Jim Franchi was born July 30, 1919 in Walkerville, Montana to Tony and Emma Franchi. They lived on a ranch in Waterloo and then moved to Boulder when Jim was 8. Jim spent the rest of his life on the ranch he loved so much, always working hard to improve it. Jim was a good ranch hand; he broke and rode many horses that others would not. Jim trapped and was an outfitter and loved the outdoors. For fun he liked fishing, bird hunting and socializing.
Jim was married and divorced from Ruth, Mary Claire and Joyce Beaupre. The last 39 years he shared with Lori Norby ranching, hunting, and enjoying life. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John (Bernie) and sister, Mary (George) Foss.
Jim is survived by Lori, her mom, Phyllis Kuntz, her sister and family; Deb and David Klein (Jessica and Zach Lukenbill and baby, Sawyer); brother, David and Nancy Norby (Ashley and Ricky Baker and baby Reid), Matt (Tifanee); Jim’s stepson, and family, Shane Beaupre (Connie); children, Shannon (Marcus, Mckinzie, Madison), Rachelle and Ryan Lillivedt (Lexus and Jayden), Zach and Elaine (Jayzic, Tavin, Corbin and Quinn), Tara and Mike Hertwick (Kailie, Scarlett and Carlie Beau). Also surviving nieces, Gail Gabbard, Jody and Van Ewing, and Kim and Josh Pallister, Toni and Doug McElroy and numerous great nieces, nephews and sister, Felicita.
Jim wishes were to be cremated with no services. We will think of you often Jim on that eternal ranch where there are no fences to fix and always a good horse to ride.
James Franchi, age 96, of Boulder passed away early Thursday morning August 27, 2015. No ceremony and remembrance service will be held. To offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of James please visit below.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Deb Klein says
So many special memories – fishing Turnly Meadows, stacking hay knowing a cold beer would end the day, many dinners and telling stories around the kitchen table, excavating our drain field, driveway and basement!, the annual branding and moving cows into the hills, and most of all, Jim’s welcoming smile when we would see him. And Lori, you were always at his side! Jim will always have a very special place in my heart and memories! Love you Jim and Lori!
Deb
Sue Olson says
My condolences to you Lori and family. What a great guy. Oh that smile! When my parents came to the valley in the early 1940’s, Jim was one of their first friends. I heard so many wonderful stories. My thoughts and prayers will be with you Lori.
Zach Pallister says
Jimmy bought me my first legal drink 39 years ago at the Diamond S! I still remember him dancing with you Lori! I bet Jim would be glad to know I haven’t had a drink for over 9 years. I’ll never forget his smile and eternal good nature. Keep on dancing Lori!
Jackie Fischer says
When my husband & I moved to Boulder with the dream of starting a small veggie farm, both Jim and Lori were more than helpful and encouraging. … although they probably thought we were nuts, they never said so 🙂 For the brief time we knew Jim, we always felt his warmth and kind spirit. I know he will truly be missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Lori.
Judi & Larry Saarinen says
We were so sad to learn that Jim had passed…he was a good friend to my Dad and I have known him as long as I can remember. Larry worked for him on the ranch when he was younger…our thoughts are with Lori and all the family, he will be missed in our world.
Pixie says
Lori I can’t begin to talk about memories, there are just to many, Loved him very much, he always made an impact on Ernies and my life, allways looked up to him as my dad ,and all ways listened to his advice as it was always right. He well remain in mine and my family’s hearts forever.
Shannon Coates-Smith says
My sincere sympathy to all of you. What a blessing to have him in your lives for so many years. May the many memories of him bring you comfort.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Bev and Don Lien says
Our sympathies to you Lori and your family.
Jodi and Joe Weber says
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family, Lori at this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Jodi and Joe
Tina and Mitch says
Lori, wishing you peace and God’s grace as you continue the journey of ranching on the beautiful place you and Jim shared for so many years. Much love to you, Tina and Mitch
Travis Gill says
Lori, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing man. He shared so much with so many through out his life. He will be missed deeply!
Dave says
Lori We always looked forward to coming out to the ranch and spending time with you and Jim. He always had a good story and a cold beer to share with us, Jim led a good life and you guys had a great and special relationship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. take care and love you. Dave and nancy
linda roberts says
So sorry for your loss Lori, We had a wonderful time camping at your ranch with the roosters perched on top of the camper. You and Jim were so hospitable. He was an amazing guy with lots of stories to share. RIP Jim, cheers to a life well lived!
Katie Kopplow says
I first met Jim when I came out on vacation with the folks (Oscar and Angeline Wiley) in 1957. He fulfilled a childhood dream of riding in the Montana mountains, and the dream continued when I moved to Montana. He was a true cowboy, my hero. I will always have good memories of the time spent with Jim and Lori. I will miss you, Jim. Thanks for being my inspiration. My sympathies to Lori and family.