Jim Samuel Hert

Jim Samuel Hert, 65, of Billings, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, in the St. Vincent Healthcare.

He was born Sept. 14, 1936, in Hardin, a son of Samuel and Leah Steinmetz Hert. He grew up and received his education in Hardin, graduating from Hardin High School in 1955. Jim married Gloria Ballensky on Sept. 10, 1955 in Hardin. The couple lived in Denver for a short time, before returning to the Fort Smith area, where Jim worked for Ballensky Farms.

In 1963, he assisted in the construction of Yellowtail Dam and upon its completion, the couple moved to Billings. He began work of the Barry O'Leary Construction and later for the JTL Group, on numerous construction projects in the Billings area. He was known for his accuracy in the operation of a road grader.

He was a member of the Catholic Church, Billings Mustang Flying Club and Operating Engineers Local 400.

During his spare time, he enjoyed building and flying model planes and golfing. He loved to boat and fish on Bighorn Lake behind the dam that he assisted in building. He took great pride in the appearance of his yard, flower garden and his home. He always seemed to have a project and was often followed about the yard by his companion, "Riley."

His parents and a sister, Dorothy Althoff, preceded Jim in death.

Survivors include his wife, Gloria of Billings; his daughter, Kelly Hert-Zinnecker of Billings; his two sons, Tim of Billings and Ted (Velia) Hert of Arizona; a sister, Joyce (Bob) Greenwald of Wyoming; a brother, Tom Hert of Washington; his four grandchildren, Jamie Zinnecker, Tera Jo and Jimmy Hert, and Sebrina Lujan; his aunt, Esther Zimmer; two uncles, Harry (Jean) and Vic (Amelia) Steinmetz; a sister-in-law, Norma Power; two brothers-in-law, Alan (Jan) and Gary Ballensky; numerous nieces and nephews and his special friends, Fred and Katie Dyba.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m. to noon, in the Hardin, Bullis Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue in Billings from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday in the Smith Terrace Garden Chapel. Rosary will be recited 7 p.m. Friday in the Smith Chapel. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Smith Chapel, with interment to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Big Sky Hospice or American Heart Association.