James Patrick “Jim” Kuckler, age 84, died peacefully August 26, 2024, while his sister, Ellen, was reading Psalm 23 to him. This bible passage was Jim and Bobbie’s favorite to read together. Jim was born to James W and Madeline Kuckler in South St. Paul, MN on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1940. He moved to Litchfield, MN to live with his aunt following the divorce of his parents and attended grade school and high school there. Jim served in the Navy from 1957 to 1961. He was stationed on the USS Essex for 2 years.
Eventually, his father invited him to Forsyth, MT to operate a bar together. He was known for his hospitality, customer service, remarkable ability to tell jokes and his keen memory. It was characteristically embodied in his ability to have a drink ready for his customer before they even sat down. But it was also his ability to befriend the patrons with sincere care. He operated three bars in Forsyth during the many years he lived there. Jim himself was a trustworthy beneficiary of AA, and used his experience to support others in their journey to sobriety. After retirement, on Thursday evenings Jim ran a “taxi service” to pick up his fellow AA members and head for their meeting.
Jim married Barbara “Bobbie” Strong on November 23, 1971 and instantly gained seven children. Jim was a die-hard Vikings fan knowing the schedule and never missing a game – always ready to cheer them on – always willing to endure disappointment – always ready to tune in again with undying hope.
In 1998 Jim got the surprise of his life when he answered the phone and the lady on the other end said “I think I’m your daughter.” Debbie Thorpe asked to be a part of his life and thus began many get-togethers and the making of more happy memories.
Now together with his wife Bobbie, he lays in green pastures and rests beside still water. Jim is survived by his sister Ellen Hart of Miles City, brother Rick (Tamie) of Roundup, sister-in-law Sandi Kuckler, and children – daughters – Debbie (Gary) Thorpe, Barbara Boley of Kalispell, Candy Tait (Howard) of Spokane WA, Paula Jackson (Tony) of Dawson Springs KY, Tami Kennedy (Dan) of Grand Junction CO – sons – Mark Strong (Kelly) of Overgaard AZ, Charlie Strong of Kalispell, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a brother Joe Kuckler, his aunt Bernice Fischer who helped raise him, and William Carl (Scooter) Strong.
Visitation and sharing of memories will be held on Tuesday, September 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Stevenson’s and Sons Funeral home in Forsyth. The funeral service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth on Wednesday September 4 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Visitation & Sharing of Memories
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 4, 2024
Concordia Lutheran Church
Forsyth, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation & Sharing of Memories
4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday September 4, 2024
Concordia Lutheran Church
Forsyth, MT
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linda walker says
Jimmy Kuckler I am so glad we were friends. It was always fun to see you. Rest in peace.
Dawn Reiger says
Family of Jimmy I’m so sorry for your loss ! He’s definitely made memories with a lot of people over his 84yrs! Rest easy Jimmy
Debbie Davis says
Jimmy was a jokester at heart and anyone could always count on him to make you laugh. His jokes especially were the best. He had great character and he loved everyone never talked about anyone that I knew of either. Would see him B S’ing with so many people in the stores. He loved to just make everyone smile or laugh so hard your stomach hurt. He will be deeply missed in the community. God Bless to all families.
Mike Blakesley says
Wow, I can’t even count the good memories I have about Jim. He was the best bartender I ever saw and was a pleasure to work for when I was DJ’ing in the KoKoMo. Truly an unforgettable Forsyth character.
Dwayne Albertson says
Farewell to a legend 😢
I have many memories of Jimmy and they’re all fun.
Saint Patrick’s day just won’t be the same.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Jim was one of my favorite bosses. He taught me a lot and was a friend.
Prudy says
Jimmy K. What a guy! I worked for him, was in competition with him, and admired him. Rest in Peace Jimmy. Hope there is a service, to hear the Jimmy stories would be wonderful.
Susan Stabelfeldt says
Ahhh Jimmy going to sure miss you. Don’t be causing a ruckus in Heaven. RIP my friend. I will always cherish Kokomo memories.
Mearl DeTienne says
Sorry too hear of Jimmey passing, May He rest in peace, Mearl DeTienne
Joe Larimore says
Jim was a great guy his storys and jokes were fun to hear when I was around him. Knew Jim for many years deliverering laundry were ever he worked. RIP Jim
Gary Arneso says
I loved Jimmy he was helping bartender one night he set up a bump and lump in front of me. He was up and down the bar before he drank it. I had the other bartender give me a shot of water and I switched out his drink he finally came and put down the shot of water it looked like he was going to spit it all over the place. He said Gary you Son of a Bitch so I gave back his bump and lump
Barbara Bishop says
Boy Jimmy! I thought you would never die! You are going to be missed so much 😢!! You were the best boss Patsy and I ever worked for!! Hey when you get up there to heaven tell Patsy, Daddy, and the rest of them hi for me!! Love you Jimmy!! Gonna miss you!! Love from Barbara (Lovell) Bishop
John Pachl says
Rest in peace Jim. You were one of a kind.
Anita Kurtz says
Jimmy was a good friend to all and made us laugh. He always remembered what people drank and people never forgot him. He and Bobby lived across the street at the Villa. We would reminisce and hear more stories. We loved there cute little dog Magie. Magie still lives at the Villa and reminds us all of Jimmy, Hugs and prayers for all his family🥰🥰🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
Rest in peace Jim. Jim always had time to visit with everyone. Condolences to Jim family.
Andrew Schulenberg says
Jimmy: I don’t know if Heaven can handle You, but here is hoping You find peace and Happiness wherever You are. As Duane Albertson said, You are a Legend and will be Remembered.
Paula says
Jimmy taught me so much — no matter who, no matter when he always remembered your story and your drink. Hope you are having lots of orange crushes and not too many crazy adventures up there. You will always be remembered!
Burch and Linda Palmer says
The Good Lord wants to hear the music of Jimmy’s one liners..RIP old friend. Burch and Linda
Marty Vejtasa says
Here’s a go my friend. We had many a drink together and many good times. Say Hi to John M when you see him, he left us last year. See you both on the other side. Marty V
Bert says
Jim will be remembered for being the best bartender ever! Never knew a stranger. Always had a joke to tell. RIP Jim! My deepest condolences to Ellen, Rick, and Joe and all the family.
Cindy Schaak says
RIP my friend
Renae Meade says
Ellen and the rest of Jimmy’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only met Jimmy once, I have heard many many Jimmy Kuckler stories over the years. What a guy!
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Ellen and family, Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Kim Smarsh says
Ellen and family of Jimmy, my prayers to all of you for the loss of your sibling, father, grandfather and friend. May the perpetual light shine upon him.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
Ellen and family of Jimmy. I remember Jim tending bar when we went to Forsythe to visit friends for and eveing of fun and music. May he rest in peace. Your in our thought and prayers.
Alan Raymond says
RIP Jimmy, I hope you Dan, and Scooter are setting things straight up there. Another loss the world will miss.😢
Richard Smith says
I learned more from Jim than I ever wanted to know! Saint Peter had better “pack a lunch”!
The West family says
Wow!!! Growing up in Forsyth, Jim was regarded as the best bartender ever! I remember him always having a toothpick in his mouth. We would always try to imitate him….what a character. I’ve never heard anyone tell joke after joke after joke…it never stopped. He was always glad to see everybody. Yes, very much a Forsyth Legend!!! If anyone could get a bar going in the afterlife…it would be Jim Kuckler RIP
Sandi Kuckler says
Jim will be missed. I will miss his smile and the stories he loved to tell. His brother Joe and I never laughed so much. So many good memories of Jim and his family.
Sharon and Duane Wetsch says
RIP Jimmy..
There will never be a more unique person than you. He was the best bartender, friend, jokester, and nice guy you could find. Always impeccably dressed and never forgot anything. St Patty’s Day will never be the same.
I was working as a CNA at the nursing home and will never forget when Jimmy’s aunt Bernice was failing. He was there day and night holding her hand, praying with and for her and reading the bible to her. I never saw so much love poured out for anyone as that. He was a remarkable man and will always be remembered by many.. RIP…
Clark Fletcher says
Was just telling a friend a couple of Jim K. stories the other day and wish I knew more. A “character” who described the term in so many ways! A gracious host, the greatest of bartenders who almost always had you laughing as he set up your first cold one! The world is definitely a sadder place without him and heaven is in stitches. Rest In Peace Jim, and thanks for the memories!
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
Sorry to hear of his passing, I remember all the funny stories he would tell he was a joy to be around he will be missed
Dick Culver says
Ellen,
Lots of good memories working with Jimmy at Colstrip, and of course with you and Dean. My condolences.
Dick Culver, husband of Denise.
Dick Culver says
Ellen,
Many good memories working with Jimmy at Colstrip, and of course with you and Dean.
Dick Culver, husband of Denise.
Nan quinlan says
RIP our friend. So very many happy memories differently a legend. Heaven has gained a very special man. We will always remember you Jimmy
Larry and Nan
Connie Brown says
Jimmy was a friend to many, a legend in his time. What a memory that man had, may he rest in peace.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Many crazy fun memories with Jim. His bowling team was one of a kind. So many stories, a book should be written. Rest In Peace my old friend.
Mike Persha says
I worked with Anheuser Busch. He never forgot my name when he saw me. Don’t know anybody who could tell jokes like him. And he could carry on three or mor conversations at a time at the bar no matter where people were sitting. One of the very best people I’ve ever met. Heaven is laughing now. RIP Jimmy. You deserve it for bringing joy to so many people.
Josephine Meidinger says
Jimmy was one of kind. Enjoyed visiting with him.