James Wilfred Kimmery, 81

James Wilfred Kimmery, 81, passed away Sept. 24, 2019, in Kalispell.

He was born Sept. 28, 1937, to Wilfred and Alma Mae Kimmery of Flint, Michigan. Jim grew up and went to school in Flint and Fenton, Michigan, and went on to graduate from Michigan State University. Jim also served in the U.S. Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky, from 1961 to 1963.

Jim married Donna Nichols in 1956 and had three children, Theresa (Wilford) Romero of Coos Bay, Oregon, Veronica Fletcher of Billings, and Melanie Kimmery of Wasilla, Alaska. They have four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In 1981 Jim married Loyann Kolste and gained two children, Tamalee (Gene) Robinson of Bigfork, and Tim (Loraine) Kolste of Fairfield, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jim and Loyann have been active members of the United Methodist Church in Bigfork.

Preceding him in death are a half sister Joyce, half brother Roy, his sister Sally Jo, and an infant son Walter.

Jim was a very successful businessman, initially selling horticulture supplies around the Northwest from 1964 to 1973. After falling in love with Montana he moved to Billings in 1974. Jim founded Con-tinental Horti-culture Supply Co. and Village Gardens in Billings, spending the next 37 years building these companies with his wife and business partner Loyann. Jim also served as sales manager for McCalif Growers Supply in California from 1990 to 1995. He was instrumental in developing the horticulture programs for both the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch in Billings and the Special K Ranch in Columbus. He was a longtime member of the Montana Florist Association and the Montana Nursery Association. Jim and Loyann sold Continental Horticulture Supply Co. and Village Gardens in 2007 and had been enjoying retirement, volunteering and traveling since. In 2017 they moved to Bigfork.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Special K Ranch or United Methodist Church in Bigfork.

Johnson- Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Jim’s family.