James Hugh Kuechmann, 87

James Hugh Kuechmann, 87, was born on April 20, 1927, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2015.

Jim's first job, at the age of 13, was working on the ferry boats on Lake Michigan. Every day, after school, he went to the company's head office to see if they were hiring. Finally, six months later, they hired him. He learned at an early age the value of hard work. He gave most of the money he earned to his parents to help support his family.

He lied about his age and, at 17, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Butternut during World War II. One of his greatest joys was to pin his grandson, James, when he became Naval chief petty officer in 2013.

Jim received a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of Idaho in 1951. In college, Jim and a group of buddies started a fraternity, which is still going on to this day.

He met the love of his life, Ruth Miller, on a blind date and they were married three months later. Their marriage lasted 53 years until Ruth passed away in 2007.

Their travels took them to Montana. He worked for the Great Northern Railroad and as a bartender for Stockman's Bar and the Eagles. He then worked for the Montana State Forest Service. He would fly over forest fires and calculate how much manpower, equipment and time it would take to put the fire out. This was an amazing task for him because he hated flying. He retired from the State Forest Service in 1985.

Jim and Ruth were a "team." Together, they conquered sad, depleted piles of dirt and transformed them into lush flower and vegetable gardens. They started every flower from seed. Jim and Ruth traveled extensively to all 50 states and on many cruises to other countries. Some of their favorite places were Australia, Austria and the pubs of Ireland.  He loved to tell stories of their many adventures.

Jim is survived by his only child, James T. Kuechmann, and his daughter-in-law, Allyson Kuechmann; three grandchildren, MMC James R. Kuechmann and Anastasia of Norfolk, Va., Tamara Holiday and Tom of Portland, and Anthony Kuechmann and LaSaundra of Bigfork; four great-grandchildren, James, Akazia, Elizabeth and Tristin; three brothers, Jerome Kuechmann, Chuck Kuechmann and John Kuechmann; and two sisters: Judy Knickelbine and Edith Sylvester.

He was preceded in death by his beloved Ruth; his parents, John Theodore ”Ted" and Antonia Kuechmann; older brother, the Rev. Theodore Kuechmann; and great-grandson, Anthony Charles “Charlie” Kuechmann Jr.

Special thanks to the loving care from Frontier Hospice and especially Becky from Agape Home Care who was an "angel in disguise."

“Rest well, ‘Slim Jim, the Raindrop Dodger.’ We miss you, but we are so happy you are reunited with Mom at last. May your cruises be many and your cookie jar always full!”

Rosary for Jim will be said at 7 p.m. today, March 11, at Risen Christ Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. A reception and wake will follow at the home of Jim and Allyson at 209 Capistrano NE, Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Kuechmann family.