James “Jim” Kimball, age 71, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on January 3, 2026.
Jim was born on October 1, 1954, to Edward and Mary Lou Kimball. He grew up in Miles City and attended Sacred Heart High School. After graduating, Jim moved to Alaska, where he spent several years before returning to eastern Montana. He later lived in Bozeman, Montana, where he met Kristy Roberts in Big Sky. The two were married and began building their family together.
During this time, Jim became a father to Kristy’s daughter, Ciesan, and welcomed their daughter, Hanna, who was born while the family lived in Bozeman. Eventually, the family returned to Miles City, where Jim and Kristy raised their girls.
Jim worked in a variety of fields throughout his life. Early on, he worked briefly as a chef in Big Sky, a role that reflected his deep love of cooking. He enjoyed sharing that passion with close friends, reading cookbooks, and spending time exploring new recipes together. After returning to Miles City, Jim worked in real estate alongside his father and siblings. In later years, he found his true calling in farming. Though the work was demanding, Jim loved the life it provided. Being on the land brought him peace, and he rarely complained about the challenges that came with it.
Family was always central to Jim’s life. In recent years, he lived near his brother Dale and helped care for him, offering daily support, companionship, and guidance. Jim was known for his quiet strength and for consistently showing up for the people he loved.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Ciesan Cable of Laurel, Montana, and Hanna (Chase) Redfield of Opheim, Montana; and his grandchildren, Damian Cable, Kaiden Morrow, Howard, Nels, and Rebie Redfield. He is also survived by his siblings: John (Bobbin) Kimball of Helena, Montana; Richard (Helen) Kimball of Anchorage, Alaska; Colette (Dave) Harris of Miles City, Montana; Dale Kimball of Miles City, Montana; and Scott (Angeline) Kimball of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Louise Kimball, and his brother, Jerry Kimball.
Jim loved his family, the land, and the simple, honest work of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City, MT. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Should friends desire memorial can be made to the Miles City Soup Kitchen; St. Vincent de Paul Store or to Stevenson & Son’s Funeral home to help the family with a headstone.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday January 16, 2026
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 16, 2026
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday January 16, 2026
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday January 16, 2026
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Diane Welbes says
Kimball family–so sorry to hear this. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Teri Muggli says
Im sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I couldn’t tell you all of the good times we’ve shared . Rest in peace my 🧡 friend
Tracy Bertrand says
RIP Jimmy. Always a great friend to our family, especially brother Mike. Your big heart and sense of humor will never be forgotten. The entire Kimball family is in our thoughts and prayers
Julie K says
I’m very sorry to hear about Jimmy.
My condolences to his family.
I hope he finds lots of chives and leeks in heaven. ❤️
James Arneson says
I am sorry forbyour loss, may God comfort you with the best of memories now and always. I will miss seeing you out in the fields plowing this spring – R.I.P Jim
Jodie Burnett-Rhodes says
Oh Jimmy, this just broke my heart. You have always been a good friend of mine. When I would go home we always met him for a drink and to catch up on all the tea! I keep thinking you’re up there with Bert.. laughing and carrying on as you always have. Give Mikey a hug from me… know that I love you dearly and may your loved ones find comfort from knowing you’re in the hands of our Lord! May they keep their memories close. RIP my dear friend you will be missed!
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Vikki Bradley says
So sorry to see this. I really enjoyed visiting with him when I would see him. Your family was always a part of our family. RIP Jimmy.
Marcy Parks says
Hanna, Kristy, and families, I am so sorry! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you.
Nancy Fillafer says
So very sorry Colette & the rest of the family for the loss of Jimmy. I remember him in my younger years. He was a nice looking man. Cherish all his memories. May he rest in peace. God bless him.
Lori Thompson Watts says
So sorry to hear this. Jim and I worked together in the 70… You’ll be missed my friend. 😪
Jan Ronning says
Dear Kimball family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May your faith and love of family give you strength. Jim was a special guy and will be missed. Dale I’m always here for you whatever you need.
Leif Ronning says
I always enjoyed my visits with Jim although they were less frequent lately. I’ll mis you runt wolf. Leif
Shannon Holmen says
So sorry Dale and Colette. Jim was always so cheerful. My prayers.
Jill Zignego says
Sending angel wings to Jim and hugs to all his family!
We were together from first grade on and he always had a
Smile and an encouraging word. We hadn’t stayed in touch but I love that he found happiness in farming. A noble profession and so important for all of us.
Vaya con Dios!
Xxooo Jill Z
Peanuts Money says
What a wonderful human Jim was -he had a heart of gold-So many memories of him in Big Sky -Bozeman and Miles City-He loved his family and friends dearly! He will be missed ! Prayers for the family!
Mary Beth Nickens says
My condolences Collette for you and your families loss, he will be missed!Jimmy was a person who was kind to everyone. God Bless You All💕
Good good guy
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry for your lose. Our prayers are with his entire family at this time. I will miss visiting with him, was always a joy. RIP
Steve price & Lori Tyner says
RIP my friend, condolences to all family and friends. Remember the good times.
Joe Berg says
Great sadness. So sad to lose this old classmate. I’ve
e wanted to catch up with him over a cup of coffee for years
John L. Moore says
Jim was my best man at my wedding. On the way to the chapel, he insisted we stop at Kelly’s GasLite, where he bought me two drinks and quizzed me about really going through with the marriage. That was 51 years ago. Back in the early 80s, we made a horseback ride together from Haughian’s trout pond to my place. Jim called me just a couple of months ago to remind me of that ride and how bad he still felt about the fire he accidentally started while roasting a jackrabbit. I’d forgotten all about the fire. He also wanted to know if I had a horse he could ride, and if we could go on a ride together. I said I did, but things got busy, the weather got cold, and that last rider didn’t happen. In our waylaid youth we’d sit in the city park with a bottle of Boone’s Farm and I’d create songs that he would supply a guitar melody for. We called it “Joyful Cookin’.” At my wedding he dropped and broke an expensive punch bowl that I’d borrow from Beth Winter. Never a dull moment when Jim was around.
Della Thomas Jarrett says
It was always an adventure when you ran with Jimmy. I have countless memories. His band days were fun and he never met a stranger.
Class of 1972 says
Sincere sympathies to Jim’s family from the classmates of 1972.
We shared great friends from Sacred Heart to Custer County High. Jim will be fondly remembered by us as ‘Jimmy’.
Jackie Armstrong says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Jimmy always had a good story with a smile. RIP jimmy
Kevin & Carol Malley says
To our Dear Kimball Family…we are so sorry for your loss of Jimmy, 😢 but happy he’s in Heaven with Dad & Mom, & Jerry. 😇 Jimmy always had a smile, hug & heart warming words for everyone. What a gentle spirit he had! May your sweet memories with him give you comfort & heal your tears. He will be close to your hearts always. God Bless you, Jimmy! Kevin & Carol Malley
Kistia says
Awe this makes me so very sad for your family Jimmy! You were one of the good ones! I will never forget you teaching me how to drive that car away from the curb in the ice and snow! That’s how you meet a true human me being young, dumb and in a bind … 6 others walked by but not my knight! Jimmy you were so special! God bless your family in this time of missing you! God bless and R I P
Patricia Washington says
RIP Jimmy. Will miss you and your smiling face. Regards to family.
Ray Sprandel says
Jim was always there when I needed him for any job. He was a great friend and always respectful. Worked for me at the Diamond Ring and our farm for years I’ll miss him and always remember the good times we had.
Bob and Patty Washington says
Say hello to Curry mark jill ike ….all our other friends
Jean Terhaar Jaeger says
Jimmy was my first boyfriend, sophomore year at Sacred Heart High. He remained a family friend.
We saw him often when he played in my dad’s dance band for awhile. Was fun connecting with him and the Kimball family throughout the years. I pray for comfort in the sad days ahead without Jim’s smile, music, love of others and
joyful living.
Jean Terhaar Jaeger
Mary Anne Hathaway says
Dear Kimball Family,
I’m so sorry to see this news about Jim…your family is like family to ours! I hadn’t seen Jimmy in a long time but such fond memories esp in Red Lodge so long ago!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. 🙏🏻💔🖤
Tracy Axelberg says
Jimmy attended high school at Sacred Heart, but it seemed like he attended CCHS, too. He was omni-present; attending events at both schools. He was predictably cheerful, always fun to be around and everyone’s friend. I feel fortunate to have known him. Happy trails, Jimmy-