James Clarence 'Jim' Meyers, 84

James Clarence "Jim" Meyers, 84, passed away after a short illness Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, while wintering in Gilbert, Ariz.

He was born June 4, 1922, in Waite Park, Minn., to John A. and Irene C. (Bidinger) Meyers. Jim attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Waite Park and graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in St. Cloud, Minn., in 1940.

Jim entered active duty in the U.S. Army on Nov. 9, 1943. He was a staff sergeant, serving in the 88th Division, Company L 350th Infantry in several locations near Rome-Arno, Po Valley and the North Apennines in Italy. Jim was wounded by mortar fire, sustaining a shrapnel wound to the leg. He was awarded a Purple Heart, Good Conduct medal, European African Middle Eastern Service ribbon and a Distinguished Unit Citation for 2nd Battalion, 350th Regiment.

On Valentine's Day, 1947, Jim married Marilyn Patricia Wimmer. They lived in St. Cloud while Jim worked in retail sales, advertising and management at Montgomery Ward, Fandel's Department Store and Herberger's Department Store. He was active in various fraternal and service organizations, including the Elks, Lions and Rotary clubs; St. Cloud Industrial Development board, Top Hatters, Downtown Association for Chamber of Commerce and Jr. Chamber of Commerce.

Jim and Pat moved to Kalispell in 1977, where they owned and operated a Thrifty Scot Motel franchise (currently named the Aero Inn) until 1989. The Thrifty Scot Motel fulfilled a life-long dream of owning a business.

They became members of St. Matthew's Catholic Parish and various Kalispell social organizations including the Jazz Society. Jim served on the board of directors of the Kalispell Area Chamber of Commerce from 1980 to 1982, was president of the Kalispell Development Corporation from 1986 to 1987, and was director of Rotary International from 1987 to 1988.

Upon retirement, Jim and Pat enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, attending 88th Division 'Blue Devils' reunions, visiting family and friends in Europe and spending the winter months in Mesa, Ariz.

Jim enjoyed golfing, hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing, especially with his friends in Kalispell. He also enjoyed dancing and listening to Big Bands, played and taught cribbage to other adults and to local elementary school children. He often joked that he won Pat in a cribbage game, as her father pressured him into always playing a game before they could go out on a date.

Jim loved his hunting and fishing adventures throughout the Big Sky Country of Montana, Minnesota and Canada. Several years ago he took up woodworking as a hobby, which included crafting unique pen and pencil sets.

Jim will be greatly missed as a father, grandfather, uncle and wonderful friend. His friendly, outgoing nature will be remembered by all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, in 2004; and a brother, Tom Meyer, in 2000.

He is survived by four daughters, Vicki Walbruch, and husband, Lee, of Knaresborough, United Kingdom; Jackley Stean, and husband, George, of Big Sandy; Geri Meireis, and husband, Kent, of Denver; and Melani Jaskowiak, of Gilbert. He was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and uncle to six nieces and five nephews. His siblings include a brother, Bill Meyer, of Black River Falls, Wis., and a sister, Jackie Albers, of Vining, Minn.

Funeral Mass will be at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 602 S. Main St., followed by lunch in the church basement. A burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis will take place at a later date.

The family suggests memorials go to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), www.vfw.org/donations; The Flathead Valley Jazz Society, P.O. Box 2627, Kalispell, MT 59903; St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Attn. Building Fund, 602 S. Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; or a charity of the donor's choice.