James “Jim” F. Nagel
James “Jim” F. Nagel, 84, of Billings, MT, passed away from natural causes at the Parkview Care Center on May 14, 2020.
Jim was born on March 30, 1936, in Peetz, CO, the son of Izola and Frederick Nagel. He served his country in the Navy and was assigned to the ship, USS Antietam. He was honorably discharged on April 16, 1962. He was honored to be a life member of the VFW in both Colorado and Montana.
Jim would go on to achieve diplomas in Advance Trade School, Refrigeration/Air Conditioning, and Mobile Engines Welding. Soon after he and his his brother Pudge Nagel traveled north to Wyoming and Montana with their welding truck to pursue welding jobs in those states. The Nagel brothers became well-known as the best traveling welders for farmers. Jim married June in Colorado, and from this union came son Kenny Nagel, daughter Sandy Mart, and stepson John McKlosky.
Later, Jim settled in Billings and thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing in Montana. It is in Billings where he met, married and is survived by Kathy. Together Jim and Kathy would take occasions to travel back to Colorado where they would enjoy picnics, birthdays, family gatherings, and grandchildren. They also loved their trips to Alaska to fish. They cherished the years they spent together traveling, camping, making new friends, dancing, and mowing the grass.
Then the Lord looked at Jim and said, “Join me as your heart has worn, and there is no grass up here.”
