James "Jim" Smith Germer

With both of his sons close to him, James Smith Germer passed away on February 6, 2024. A long-time resident of Three Forks, he was living in Anaconda with his son, Billy at the time of his death.

Born November 4, 1944 and raised in Billings, Jim attended local schools and graduated from Billings West High School in 1962. Jim, known to many by his moniker, "Kuba", attended Eastern Montana College until the US entered the Vietnam War, at which point he enlisted in the Navy. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Japan as a Cryptologist. Honorably discharged, he returned to Montana to continue his schooling at the University of Montana. Here he met and married Sandy Sletton. They moved to the small mountain town of Basin, Montana where they settled and raised their two sons. While living in Basin, Jim attended the Helena College of Technology. His training led him to a career in seismology as a Party Manager for Haliburton Geophysical. Jim worked offshore in search of oil, exploring everything from the frigid waters of the Arctic and northern seas to the sunny coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.

While Jim was employed by Haliburton, the family moved to Three Forks. Jim loved this community and continued to live there for 40 years. When his job at Haliburton ended, he sold Safeco insurance from his office at First Security Bank until his retirement in 2006. In retirement, he enjoyed the company of many friends, not only in Three Forks but across the state of Montana. A dog person, he truly loved every dog that came into his life. Good natured, Highly intelligent, and very straightforward; Jim loved the New York Yankees, had a passion for playing golf and was an expert at solving crossword puzzles, his favorite being the Sunday puzzle in the New York Times. His greatest pleasure, however, came from watching his sons and grandsons compete in and coach football and basketball.

Jim is survived by his brother, Bill (Susan) Germer of Billings, his sons, Chad (Amy) Germer of Missoula and Billy (Jenn) Germer of Anaconda, grandsons, Nick Germer of Denver CO and Alex Germer of Caldwell ID, nephews, Brandon Miller & Eric Taylor of Billings, and Niece, Andi McHugh (Brad) Halsten of Billings.

Kuba was loved and will be deeply missed by his friends, Bill & Jenny Taber of Missoula, John & Syndi Jarvis of Pablo, Sandy Chestnut of Anaconda, Terry Toppins of Missoula, Ross Ellis of Bonner, Rob Norman of Three Forks, Steve Williams of Three Forks, Kris Rochford of Three Forks, Naida Lindquist of Three Forks, Brandon Mastel of Manhattan, Bill & Debbie Nokes of Butte, Jack & Cheryl Rochford of Mesquite NV, and Craig Griffin of Houston TX.

A private celebration of life will be held in the spring at a date to be determined later. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a charitable donation be made to:

The Montana Waterfowl Foundation @ https://mtwaterfowl.org/how-to-help, in honor of Kuba's memory.

The Montana Waterfowl Foundation, 36627 Mud Creek Lane, Ronan, MT 59864

Longellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Jim and his family.