James 'Jim' Kavert, 76

James “Jim” Kavert passed away in his sleep late on the night of Oct. 15, 2016, at age 76.

He was born Janis Boiko in Varakani, Latvia on Oct. 20, 1939. In 1942 his birth parents, three brothers and one sister were killed. He was found alive and spent his early years in various children’s homes and camps. He was moved around Latvia and Germany as Russian forces advanced. In 1948 he was moved to the United States after World War II and adopted. Once in the U.S., at age 10 he started his schooling. In 1958 he joined the Marines.

He was married to Solvie Tollefson in 1962. They had two children, Denise and Eric.

His whole life he worked as a professional painter. He painted horse racing buggies and displays for McDonald’s in the ’60s and ’70s and aircraft/rocket parts for Boeing until retiring in 2000. He then moved to Montana to be close to his son and grandchildren.

He loved bowling and was always in a bowling league throughout his life. He bowled on the Amateur Bowlers Tour circuit for a number of years. People who bowled with him knew him for his bowling cart that held up to six balls.

He was preceded in death by his birth parents, brothers, sister and first wife, Solvie. He is survived by his children, Denise and Eric; his grandchildren, David, Kyle, Andrea and Jake; and his great-grandchildren, Audrey and Riley. He also leaves behind his cats, Sandy and Sassy Anne; along with his good friend Sue and her daughter Cynthia Benefiel.

Jim’s passion in life was bowling and his family will always remember him through the sport. His personality was truly unique and he is an irreplaceable person in the hearts of those who knew him.

Cremation was provided by Darlington Cremation and Burial Service.