A. James Kurk

A. James Kurk, 81, a lifelong resident of the Gallatin Valley, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2008. He was born to Arthur J. and Emma (Maddox) Kurk in Bozeman, Montana, on May 15, 1927. Jim married Erma Hoell on December 30, 1951, in Bozeman, and they farmed and ranched in the Bear Canyon area since. Jim was a farmer and rancher his entire life and loved working with cattle. His cows were his treasure. He also greatly enjoyed the grain harvest and operating the combine. Jim belonged to Resurrection Parish Catholic Community and the Gallatin County Beef Producers. In years past, he served many years on the Fort Ellis Fire Department as a board member and as Fire Chief, the board of directors for Park Electric Cooperative, and the Gallatin County Election Board, as well as the La Motte School Board. Helping neighbors and family with branding and other ranch events were high on his priority list. Jim enjoyed fishing in Bear Creek and visits with family and friends. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting with his brothers, friends, and son. Preceding him in death were his brothers Lester and Harold, and sister Margaret, as well as his parents. Survivors include: his wife Erma of Bozeman, daughter Barbara (Bob) Marx of Bozeman, son Darrell (Sandy) of Billings; granddaughter Dawn (Scott) Kreuz of Livingston, sisters Myrtle McLaughlin and Lavina (Vaughn) Chadbourne of Bozeman and Mildred Ward of Willow Creek, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Parish in Bozeman. Interment to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his name to: Bozeman Deaconess Hospice, 931 Highland Blvd., Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715; the Gallatin Historical Society, 317 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715; or the charity of one#8217;s choice.