James (Jim) Oliver Rindahl, 82, Billings, MT

James (Jim) Oliver Rindahl, 82, Billings, MT, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2022, surrounded by family. He gifted his parents: John (Ted) Oliver and Blanche (Hayward) Rindahl and siblings by his birth on Christmas Eve 1939 in Williston, ND. Jim was the fourth of seven children.

He attended several country schools, graduating high school from Wheelock, ND in 1958. This is also where he and his brothers, along with the Vinger boys, made up most of the star basketball team! Myron Vinger and Jim remained lifetime friends.

In his early years he worked as a ranch hand for Darwin and Jean Krenz. On several cattle drives, Darwin and Jim were gone too long and had a few too many drinks. Jean fired Jim three times throughout the years. The following day, Darwin would always find him and return him to the ranch. The families remained lifelong friends.

Jim spent the majority of his working life as a seasonal construction, heavy equipment operator. He was good at working with his hands; he built his cabin in Acton with help from Gil and Steve. He was an extra in two movies - The Alamo (a John Wayne movie) – filmed in TX, and the Return to Lonesome Dove – filmed in MT. He liked animals, especially horses. He was involved in horse racing, as an owner/trainer, throughout Montana and neighboring states.

Jim and Patricia Rehbein were married in 1966. Together they had four sons, John, Paul, James, and Jeremy. Tragically their son John was killed in an accident at a young age. When the boys reached adulthood Patty and Jim parted ways and divorced. They continued to remain friends throughout their lives.

He met and married Lisa Kloepfel and became step dad to Katie and Ashley. His daughter Jamie Olivia (a bright light in his life) was born in 2006. Jim and Lisa later divorced.

He is survived by his sons: Paul (Tara), James (Joanne), Jeremy (Jamie); daughter: Jamie; step daughters: Katie and Ashley; grandchildren: Michael (Sarah), Elizabeth, Avery, Jennalynn, Jessie, and Zane; great granddaughter: Hannah Grace. He is survived by sisters: Karen Ramos, Judy Nicholas, and Lucy Rodgers; brothers: Kenny and Murl; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Ted and Blanche Rindahl, infant sister Ruth Marian and his son John.

Per his wishes, he has been cremated and will be buried with his son, John, in the Sidney Cemetery. Celebration of his life with family and friends will be on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the North Sidney Cemetery. Immediately following, lunch will be served at the VFW Club in Sidney, all are welcome to join the family.