James "Jim" Emil Ferch

James Emil Ferch, 95, passed away peacefully at the McCone County Health Center.  Jim had a gift for brightening the day of anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Jim was born on October 5, 1930, to Carl and Nellie Ferch on the family farm in Acequia, Idaho.  He grew up alongside his twin brother, John; his sister, Louise; and his twin sisters, Lorraine and Elaine.  Life on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic from an early age.  He helped in the fields and especially loved working with the horses- a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

A 1948 graduate of Acequia High School, Jim went on to work on ranches from Cicle to Dillon and rode the rodeo circuit until a broken back forced him to retire from bronc riding.  He later ranched in the Weldon country outside of Circle, where he made lifelong friends- including his neighbor, Don Tew, with whom he is surely swapping stories once again.

Jim married Jeannette (Boysun) Stai later in life.  After several years on the ranch, he sold the place and the couple moved to Miles City.  Later Jeannette moved to Carrington, ND, and Jim returned to Circle, the community he loved.

One of Jim’s sources of pride was serving as an EMT for the Redwater Valley Ambulance Service in Circle.  Even in his nineties, his energy and curiosity never waned- at the age of 92, he wrote a book chronicling his remarkable life.  He was, in every sense, a true cowboy and a gentleman.

Jim was a friend to all, a storyteller with endless tales, and a man whose presence guaranteed a smile.  No conversation with Jim ended without feeling lighter, happier, or reassured- often with his favorite reminder: “Either way, it'll be fine.”

Saying goodbye is never easy, so instead we’ll simply say, “We’ll see you on the other side.”

Cremation has taken place. Per his wishes, Jim will be laid to rest at the Big Timber Cemetery in Big Timber, MT, alongside his sister, Louise, and his brother-in-law Gene- who was more like a brother than anything.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Faith Assembly of God in Circle at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

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