jim later launched the first quick change oil business in town when he opened The Lube Center (Miles City and Billings), again, touching the lives of many by treating customers as friends and employees as family.
Most of all, Jim loved his family farm at Kinsey and through all of the side ventures, farmed full time spending countless hours working beside his parents, wife, and entire family on the beloved farm. He enjoyed many sunsets from the top of the hill with his love of 55 years, Karen.
Jim was preceded in death by his son Justin, his parents, Karen’s parents, sister in law Betty Jo Pedersen, and brother in law William Cresap.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Karen (Gamrath), son Troy and his wife Dolly, and daughter Danel and her husband Rob. Jim is also survived by his granddaughters Macey Yates and her husband Gary, and Shelby Loomis and her husband Blake, along with brother Orrin (Sharon) Ferris, sister Karen (Harland) Simmons, sisters in law Monica Cresap, Patty (Bob) Fearing, brothers in law Gerry (Mary Ann) Gamrath, Wayne (Cathy) Gamrath, Norm Pedersen, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Jim will be remembered for his huge heart, big smiles, and warm hugs. He not only shared his faith, he lived it!
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Minneapolis Children’s Hospital, 2525 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 26, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 27, 2019
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 26, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 27, 2019
First United Methodist Church
24 N. 11th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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martha crandall says
My sympathy
Terri Fandrich (Schmitz) says
This news just breaks my heart. Jim has always been one of the funniest people I’ve known, as well as kind, generous, and full of life. He, and his contagious laughter, will be missed. God bless you all. May he wrap his loving and comforting arms around all of you.
Denise Harvey says
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Prayers for you all.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Sarah Wagner says
So sorry to hear this. He was so much fun. Always a laugh.
Suzanne Lee says
I am sad to hear this sad news. I didn’t see Jim many times here in Texas but it didn’t take but a short time with him to know that he was a kind warm hearted fun person who will be greatly missed. I feel privileged to have know him. My thoughts are with all of you.
June Opp says
Karen and Family,we are so saddend by Jim’s passing,he was always such a jolly,friendly man . We pray God will bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and in the days ahead.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ruben and June Opp
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Karen, Troy, Danel, and Family,
Jim was a great guy. May you find comfort in your memories of him.
Kevin and Sheila
Colette Butcher says
Karen, Troy, Danel and family,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We were neighbors on North 7th for many years. I will always cherish the fun times we had with the Ferris family. From helping finishing off the leftovers from the Ding-Aling truck in the evenings to the time we were being threatened by potential flooding of the Yellowstone. Jim and Karen were at Kinsey and Troy and Danel were home. Jim was driving the Kinsey bus at the time and my husband didn’t want the bus damaged by flood waters so we loaded Troy and Danel in the bus and drove it across the bridge to safety. Who did we meet as we were crossing the bridge, Jim and Karen. Jim’s first thought was “that’s my bus, who stole it and where was it going”. We had a good laugh on that story many times over the years. RIP Jim. You were a wonderful neighbor and friend.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Jim was one of a kind who touched many lives and will be missed by all. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathy to you- Karen, Troy & family, Danel & husband, Orrin & Sharon and Karen & Harlan, as well as all the family. May all your great memories comfort & keep you. BIG HUGS
Sue & Dennis Bakken says
So very sorry for your loss
Bev and Pastor Jerry Collins says
Dearest Karen and families, we send our Heart felt sympathies in the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, Uncle, Friend and to all those who knew him and loved him. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed by all those that knew him. What a pleasure it was to have known him and Karen since we came here 5 years ago. Every Sunday we would greet one another and he always had a smile on his face and always had something good to say about the day. I know that he will be remembered in many special ways but especially his huge heart, warm hugs, his love of children and what he could do to make their day, like driving the “DING A LING” ice cream truck. Was interested in seeing that his first cell phone he purchased mainly for children’s safety while driving a school bus and that is so important.
How wonderful it was that all of you could be together for Easter and Easter dinner, and how special that was, and then in the early morning he left his earthly home for his eternal home and is now at peace. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you the comfort, love, and peace you are needing now and in the difficult days ahead. Always know that we are here for you and you can call on us at any time no matter what time of day or night it may be.May all of your wonderful memories comfort and keep you, and know that Jim will be looking down and saying Thank you for giving him such a good life and wonderful family that he loved dearly.
We all will miss him and his big hugs. Love an hugs to all of you.
In reading his obituary, I learned many things that Jim did, and he sure was a hard worker with many talents.
Sandy Anderson says
We are so sorry about Jim’s passing. We were neighbors and friends. He had a great laugh and BIG heart! God bless and keep you all.
Nancy And Don Hamilton says
We are so sorry!! We have great memories of Jim and the whole family….Troy, your wedding for instance!!!
Rick and Dee Abbott says
To each of Jim’s family: We will greatly miss seeing Jim & Karen…. He had a HUGE heart that was matched only by his laugh. May God bless each of you with HIS love, comfort and peace.
Gerry and Lila Bredberg says
My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of working with James at the Hobo stew and attending a young peoples group at the Methodist church many years ago.
Melva Curnan says
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My sincere sympathy to you Karen and the family. You all are in my prayers.
KAREN BARNES says
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF JIM’S FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF LOSS. JUST KNOWING JIM WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE – HAD MANY GOOD VISITS WITH HIM AT THE PIONEER GARAGE AND WHEN I WOULD BUMP INTO HIM IN MILES CITY – HE HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR AND WAS ALWAYS SMILING. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
Pam Rogge says
Karen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead. It’s been said many times, but cherish the good memories – they do help immensely. I will always remember Jim’s good firm handshake and smile on Sunday mornings! God Bless!
Nora Drew says
Oh, dear Ferris family , I am so sorry you lost your dad. Such a very great guy.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Karen and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers and hope all the good memories will help in the days ahead. He will be missed by many but at the same time very thankful for knowing him. He touched many peoples lives.
Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Karen, Troy and Dolly and Danel and all the rest of Jim’s big family, we are so sorry to have lost this wonderful man here on Earth. I first met Jim when his sister Karen and I were friends in high school and later in life connected again through the church and The Lube Center. What a great, reliable and trustworthy man he was. Karen, you are especially in our prayers for he was your soul mate. May God bless you all.
Mary Ann (Stockhill) Liles and Jim Liles
Kevin & Michelle Carda says
We were so sad to hear about Jim and your loss. He was such a nice guy and our prayers go out to your family.
Tanna Peterson Aye says
Karen and family, my sympathy on the passing of such a wonderful man. It was just last month we had a nice visit at the Hobo stew. I even got a big hug out of it. Many years of knowing you and what great people you are. Mom (Lucy) never forgot your Bozeman adventure in the motor home. She laughed the whole time. My prayers for your loss.
Brenda Little says
Jim always has been a genuine gentleman! You all are in my thoughts!💖
Karen Gunther says
I was around Jim when my son married into the family, what a wonderful man he was, my prayers are to all the family
Brad and Lola Sigvaldsen says
So sorry for your loss! Jim was truly one of a kind! We will miss his visits to the Meidinger cabin on Shadehill Lake. Always so full of life. Our prayers to all.
Lori campbell says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen, Troy, Daniel and all your families at this difficult time, Jim was a wonderful man and I hold dear many fond memories of him. Prayers going out to all🙏🙏🙏🙏
Bill and Sharon Oftedal says
We’re so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a bright ray of sunshine in our community–he’ll be missed. Please know you’re in our thoughts.
Thomas F or Claudia Stanton says
Condolences go out to all of Jim’s Family. We got to know Jim when he brought mail from Miles City and we had the mail route to Brusett. He was a great guy and fun to visit with. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. May God Be With You All.
Tom and Claudia Stanton
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Karen and family….our hearts are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. What a wonderful man Jim was. He was always glad to see you and so kind and gentle. May you all be blessed with God’s grace and comfort for all the days to come!
Jo Ryan says
Karen and the Ferris Family: I am so sorry to hear about Jim. I have known him since the 70’s when he had the mail route. He was always so happy and jolly. A very dedicated hard working family man. He will be missed.
Treasure the memories.
Cherie LeBlanc says
Oh my gosh I’m am saddened by Jim’s passing. He was a great man always greeted you with a smile and a small chat. I worked with Karen at UPS taking over her job when she retired and I got to know Jim very well through Karen. Sending hugs and prayers to everyone.
Mary Snell says
Troy, Danel & Ferris family,
My deepest sympathies. Thoughts & prayers to you all.
Carlene Root says
To Karen and families, So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My prayers and thoughts are with and for you at this sad time. I will really miss my Sunday Hugs. He was special in everyone’s lives. I grew up in Kinsey with the Ferris’s and have been a long time friend. Jim was always jolly and friendly to everyone he met. Please let me know if you need anything. Call me anytime. Carlene Aastrom Root
Cindy & Dale Berg says
We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult times. Losing a parent is so hard. May your memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Bob and Rita George says
So many Kinsey memories, I have no doubt at all he is with our Lord. See you later Jim. To family I’m sorry for your loss he will leave a big hole you will fill up with memories. Bless you
Marc and Denise Hartse says
I was extremely saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always very nice and conversationable. Our condolences to the whole Ferris family in your loss.
Audrey Haumschilld and Greg Blind says
Troy so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Hugs and Prayers are with you all.
Jim and Betty Jean Munion says
Jim, Betty Jean Murnion, Colleen Glascock, Rod, Corrine Schaffer, David, Dorine Wilburn and families
Our hearts goes out to each of you for the lost of a husband, Father, grandfather. Jim love the Lord, family,
friends, life. He live life to the fullest . He was always joyful happy and kind. We were blessed to have him
for our friend. We love you and God bless
Lori, Eric, Bridger & Boone Doeden says
Karen, Troy, Danel and Ferris family,
Truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing our heart is aching for all of you. Jim was one of kind he had a gift of making everyone feel welcome and like family. My boys adored him as a bus driver and never forgot him and he always asked about them and remembered them by name long after his retirement. Cherish your memories and we know he left behind so many special memories for you, the love he had for his family was clearly evident. Let God give you comfort in your time of need.
Tom Zuelke says
Karen and Family, Just heard of Jim’s passing and I am so sorry for your loss. We had many good times in the ole neighborhood and I know we will all miss him a great deal.
Ben, Patty, Aaron, Tess and Amy Blaquiere says
So many wonderful memories that include Jim in them! He was my kids bus driver and such a big part of our lives for years. The whole family was truly wonderful from Opal to Jim and Karen and then Troy and Dolly and family. Our most sincere condolences and love to you all! We are so sorry.
Nick Clauson says
Karen and family, sorry for losing Jim, he was a great guy, always had a friendly smile and a very pleasant personality. Know that you will be in our prayers as you grieve for him. Sincerely, Nick & Betty Clauson
D'Ann Witcher says
Karen, Troy, Danel and family, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim’s presence always made my day brighter. He was truly a gentleman that all men could emulate. May God’s Grace and wonderful memories of Jim comfort you now and always,
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Karen and family. Our deepest sympathy at your loss. Jim was a wonderful person we had many fun visits with Jim and Karen over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Tom Fleming says
Sorry to hear about Jim he was a good guy he will be missed
Joe Fredrickson says
So sorry for your loss.
marge tetschner says
So sorry for your loss.
Lynn ziebarth says
Great person and raised a wonderful family. He will be missed but left behind a lot of joy he left with the many he met
Fred Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the family. Jim was a great guy who will be badly missed but not forgotten.
Fred and Vicky Anderson
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was such a kind man with that twinkle in his eye where you never knew what he was thinking. He touched so many people’s lives and will be missed. Please know we are thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Amber (Stone) Millay says
Dearest Ferris Family,
I am so SORRY to hear of Jim’s passing. You are ALL such a big part of my youth and such awesome memories of Kinsey!! Your family is a Great representation of Family, togetherness, hard workers, Love and Support!! Jim had a heart warming smile and just a big heart in general!! He will always be present in your hearts and memories!! He lived life to the fullest and you could tell by his laugh, see in his smile how deep his love of life was, and for those around him. You will be surrounded by his LOVE and MEMORIES Always!! He is a Treasure of his time!! And we were all lucky to have experienced his presence in our lives!! We will all MISS HIM and I hope you can find peace in his Love for you ALL!! Love to you from One Kinseyitte to Another!!
Dallas Viall says
Was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing from this life to the next. Reading this obituary brought back so many memories of all the interactions of our two families over the many years, and good memories they are. Jim was always so much fun to visit with and observe his great attitude. I appreciated it when Jim and Karen were traveling out our way and they called so we could meet for a cup of coffee. But then, that was typical – always willing to take the extra step and effort for others. What a privilege to have known Jim! God’s peace and comfort to you all.