Jim Kessler, age 69, of Miles City passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at his home in Miles City.
Jim was born in Hazen, North Dakota on March 22, 1944, the son of Rudolf and Ida (Birkholz) Kessler. He attended school in North Dakota and graduated from Stanton High School in 1963. Following graduation he worked on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Navy in 1965. While in the Navy, he served on the USS Fox and was honorably discharged in 1969. Married Dorothy Porsborg in 1969 and to this union son Justin was born in 1976. They later divorced. He moved to Miles City in 1972 and he worked for local ranchers. Jim later began working at Fort Keogh and worked on the cowboy crew in 1974, retiring in 2004.
Jim enjoyed Rodeos and anything to do with horses. He loved the History of Custer Battlefield and cowboy history in general. He was a member of the Eagles and the VFW.
Jim is survived by his son Justin Kessler of St. Paul, MN; a sister, Jeanette (Kessler) Johnson; brothers: Ray (Bev) Kessler, Don Kessler, and Bob (Bernice) Kessler; a sister-in-law Jeanie Kessler; his special friend Beenie Conley, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Lloyd Kessler in 1999, and longtime companion Bernice Knopp in 2006.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday February 9, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday February 10, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday February 9, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
Monday February 10, 2014
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
Having met Jim only a few times, here with Bernice, at Family Wetherelt reunions, we are so sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts & prayers to all of his family.
Larry & Jo Benjamin says
God’s Speed my friend, we will never forget you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry & Jo
GENE KLEIN says
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MY COUSINS PASSING PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS TO ALL OF JIMS FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU ALL
LauraLee (Blankenship) Kalloch Beeler says
I just heard the news of Jim’s passing and was shocked and saddened to hear it. No words of sympathey, no matter how deeply felt, can help much right now, but had to let you know that you have my (family’s) most sincere heart-felt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time. I have known Jim for 25 years and enjoyed visiting with him every chance I got. Having lost my own father 15 years ago, I can well-understand the depth of your loss. Jim was a good friend and I am quite certain will be sorely missed.
janice berger christman says
All of us run around and partied in the 60’s and Jim was the fun of the party. Just a super quy. Sorry to hear about the loss. Never did see him at Miles City…But did see the write up on the bar and his bartending a few years ago.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Jim Kessler – May you find comfort in your loving memories, great pictures and in recalling Mr. Kessler’s many talents. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised the resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Michael and Theresa Curran says
Jim you were a dear friend to us, we are deeply saddened to hear of your passing. May you walk in greener pastures above us. You will be missed.