JAMES KAYS

James “Jim” Kays, age 88, passed away on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous and short battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of the Stanchfield area, Jim built a life rooted in work, family, and the community he called home.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963. Following his military service, he returned home and spent many years working for himself, building a reputation as someone who could do just about anything. He owned and operated his own septic and sewer business and was well known for his backhoe work, hauling, and dump truck jobs throughout the area. Jim was never one to sit still except if in his recliner watching Westerns. He enjoyed tinkering on projects, collecting things that caught his interest, fixing equipment, and staying busy outdoors, especially mowing lawn with whatever mower seemed to work that day.

Beyond his work, Jim will also be remembered for his personality and the joy he brought to others. He was known for his dancing skills and for enjoying life in his own unique way. Family and friends will remember the stories, laughter, music, and memories shared with him throughout the years.

In his final days, he was surrounded by the people who loved him most, offering comfort, support, and companionship. Though his passing leaves an emptiness, his family takes comfort in the many memories, lessons, and moments they shared with him.

In life it is important to spend time with loved ones, sharing stories, and taking pictures. For those we love, never leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the lessons they taught, the love they gave, and the photos we took. 

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Jacque Nordby, wife Joyce, and parents Francis and Edna (McFarlane) Kays.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Jodi Kays and Jolene (Kevin) Wojahn; sons-in-law, Chad Anderson and Gordon Nordby; grandchildren, Molly (Paige) McDowell, Taylor Nordby (Stephen Labs), Andi (Stephen) Youngberg, Sydney (Jeremy) Brown, Emily Hackler (Matthew Babela), Olivia Hackler, and Lilly Anderson (Benjamin Knapper); great grandchildren, Miles Knapper and Willow Youngberg; sisters, Jeanne Sullivan, Geneva Anderson, Marilyn “Mickey” (Steve) Klinger, and Mary Ellen Freelove; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Braham Event Center. 

A Short Service will be held at 12:00 noon with a light luncheon to follow. 

Inurnment and Military Honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Oakwood Cemetery in Mora with the Mora American Legion Post 201 providing Honors.

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