In Memory

Jim Day

Larry Adams just informed me of Jim Day's passing.
here is a copy of Jim's obituary in the Gazette;

James Day

Jan. 12, 1947 — Sept. 16, 2016

James "Jimmy" Vernon Day left his many friends in this world to be with the many friends he has in a heavenly world. It may be the only time Jimmy ever disappointed us, his hundreds of friends on this earth.

James Day was born in Billings, Jan. 12, 1947, to Opal and Lyle Day. Both proceeded him in death. Always loyal and proud Jim joined the United States Marine Corps on April 1968, and stayed proud of his enlistment until his passing. Jimmy wore his veteran’s Cap most days, and equally as often could be seen in one of his t-shirts that proclaimed "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." He even sported a tattoo on his arm later in his life professing his pride in his service to our country. In keeping with his commitment to serve, Jim joined the Billings Fire Department in 1979, retiring on Oct. 29, 2000, having attained the rank of Captain. Firefighters are legendary for telling stories about the unusual or difficult emergencies they have encountered. Jim added a new dimension to stories about the fire service. Known as Jim Day stories, they are quite often humorous and always involve Jim's unique wit in seeing or portraying the characters involved in the emergency, in hilarious situations. Jimmy Day stories will live on for as long as we are alive to tell them.

Jim's gifts were many and to pick or choose one would be a disservice to the man. He is well known for his sense of humor and quick witted responses. If you were ever in Jim's presence, you could guarantee that at some point he would have you laughing uncontrollably.

His other gifts while lesser known to his acquaintances, were some of the reasons he was loved by his friends and family. Jim was one of the most generous people we ever knew. He gave of his talents and friendship freely and his friendship was as addictive as any drug. When Jim involved himself in a project or a charitable event. He made everyone want to be a participant.

He looked at most things with an eye toward compassion, diversity and pride. He loved being a husband and friend, he loved being a father and friend, and he loved being a firefighter and friend. He accomplished all of these difficult careers with pride in those he loved and worked with. He was talented as well. He could design things when inspired, build things when needed and share his talent when asked. If he met you he usually tried to befriend you, and for those people in life who missed the opportunity to be Jim's friends, you have missed one of the true gifts of life. Jim gave generously to many charitable causes, and in fact the Lockwood Firefighters have requested of Jim and Karen to name their Charitable Foundation the Karen and Jim Day, Fire Foundation. Jim and Karen's generosity helped the firefighters begin the foundation which supports those in need of help following a tragic emergency event in Lockwood.

Jim loved to fish and hunt. In the waning years fishing became a passion. His friend and companion for life, Karen, was the perfect partner to help Jim enjoy his life. They traveled together, fished together, and loved each other. There are few relationships that could compare to theirs and they treasured that fact. Jim wanted to experience as many things in life as the world had to offer, and with Karen by his side he completed more than one bucket list. They were inseparable and deserved each other because once in a while life gets things right, and the correct two people meet and love. That was Jim and Karen.

Jim was so proud of his daughter Tiffany and the life she made as a nurse, wife and mother. She gave him reason to brag about being a parent and he loved her and the opportunity for him to be a grandparent. He considers her one of his greatest successes.

Jim is survived by his dear wife Karen and two children Tiffany (Shane) Gerhardt, and James Jr.; grandchildren Tristen and Kincaid. Jim's family in Texas include Irene, Peggy and Diane.

The family wishes to give special thanks the Local Veteran's Association and Riverstone Health as well as the Frontier Cancer Center, St. Vincent Hospital, for their care and treatment.

Honoring Jim's wishes there will be no services. If you wish to make a donation in Jim's name, his charities of choice are the Firefighters Local 521 Rich Duvall Foundation, The Firefighters Stair Climb or Riverstone Hospice.



 
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09/21/16 01:04 PM #1    

Michael (Milo) Carbis

as you may have noticed,
we have no pictures of Jim.
thanks again to Larry Adams
for providing this one.

i'll admit, i didn't know Jim,
but, after reading his obituary,
this image seems appropriate.

if anyone has more pictures,
please let me know and i'll post them.


09/21/16 09:10 PM #2    

Jim Hopper

Thanks Larry and Milo. I didn't know Jim that well but it sounds like he was a great guy


09/22/16 07:54 PM #3    

Marla Connor (Davenport)

The news  about Jim was quite a shock! Jim and my John met each other in second grade and grew up together, the best of friends.   We have kept in touch with Jim and Karen over the years but had not heard that Jim was ill!!  Our deepest sympathies to Karen and his family.  Jim was a one-of-a-kind guy with  great sense of humor and a devilish way of getting into trouble.  But he was one of the best friends a person could have! He will be greatly missed


09/23/16 09:49 AM #4    

Janet Niemi (Chubb)

I didn't know Jim well either but got to know him through the obit. Thanks Milo and Larry for the picture. 


09/24/16 02:27 PM #5    

Richard Clark

I was a pal of Jim's. We burned the point a few times with him behind the wheel of his folk's white Olds 88 coupe. I totally lost touch with him after graduation. Although we took very different paths post BSHS, I admire what he accomplished. RIP Jim. 


10/01/16 10:34 PM #6    

Kim Nybo (Gambish)

I loved Jim. My memories are of us hanging around my locker. I love the picture. Thanks, Larry and Milo. I am very happy that his life was full and happy. I am glad that he had his wife, Karen, to complete his life. He was so kind. He deserved happiness. xxoo

 


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