James Kirby, 82

James Kirby passed away peacefully at his home in Ferndale surrounded by loved ones on March 30, 2023.

He was born Feb. 1, 1941, to Roy and Thelma Kirby and raised in Bigfork. He married Connie Wood on Feb. 24, 1979.

Jim owned and operated Kirby Tree Removal for decades. Prior to this, he worked in the Timber Industry in Montana and Alaska.

At the young age of 10, he was mauled by a bear in the area of Bear Creek, requiring only stitches! His grandkids took him for show and tell so he could tell his story and show off the clothes he wore during the attack.

In 1990 he won first place in the Craig/Klawock, Alaska fishing derby by hauling in a 69-pound, 8-ounce king salmon, and with his prize money took Connie to New Zealand!

Jim was a member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church where he was an usher and member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Kelly.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of Ferndale; daughters, Julie (Kirk) Wilson of Glennallen, AK, and Tammy Ganz of Bigfork; sons, Jeremy Kirby of Bigfork, Paul (Lisa) Kirby of Bigfork; sister, Pat Zachary; brothers, Bill (Marion), Don (Marlene) of Bigfork and Allen of Alaska; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Saint John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork at 11 a.m., Monday, April 10. Reception to follow.

A special thank you to Katie Borges at MT Mobile Medical and Hestia Hospice; Aimee, Debbie, Niki, Dani, Julie and Lisa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations go to The Hope for Harlee Foundation at hopeforharlee.org.