James Daniel Herriges, 74
James Daniel Herriges, 74, 'passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord' on Dec. 12, 2007, at the Brendan House after a long and valiant battle with his illnesses. He will be dearly and greatly missed by his family and friends.
Jim was born April 9, 1933, in Whitefish, to Anastasia and Nicholas Herriges, the eighth child of 12. He grew up in Whitefish, and after his schooling, joined the Navy in 1952. He served during the Korean conflict, which took him to many places abroad. He was honorably discharged in 1962 and continued his service with the armed forces in the 163rd Armored Battalion of the National Guard in Kalispell, retiring after 20 years of service. In the private sector, he worked at various businesses throughout the Northwest as an accountant.
He was married to Ina M. Rice in 1956. They were married for 37 years, and they raised a family of six children. The family moved throughout the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest, settling in Kalispell in 1970.
Jim was active in his community. He was a member of the Libby Jaycees, the Moose Lodge No. 1922 in Kalispell, and the VFW No. 276 in Whitefish. He enjoyed camping in the summers and traveling with his family. He also took great pleasure in leather tooling, furniture restoration and woodworking, creating unique gifts for his family.
His quick, wry wit was an essential part of his character, accompanied by the twinkle in his steel blue eyes, traits that he kept through his final days. Everyone who knew him noticed this about him. His main concern was for his family, and he worked tirelessly to ensure their stability and happiness.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Edgar, Norbert, Allen, Patrick, Mark, and Arthur; also his grandson, Brandon Buck; and great-grandson, Talis Buck.
Jim is survived by his children, Nic and wife, Kirsten, and son, Spencer, of Portland, Jim Jr., of Fairbanks, Alaska, Dianne Buck and husband, Tim, and children, Chris and Danielle, Steve and daughter, Rebecca; Duane and daughters Mary, Alyssa and Kelsey; Eric and wife, Jennifer, and daughters Eden and Ivy; also five great-grandchildren; his sisters, Anastasia and Doug Follett, Carrie and Rod Fisher and Mary Bullman, all of Montana; his brothers, Roland of Spokane, and Daniel and Valerie of The Dalles, Ore.; scores of cousins, nieces and nephews; and Ina M. Herriges.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at St. Matthew's Church of Kalispell, with Father Vic officiating. A reception celebrating his life will be afterward at the Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2 E., in Kalispell.
Memorial donations may be made to Kalispell Jaycees, Coats for Kids or Brendan House Skilled Nursing Facility, 350 Conway Drive, in Kalispell.
Austin Funeral Home is caring for the family.