James Robert Koessl, 74, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 18, 2020 with his loving wife Laurie at his side.
He was born on October 9, 1945 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconson to Antone and Margaret Koessl. Jim attended Newport and Sister Bay grade schools and graduated from Gibralter High School. While at Gibralter, he excelled at baseball and continued playing county league ball with the Sister Bay Bays. He won the 1968 league batting title with a .4648 average, outlasting his good friend Dick Staver by .0004. He was also an avid bowler, winning the title King of the Bowl at the Sister Bay Bowl.
Jim married Laurie Landstrom on March 7, 1964 and they were able to share 56 years together. He worked as a carpenter and learned the carpentry trade under Laurie’s father and grandfather, Wes and Henry Landstrom. It was under their direction he became the perfectionist that would define his career as a carpenter.
After visiting his brother, John, in Montana numerous times, Jim and his family relocated to Glasgow, Montana in 1969. He met many of his lifelong friends while working at D&G Sports & Western and while owning the Nashua Bar. After selling the Nashua Bar, Jim returned to carpentry and built numerous houses in Valley County until his retirement. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to do either with both his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Laurie, sons Todd (Lorie) and Jon; grandchildren Anthony (Kayla), Brittany, Emma, and Grant; great-grandchildren Kaizen and James; brother Tom (Sharon); sisters Mary Soderberg (Richard) and Ann Lang (Ron); sister-in-law Nancy Koessl and a brother-in-law Paul along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John.
There will be a celebration of Jim’s life that will be announced at a later date. Bell Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com.
Melinda Tangen says
Laurie, Todd, Jon,
I am sorry to hear about Jim. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your extended family.
Sam & Sherry Richardson says
Our sympathy Laurie to you and your family. Jim was instrumental in so many aspects of building our fort peck house and garage. He did explicit work always centering on perfection. We will miss him and his wit.
Linda Bellon says
Laurie, Todd & Jon,
We were very saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. He did many different work projects on our house & no one could come close to matching his work! He was a friend that we have missed seeing in recent years due to his health issues. Laurie, you were a blessing to Jim and we know you really miss him. He was always fun to be around & could make us laugh. I have the beautiful cross he made me with scraps from a job he was doing for us hanging in our entry & it always makes us think of Jim. We’re praying for all of you.
God Bless! John & Linda Bellon
Rich Bellon says
Dear Laurie, Jon, & Todd,
I am deeply sorry to hear that Jim passed away. I have many memories of him, of course, but the one thing that will always stick in my mind when I think about him: his deep laugh that came from his chest, and his heart.
You’re in my thoughts!
Rich Bellon
Tim Connors says
Koessl Family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was a good man that always had a good story. I remember the good ol little league days of him coaching us on the Fossum Ready Mix Team to taking me fishing a lot with Jon Jon. Thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Gerald Archambeault says
Koessls:
Loved Jim’s dry sense of humor. Great carpenter but he always had excuses for not taking on my projects. I think he knew something about working for me.
Roger and Carla Hunsley says
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was an excellent carpenter and very meticulous at his work. We enjoyed visiting with him and his great stories. We will never forget a quote of his, we still laugh about it today. What a great guy! He will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Roger and Carla Hunsley
Mary Vieira says
Laurie, Todd, Lorie,Jon, Anthony Kayla, Brittany
Sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. All my prayers and thoughts go out to his family in this time of sadness. May he rest in piece.
Barbara Hansen says
I received the Courier late, so was surprised to read of Jim’s death. My thoughts go out to you Laurie and your family. It is always hard to lose a spouse or parent but it is a part of life and we still have all the memories. I remember Jim as a friendly and hospitable soul willing to help when it was needed.