Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Jerry Kimball, age 69, of Miles City

May 14, 1952 – September 16, 2021

On Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 the Lord called Jerry Kimball home after a short time at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT. He was 69 years old.

Jerry was born May 14, 1952, in Miles City, MT to Edward and Mary Louise Kimball. He lived in Hysham, MT until the 6th grade. At that time his family moved to Miles City where he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School from the 6th grade until he graduated in 1970. He attended Miles Community College for a short time, but he realized that wasn’t for him.

Jerry went to work for C.R. Anthony Co. and became Assistant Manager. During that time, he married his girlfriend of 7 years, Jane Schantz, they dated on and off since the 6th grade. To this marriage they had 3 beautiful children, Dan, Keli and Courtney.

In 1973, he began working for First Security Bank in the Loans Dept. Jerry had his pilots license and would fly potential clients over land. He would later go to work for his in-laws at the Red Rock Village, where he did A LOT of everything! He loved it there. In 1987, he started working for Food Services of America in sales. He enjoyed all of his customers so much! He stayed there until he retired in 2020, 33 years! At his retirement party he received the “Guiding Principal Award of Excellence”, receiving all 10 awards. He said that he had never seen someone get all 10! He was so proud and so were we.

In 1992 Jerry met Carolyn Watts and married in 2000. He gained 2 stepsons, Ryan and Blayne whom he loved as his own. He would remain close to her sons and their families.

Jerry started dating MaryJo Richardson, a friend he knew from High School. They were 2 peas in a pod, Jerry was a very witty comedian and MaryJo could dish out as much as him. They were perfect for each other, and she made him happy again.

He was President on the Golf Club board, President of the Jaycees, Master of Ceremonies for local events and he also played in a few bands.  They were called “The Sound of Passion”, “Upstairs Publication” and “No Parking”. Jerry played the Bass Guitar and Drums; they went as far West as Helena, MT and as far East as Dickinson, ND. They also played for Proms and at the Harmony Hangout on weekends. Jerry was also a comedian on the radio, known as “Red Lopez” and everyone loved to listen to him. His friends can attest to more than a few crank calls featuring this alter ego that would leave them hysterically laughing in complete confusion.

Jerry loved to hunt, fish, and golf, but his most treasured times were spent with his children and grandchildren, taking them out to lunch at the Hole in the Wall. His family and friends meant the world to him and there was absolutely nothing he would not do for them.

Jerry’s big personality would fill a room not only with laughter but with love and kindness. He had the rare ability to make everyone he met feel special.  Jerry truly was one of a kind.

Jerry is survived by his children; son, Dan Kimball of Broomfield, CO; daughters, Keli (Barry) Anderson of Miles City, MT and Courtney (Tim) Morris of Forsyth, MT; stepson, Blayne (Becky) Watts, Miles City, MT; stepdaughter-in-law, Beth Watts of Miles City, MT; grandchildren, Bradly, Conner, Kaci, Riley, Ashton, Colton, Dawson, Abigail, Mattalyn, Trevor (Cheyenne), Torrey, Jacksen, Jenna, Halli and Avi; 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way; brothers, John (Bobbin) Kimball of Helena, MT, Richard Kimball of Anchorage, AK; Jim Kimball of Miles City, MT; Scott (Ang) Kimball of Highlands Ranch, CO and Dale Kimball of Miles City, MT;  sister, Collette (Dave) Harris of Miles City, MT; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who know him as Uncle Bear and by his many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Ryan Watts and granddaughter, Payten Watts.

Family will Receive Friends on Thursday, September 23 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Park.  Interment will follow Custer County Cemetery. A luncheon in Riverside Park will be held after services, please bring your lawn chairs and your stories about Jerry and celebrate his life. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Thursday September 23, 2021

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Friday September 24, 2021

Riverside Park

300 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Interment

Friday September 24, 2021

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Thursday September 23, 2021

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Friday September 24, 2021

Riverside Park

300 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Interment

Friday September 24, 2021

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Just this morning I received an email from a student at MCC, telling me that her grandfather had just passed away. I checked the S&S site to see if I would be able to discern the person to whom she was referring. That would be a big YES, and I am so sorry to see this. This is way too soon for Jerry to pass. My heartfelt condolences go to all of Jerry’s family, which is extensive.

  2. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Jerry was such a great guy. Gone to soon.
    Stella and Vikki Bradley

  4. We are so sorry to hear of jerry’s passing, our prayers go out to all his family. May God bless and keep all of you thru this difficult time.
    Chris and Diana Elwood

  6. My heart fell when I heard this–The loss of a friend is like that of a limb, time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired. So sorry for your loss.

  7. So sorry of hearing of Jerry passing he will be deeply missed all may god give you all the strength now and in the days to come our hearts go out to the family

  8. So long Jerry. You were a great friend in the tavern business, from the Red Rock Village, right down the road a piece. Save a spot on the band stand in the sky.

  9. I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was my cousin, but also a lifetime friend. God bless him and keep him.

  10. May God bless Jerry and keep him close. Bless O’Lord the family and friends who find themselves grieving at this time. Bring comfort to them now and forever.

  11. Kimball Family & Mary Jo: so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing on to the new life. Hoping that you knowing he is to heaven and is no longer in pain helps.

  12. Great guy, great sense of humor. We will miss him dearly. God bless him and keep him in the palm of his hand.

  13. Kimball family, I am so sorry to hear this. Jerry was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace Jerry. I always enjoyed visiting you.

  14. John and the Kimball family, so sorry to hear about Jerry. We had a good visit a few years ago in MC. He was a good guy, R.I.P. Jerry

  15. Sorry for your loss. We have know Jerry since the Red Rock days. He was a very special person.

  16. We were so so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. He always made people laugh with his crazy sense of humor. Please know he will be missed by so many.

  17. My sympathy and prayers to all of Jerry’s family. I always enjoyed running into him on the road. May the perpetual light shine upon him.

  18. Am so saddened to read of the loss of Jerry. What a loss for the family and the community. We share with you in mourning his death at such an early age.

  19. Another Sacred Heart classmate gone too soon. I was fortunate to have had a nice, long visit with Jerry a couple years ago. He had an uncommon talent to make people laugh. Jerry and his sense of humor will be missed.

  20. I ONLY MET JERRY AND HIS WIFE ONCE AT MY FRIEND KAREN’S HOUSE AND WHAT A FUN DAY WE HAD–SO MANY LAUGHS AND YES, WHAT A SENSE OF HUMOR–CAN’T BELIEVE I WILL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN–HE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND HEAVEN HAS ANOTHER ANGEL.

  21. To Jerry’s family:

    I am so very sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. He was a great manager at the Red Rock Supper Club! He had great people skills and was the best joke teller and had the best humor of all the people I’ve met.

    He loved his families and was true to the staff at the Red Rock.

    His intelligence, humor and integrity made a lifetime impact on me.

    My deepest condolences,

    Joan Schmidt Eddy Bunke

  22. I just walked in to my mom’s house this afternoon and she said we had lost a good friend. Jerry was definitely that. He was in Jaycees along with my dad and I have very fond memories of him from when I was little. He had a great sense of humor and always spoke directly to me instead of down to me like many adults do to a child. He will be missed by many. Clearly we arent the only ones who lost a good friend.

  23. So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Loved visiting with him. May his memories live on and be of comfort to your family. Condolences.

  25. To all who knew and loved Jerry, we have all lost a friend and a person we would always look forward to seeing and spending time with, when the occasion would allow. I know I was expecting to spend time with him for many years to come, now that expectation is gone forever. I will always consider him one of my very dear friends and will miss him in the time to come. So sad for the families loss and the loss to all of us who knew him. What a tragedy for Jerry to leave this world so early.

  26. Jerry always put a smile on may face, may his family find comfort that he was so well liked RIP Jerry

  27. So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. It doesn’t seem possible. Jerry was always so kind and accepting of all people. Will always remember our summers at the swimming pool and having fun. Rest in peace, my friend.

  28. So sad to read this about Jerry! Hadnt seen him in years…He was such a nice fellow..Always had time to visit. …! In prays! R.I.P.

  29. At my first wedding we asked Jerry & Carolyn to be one of our host & hostess couples for the reception. Jerry being Jerry took it a step further and introduced himself to our guests as “The Food Police!” Some of our guests said it was like stepping back in time to the days of the Red Rock Supper Club and Jerry working the room. The world is a little less fun without a Jerry Kimball in it. My sincere condolences to his family.

  30. My dear friend Jeddy! You never returned my call on Tuesday and now I know why. We have such good memories! I love you man, Rest In Peace 🙏.

  32. My condolences to your entire family. I am so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing way too soon. Much love.

  33. I was totally shocked to see that Jerry had passed away. I just saw him and exchanged “hello’s” just a few days ago!
    To all the Kimball family and all his treasured friends, I’m so sorry for your great loss. May you all be comforted to know Jerry suffers no more.

  34. Sending lots of prayers to Jerry’s family , he was such a awesome person we always had lots of laughs when he came to Lame Deer School Cafrteria we all loved Jerry he’ll be missed by lots , but we all have great memories of him

  35. Kimball Family:

    We, too, are saddened to learn of Jerry’s passing and send condolences to all. Jerry was one of a kind. Knew everybody and the greatest conversationalist. A keen and quick wit for sure. Wherever Jerry was, fun was happening. As good as he was at all his careers and endeavors, he might have missed his calling as a standup comedian. We will miss him. Best wishes to all family.

  36. My heart dropped when I heard of Jerry’s passing. He was such a great guy. I will always remember the laughter at his hysterical jokes( the hairlip one was my favorite)! I know he’s up there in heaven right now making everyone laugh! Rest in Peace, Jerry! So, so many of us down here will miss you!

  37. My heart dropped off my mother told me of jerrys’s passing I’ve known him for many years and he was always such a great and loving guy. He’s sure going to be missed by all that knew him!

  38. Jerry touched so many of us through his humor and ability to make every person he met feel special. His open heart and desire to bring a smile to every person he spoke with speaks volumes to the level of soul quality Jerry illuminated. I count my blessings for the gifts he has brought to so many. God bless your beautiful soul Jerry!

    My deepest condolences to all his loved ones. I pray you find comfort in knowing he is still shining in all our hearts.

  39. Such a shock! Jerry will be missed by all who knew him. He was a classmate and a friend. So glad I got to visit with him and other classmates last year on a trip to Billings. He could always make a person laugh🙂. RIP, Jerry🙏🏻

  40. There are really no words. We are so appreciative to have known Jerry as a classmate and friend. Many short visits over the last few years are now treasured memories. To all the family and close friends, our hearts ache for you and with you. Blessings of peace and comfort.

  42. I’m so very saddened to hear of the loss of Jerry. My very deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. Jerry always put a smile on my face with his jokes and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

  43. We are saddened to hear the loss of a wonderful friend.. prayers to all his family.😢🙏🏼🙏🏼💔

  44. So sorry to see this news of your loss. Prayers for all. RIP Jerry you will be missed greatly.

  45. Jerry was a wonderful guy, so outgoing and a friend to everyone. I enjoyed working with him through FSA for 18 years. He always had a smile and a hug for his friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will definitely be missed by everyone.

  46. So sorry to hear about Jerry. The Kimballs are like part of my family, and Jerry was like a little brother. He will be missed.

  47. We are so shocked to hear of Jerry’s passing..he was a great guy who always had a smile on his face. Blessings to all of his family ❤

  48. Jerry was just simply an awesome person. Great stepdad to Ryan and Blayne, and a great grandpa to our grandkids. He truly will be missed by anyone that knew him. No doubt him and Ryan are already exchanging hunting tales!! Some of them even true!!

  49. RIP Jerry a/k/a Red Lopez 😀. Omg we did enjoy talking about the Red Chevy. And our made up deputy dog. a/k/a Don Neese. Will miss talking about the long shots on a ol’ yote. Eating cold roasted turkey legs. And some chat on who forgot the shovel. Jerry was a good ol friend and a fun one to be hunting with. We had a great time at the little guy football banquet raising money for those kids was a rewarding.
    Gone but forgotten.
    By for now, Jerry your old friend….. Ol deputy Don.

  50. So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was always full of stories and good humor. Keeping his family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. 💜

  51. We’re so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He was so kind to everyone, soooo funny, and the thing he was the best at was being a great Dad and Grandpa!!!Love and prayers to all his family.

  52. So very deeply saddened at the passing of a dear friend. One I have had the pleasure of knowing since junior high. What a guy!!! I will miss him. May the peace of Jesus be with all of Jerry’s family, Mary Jo and all who loved him at this very sad time.

  53. My condolences go out to Jerry’s family, his jokes, one-liners and smile will be greatly missed!

  54. We’re so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We know he will be missed by his family and community. He had such a great sense of humor.

  55. I hope your wings don’t get in the way of your golf swing. I’ll try to be good so maybe we can start a band if I get there. Love you man. Rest in peace

  56. Jerry was my second cousin, or first cousin once-removed (I can never get that straight). He certainly was the goofiest of all my cousins. That’s why everybody loved him. And also because he was kind. In the spring of 2009 he was attending a meeting of some sort in Missoula and came to visit my mother, Leona (DeCock) Fenner, just a few week before she passed away. Jerry wore a ridiculous coonskin cap with two tails (the Order of the Raccoons) and made her laugh and forget her troubles. That was pure Jerry, and it’s why we love him and will miss him so much.

  57. So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. Had not seen him in over twenty years, but enjoyed doing business with him as a FSA rep. He was definitely a character and will be missed by many. Sorry for your loss.

  58. MIles City and the world has loss a very special person-Life is short Friends-Go enjoy Life! Prayers to all of the Kimball family who we all loved!

  59. Jerry was always so kind and welcoming to anyone he met. I was blessed to have known him. Our community has truly lost a remarkable man. Sending prayers to his family and friends during this time.

  61. My thoughts and prayers are with jerry’s family
    I was shocked to hear about Jerry’s passing
    He was a good man and a friend to many
    So long Jerry you will be missed

    Starla williams

  62. Jerry was one heck of a salesman, your gonna be missed by all your “stops” in Cheyenne Country. Condolences to the family.

  63. I’m so sorry to hear this. Jerry was just a couple years older than me and I have fond memories of him growing up. Such a nice guy; just a genuinely good person. Sincere sympathy to his family abs friends. Sally (Hanel) Cifala

  64. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jerry’s family and his good friends, and there were many. He will be missed!

  65. Jerry was an amazing asset to Miles city. Enjoyed visiting and meeting him thru Jeff Shaw and he was quite the character.

  66. Dear Kimball family, so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He brought so much laughter into the world. His presence will be greatly missed. God Bless

  69. Jerry, you always had this great positive outlook on life, and you always made me laugh. I Remember you had a sign on the back of your guitar that you would flash to the audience, it said “I am Jerrey, you would like me, and everyone did .
    Rest in peace my friend .

  71. To Jerry’s Family our condolences. A man of great wit and humor, he will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

  72. Such a great loss for all of us left here on earth but a great gain in heaven Jerry never met a person who didn’t become an instant friend to him. He was such a beautiful sole, he will be missed

  73. We were so shocked to hear of Jerry’s passing. I worked with him at the bank and we always had a great time. Jerry you will be missed but I know that you are with your parents and telling jokes to all who will listen. God bless your family. Keep his memories close to your heart and he will always be with you

    Val and Larry Edwards

  74. We are so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. Sending prayers and sympathy to all of Jerrys family

  75. I will miss that contagious smile! Perfect picture of Jerry. Thank you. We always looked forward to seeing him whenever in Miles City. Robin and I are praying daily for comfort to his family and loved ones all. So very sad. Such a good man.

  76. I will miss you Jerry, always a smile and a couple jokes. You’re a good man amigo, catch you on the next ride.

  77. Our hearts are breaking for the entire Kimball family and the Miles City community. Jerry was always the life of the party and we know that will continue on. His quick wit and kind soul will leave a great void among all who knew him. May all his loved ones keep those precious memories close and each other closer. We will miss you Jerry.

  78. As I entered the Red Rock one day, Jerry was holding a baby in his arms. He started walking towards me, but he stumbled, and dropped the baby onto the hard floor. I was shocked, my mouth fell. Then & all his buddies laughed hilariously…….it was a doll. Jerry was quite the card, gave me many great memories.

  80. So sorry to here about your lose Kimball family
    Jerry and I were long time business associates.remained friends for years. One person you could count on and trust.

  81. Jerry was such a great guy. I had the pleasure of taking care of his parents at Friendship Villa. Jerry always had a smile and was so friendly. RIP my friend.

  82. I just ran across a picture of Jerry and my grandmother. I remember he was telling her joke after joke after joke, and I snapped the picture just as she threatened to hit him with her cane. Hahaha.
    Another great memory, he called me to tell me he saw my daughter throwing a McDs sack out of the car. We schemed. He called her and pretended to be a police officer and was going to arrest her for littering. When she got home, I have her heck cuz I got a call from the police wanting to arrest her for littering. Great laughs! His passing has left a hole in our hearts.

  84. Keli and family… so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad… we’ll hold all of you in our prayers 🙏❤ Our deepest sympathy Monte and Pat Herzog!

  85. I had more good times with Jerry than anyone in my life. Getting together in junior high to form our first band then staying together as the only founding menbers of the original group that stayed together over the years as others came and went and the names of the band changed. He always had something “up his sleeve” andf it was always such a great laugh. Perhaps we will start another band if we see each other down the road. I know you are at peace and watching over us. I do miss you deeply.

  86. One of a kind guy! He made us laugh most of the time- while also filling a room with his kind presence. Spent many days in the hills hunting with Jerry and Ryan-and plenty of golf at TCC! We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and entire community. What a guy and what a legacy he leaves for all of us to carry forward. Rest easy friend.

  87. Many good memories working at the upstairs Red Rock supper club. Couldn’t wait to hear when Red Lopez called in on the morning radio. Somewhere I think I even have a cassette recording of Red on the radio.

  88. Jerry will be missed by many. I knew him best years ago when he and Jane were first dating and married just out of high school. Great guy, always kind, helpful and full of fun. Rest in peace Jerry!

  89. Chet and I are so sorry for this loss of Jerry. I have his last text wanting me to iron shirts,and that was the last contact we had will miss that black bag on the porch full of shirts and hangers RipJerry

  90. Our condolences. Jerry was one of a kind. His quick wit and friendliness will be remembered forever. RiP Jerry.

  91. Jerry was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had!! We had a hell of a lot of fun at the Red Rock, It was tough when it closed & Jerry was the one who kept us looking forward & that all would work out alright. He was the only one who deeply cared what happened to us. Thanks Jerry foe all you did. Stay cool & we’ll see ya on the other side! RIP
    Many thoughts & Prayers to his family & loved ones.

  92. Thank you Jerry for being a good friend to the B & G Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. We sure appreciated you and your laughter. Fly high to the ANGELS our Friend Jerry, gone but not forgotten. Prayers up for the Family🙏

  93. So grateful I got to visit with Jerry and Mary Jo at my sister Diane’s memorial in Circle in June. During my family’s difficult time he made us all smile and laugh. Have seen Jerry through the years and he never fails to disappoint, always brings smiles to those around him. So very sorry for his family and friends during this incredible difficult time. Jerry told me how much Mary Jo meant to him. So sorry for your loss Jo. One thing about Jerry other than his sense of humor was his incredible generosity financially to those in need and of course his generosity to help in any other way he could. I pray God keeps you all in the palm of His hand and you can feel His healing peace. God Bless You – Love Mary Ellen

  94. So long to an old friend..to the family Jerry was one of a kind..always ready for the next story. We had him on a lot on the radio as his special Charactor Red Lopez. He used sit by himself in the Red Rock Village and call the radio station with his funny stories about always trying to come to Miles City. He was a great service representative for helping restaurants with new ideas.. it goes on and on. Will really miss your wit and friendly personality. RIP. Jerry..a great guy and good ole good one

  97. Sorry this is somewhat belated. Jerry, I will never forget you or your creation Red Lopez. You brought such wonderful laughter to all of KIKC.

  98. Dear Kimball families and Dear Mary Jo,
    I am just so sorry to hear of Jerry‘s passing! What a guy! I feel like I’ve known him for ever! That was the best part about him is that even if you didn’t, he made you feel that way! I have such wonderful memories from years and years ago when I was in a cabin in red Lodge with our families to my last visit home and he came over to Ron&Ginny‘s and he had a beer with us! Everyone who knew him loved him! He will be sadly missed but please know that you all have an angel watching over you, that includes his siblings too! Till we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand….❤️ May your memories comfort your hearts.

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