James “Jim” Eugene Killen was born in Miles City, Montana on September 5, 1938 and passed away in the early morning hours of January 23, 2022 from lung and brain cancer. After spending the first 3 months of his life in a sheep wagon, he was raised the oldest of 5 children born to William “Red” Killen and Stella Price Killen on the ranch north of town at Angela, MT.
Jim’s early education was spent in a one room school house. He came to town for high school, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1956. Growing up, Jim was involved in 4H, eventually becoming the youngest leader in the state and participating in the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) program. As a delegate, Jim traveled to Jamaica, spending 6 months from November 1961 to May 1962, living and working with various host families. At the time he was the only participant who was not a college student. Upon his return home, Jim traveled around Montana, lecturing about what he had learned and presenting his slide show to schools across the state.
In 1964, Jim married Catherine Jensen in Rapid City, South Dakota. They made their home in Miles City, raising 3 children, Lisa (Mark) Helland of Miles City, MT, Michael (Judy) Killen of Huntley, MT, and Lori (Mike) Backes of Miles City, MT. Jim was also the proud grandpa to his 6 grandchildren, Olivia Helland, Erik Helland, Ann Killen, Carrie Killen, Troy Backes, and Erin Backes, following their activities closely whether it was sports, speech, band or hunting.
1964 also defined Jim’s professional career when he purchased a custom haying business from Bob Lynam. For the next 55 years he traveled eastern Montana happily putting up over 4.6 million small square bales. Throughout the years, Jim employed many high school and college students. He often took the chance of offering young men their first job instilling a good work ethic. Many of them returned to his shop in the valley for a visit when they were in Miles City. There were several years that Jim won blue or grand champion ribbons at the fair for baled hay. His last entry in the 2019 Eastern Montana Fair garnished a Grand Champion ribbon. He was well known as a mechanic willing to help others with their breakdowns, always agreeable to repair almost anything from aged equipment to the local Zamboni.
Jim will be remembered for enjoying a good hunt, a tall tale and great meal.
Jim is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Pat Killen of Miles City, Mary (Hal) McCaskill of Carrollton, VA, John (Linda) Killen of Angela, MT and Jerry (Cheryl) Killen of Forsyth, MT and nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his parents in law, Axel and Irene Jensen of Terry, MT.
Memorials can be made in Jim’s honor to one of the following groups that were special to him: ~Custer County 4-H 1010 Main Street Miles City, MT 59301
~Rosebud County 4H P.O. Box 65 Forsyth, MT 59327
~4H Center for Youth Development (IFYE Program)
P.O. Box 173580 Bozeman, MT 59717
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by a private family Rosary. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 31, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Family respectfully asks that COVID guidelines are followed.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday January 30, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
Private Family Service
Sunday January 30, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Monday January 31, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Sunday January 30, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
Private Family Service
Sunday January 30, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Mass
10:00 AM
Monday January 31, 2022
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Craig Miller says
Jim was the very best hay man I ever knew. A lot of knowledge went with him, today. One of the last of his kind. Take care pard, see you later!!! Condolences to his family.
Curtis Terrett says
To the Killen family, so sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy
Matt Mount says
I will always remember and be grateful for the many summers I spent working for Jim. In a lot of ways it was the best job I ever had. He was the best boss and one of the best people I have ever known. He will be missed. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
To the family of Jim Killen; What a great man Jim was. Jim probably baled more little square bales of hay than anyone. The Killen Family has always been a family friend of our family. My Dad and brother Lambed for “Red” for several years. Rest in peace Jim!!
Jim and Annalise Willson
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
TJ Cape says
This is a great picture of Jim. Exactly how I remember him. He used to put up our hay. Always enjoyed seeing him. May he rest in peace. Gillin Family
Larry Jens says
Katherine and Family, Judy and I send our condolences on Jim’s death. I always enjoyed visiting with Jim. We talked alot of machinery and “put up a lot of hay” in our conversations. We send our prayers.
Scott Fredrickson says
I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Such a man of character and ability. My condolences to his family and many friends
Joe Muggli family says
Jim was always willing to help people out. He was my sponsor for confirmation back in high school. He also helped me tune up my Ford 302. I went hunting a few times with Jim and Mike and he was serious about hunting ethic and having a successful hunt. He knew about everything to do with auto mechanics and how to troubleshoot problems. He had a positive outlook on life but always seemed to have a backup plan if needed. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family.
Diane M Welbes says
Sorry for your loss-My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Garth Sleight says
I never knew Jim, but I did have the privilege of having his kids, Mike (1986-1988) and Lori (1988-1990) as students at Miles Community College. Both of them were two of the best students I have had in 35+ years at the college. To Mike and his family, to Lori and her family, and to all other family members, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. He was obviously a great man and has left a stellar legacy.
Mike & Tracy Hauk says
I always looked forward to haying season because we’d get to see Jim. No one could work on our old square baler like he could. He was a gem. Heartfelt sympathies to the family.
clenora Qunlan says
Jimmy with that smile and a haying, mechanic legacy he was. He will be missed, leaves behind a empty hole. He’s haying much greener fields now.
Jack McNamee says
I don’t think I’ve ever talked to someone who was more sincerely interested in what you were doing than Jim. He was one of the best. To this day, I still can’t run a square baler without counting how many stokes go into each bale. He and his knowledge will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences to all of his family.
Jason, Nyoka, Libby & Paige Twitchell says
Our sympathy to Jim’s family, he was a great guy with so many talents. He had a sincere smile and genuine heart, it was a pleasure to have known him.
Mick Wrist says
He could fix anthing. Buy
Doug Benge says
So sorry to note Jim’s passing. He, and all Killen family were great clients and friends for many years. I very appreciated all. Jim was savvy about a lot of things, good business mind, haying guru of a wide area, mechanically skilled, and good practical, common sense. He will be missed. Best wishes to all.
Marv Brittenham says
As every one has said Jim was an incredible boss! For a city boy entrusted to the bailer he challenged me and those three summers with him had a very positive impact on my life. He was a very special role model! I loved him like a father. My condolences to Catherine and the family.
Karson and Marie Farnum Kluver says
Killen Family
We enjoyed having Jim put hay up for us. He brought his crew in on time for meals and we surely enjoyed the visits. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ardis J Bott says
Thoughts and prayers to you and your families!!
Tom Herzog says
So sorry to hear this. Jim was a part of our place. Lots of insight and practical advice. Whether shooting a basketball, hunting or mechanics,
he was a sage. He was a thinker and a creator. A friendly story at coffee, or just his presence driving through the yard, he brought a sense of security and familiarity.
So really, he was so much more than part of the place, he was part of our lives, part of our family. I am thankful for that. Blessings to your family.
Kevin A Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great guy and lifelong friend. He was a grand old Irishman. Certainly a lot of knowledge have past with him. May God be with the family and Jim.
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Thought and prayers for Jim’s family and friends at this time
Mary Ottoy says
My condolences to the Killen family. Jim has been the “hay baling guy” in the valley since I was a kid. May we all learn from his hard work ethic! Comfort and blessings to you all.
John & Annette Gorton says
Dear Killen Family,
We are holding you up in our prayers. Great is the loss of a great man. May cherished memories and the love of family and dear friends comfort you.
Melanie Florey says
Lisa, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent changes so much in your life. May all the years give you wonderful memories and sustain you until you see him again. Prayers for you, and your family.
Melanie Florey says
Lisa, so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Losing a parent changes so much in your life. May all the years give you wonderful memories and sustain you until you see him again. Prayers for you, and your family.
Bryan & Shannon Holmen says
So sad and so sorry to hear of sweet Jim. Gosh, we sure enjoyed him. We will miss his dedication to farming but mostly him. Our prayers.
Daniel Thormodsgard says
I’ve known and worked with Jim since I was 13 years old. Mechanics, welders, and machinists often “burn out” because of the nature of their work – not Jim. He was tough as nails, and his enduring passion for mechanical things continues to inspire me. He was absolutely brilliant. His annual service of our equipment was so good and so complete that downtime was extremely rare. Jim, you have my respect and my love.
⠀
Your friend,
Dan
Dorthy M Ley says
So sorry for the Killen families, I’ve known Jim & Pat since we were little kids & had remained friends still. I used to see Jim at Gallagher’s where he’d visit with friends. My condolences to his family & especially you Pat, I know how close you were to Jim.
John & Penny Shevlin says
Mike & Lori, We are sorry for Jim’s passing. He was a great man.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Catherine and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you, and our community, in the loss of Jim. He was one of kind, all around good guy and friend to so many, and always willing to share his knowledge of the haying business with others! Always loved our visits!
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Goodbye Jim longtime friend. To all of the Killen family, You are in my thoughts and prayers during the difficult times ahead. Jim was a great friend and a friend to everyone. He will be missed in the community and especially the north side. So many memories also of the Rock Springs Picnics that have gone on the wayside. God Bless you in heaven. I’m so sorry to see you leave us.
Toni Herzog Fink says
Jim will be missed so much! We shared our IFYE experiences, chats in the barnyard while he was out working on equipment, and I have a special memory from a year or two ago when we watched the dogs herd sheep in competition. He was a good man with a great heart and he was a part of “home“ that I will never forget!
Barb (Bonine) Holcomb says
Lisa – so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an inspiration to many if the young men who worked for him. They were proud to say they got on his crew, because it wasn’t easy work. Hugs!