James Puuri, 68

On Sept. 13, 2024, James "Jim" Puuri, 68, went to be with the Lord. He was born Oct. 29, 1955, in Hancock, Michigan. Jim grew up on a dairy farm in Liminga milking cows, haymaking, and doing the usual chores that come with running a farm.

A 1973 graduate of Houghton High School, Jim's life took him to Kalispell where he met the love of his life, Starlene, and started a family of his own. Together they had four beautiful children, Brian, Aaron, Justin, and Amanda. He loved the Lord, his family, children, and grandchildren with a fierce kind of love that was too great to measure.

After settling in Montana, he and Starlene bought a log truck and Jim began trucking to support his family. Whether he was behind the wheel of his log truck, chip truck, or propane truck, he never ceased working tirelessly to make sure there was always food on the table and for that, his family was, and is, tremendously grateful.

His final summer here on earth before he was called home was filled with immense joy, laughter, and light; surrounded by the steadfast love of his family in the place he called "home." It was here where he reconnected with Starlene and etched a lifetime of memories on the hearts of those around him.

Farewell for now, dear traveler; lover of the great outdoors where the hot springs flow; avid reader; milk and oatmeal connoisseur; storyteller of every beloved memory from long ago; listener of all the good old country music songs; protector, husband, loving father, and friend. You are missed in immeasurable ways by Starlene, your children, grandchildren, siblings, and all those fortunate to have known you: Starlene Puuri of Kalispell, Brian (Andrea) Puuri (son) and their children, Elijah Morales (grandson), Elisah Rosas (granddaughter), and Ethan Morales (grandson). Aaron (Nicole) Puuri (son), Justin Puuri (son), Amanda (Will) Allen (daughter) and their children, Zoe Allen (granddaughter) and Hunter Allen (grandson); Joanne Hodges of Hancock, Michigan (sister), Duane (Brenda) Puuri of Houghton, Michigan (brother), Matt (Pauline) Puuri of Kalispell (brother), Joyce (Steve) Smith of Marquette, Michigan (sister), and Tom Puuri of Baltic, Michigan (brother).