It is with sorrow to announce the passing of James (Jim) L Messer on December 11, 2014.
He is survived by wife Doris, of 59 years; son, James G. Messer Sr. of Missoula, Mt.; daughter, Donna McCormick of Kodiak, Alaska; 3 grandchildren in Nome, Alaska: Brenna, Ashton and James Jr.; 7 great grandchildren in Nome: Oliver, Wilson, Wyatt, Sam, Dallas, Roselynn and Jadelynn.
5 grandchildren in Kodiak, Alaska: Kathy, J.C., Melissa, Robert and Brandon; 2 great grandchildren in Kodiak: Nevaeh and Hannah. Jim is also survived by his sister Olevia of Olympia, Washington; 2 cousins, Daniel and Alvin of Arizona and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was a hard worker, loved hobbies of working with wood, collecting guns, knives and other sporting equipment and loved hunting when he was physically able.
He was born in Memphis, Texas, grew up in the Panhandle of Texas married Doris in 1955. In following jobs they moved to Roswell, New Mexico for a short period, Page, Arizona, back to Texas, then to Seattle, Washington area for 5 years, then on to Nome, Alaska for a period of 18 years. They moved to Montana where they built a ranch log home, lived there 10 years then moved to Avon, where they built a business with their son Jim, of a Garage, Gun shop and Gift shop. His health became worse. They sold the business and retired in Lincoln for 13 years prior to death.
Jim met many friends and was always thrilled to talk to anyone, especially about guns and their works. He carved and whittled many beautiful gun stocks from wood blanks for numerous hours. He will be missed by many friends, customers and of course his loving family.
Cremation has taken place, and a small family service will take place. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim please visit below.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Cheryll (Merrill) Wherry says
My condolences go out to the Messer family.. Thoughts and Prayers are with you
Julie Perkins Vincek says
Our deepest condolences to the Messer Family. We sure enjoyed our time with your family when you lived in Nome. Sending prayers and wishes that great memories will fill your hearts.
The Perkins Families of Nome
Olevia Myers says
My brother James was the best & sweetest brother any sister could have. A cute story our mom told about him… When I was born he was 3 yrs.old. When he saw me he was so excited and he said to Mom,” get me one just like it to play with”. (In his baby voice). We seldom argued like a lot of siblings & he was my “big brother” protector. He will be forever missed! My heartfelt love & caring goes to my dear Sis, Butch & Donna. God bless
Donna McCormick says
I want to Thank God for the Wonderful Loving Dad James L. Messer became. I have many wonderful memories. I have been honored to have such a awesome friend . I miss and love you. Your daughter Donna
Janet Zosel says
I have many wonderful memories of spending time with Jim and his family.
I will miss him . He was a kind gentle man
Joan Best & Harold Rayner says
I am most thankful for Jim having been a big part of my life. I loved living in the apartment above his Shop in Garrison MT for my first yr in MT, 25+ yrs ago. He & Doris took me in like family. The 3 of us would have fun shopping each month in Helena. I loved watching and helping at times on their Ranch, esp w/ the gardening, veg garden, chickens, and most of all seeing the new lambs. Best of all we would sit on their log home front porch w/ our evening cocktail and count the handful of cars that went by (back then) on the highway, as well as look for the elk on the top of Castle Rock.
So yes mostly because of Jim & Doris, i have wonderful memories of those early days for us in Garrison. We enjoyed so much time together and i will never ever forget the love and comradry we shared.
After moving in my home across the highway on LBRR, and sometime later meeting Harold, we 4 still had great times together. Our times together continued after they sold the Garrison Ranch and moved to Avon MT. They later moved to Lincoln MT when we did not see each other as often but we would try to at least a few times a yr.
Jim, you will be missed by his family & friends but forever in our hearts. Doris especially will miss you Jim since you both were soulmates in your teens.
~~Love Joan & Harold~~
John Jancic says
Doris, My prayers are with you. Although I didn’t know Jim that long or well I knew he was a gentle and kind Man and I always enjoyed visiting with you both. Hope you have some comfort in your time of sorrow. John Jancic (Lincare)
edward j makara says
Doris, I was so sorry to hear about Jim.
Hey “Jimbob”, this is “Edgar”. We bought and sold many guns over the years. And we had some fun doing it. I’m going to miss you, Dude.