Jim Ronning

In Loving Memory of

RONNING, Jim

Jim Ronning was born August 30, 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Delores Klein and George Ronning. He passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital on August 19, 2011. At six months of age, his family moved to Fort Benton, Montana where he lived most of his school years. He graduated from High School in 1944, and then enlisted in the Navy until 1946. He started college in 1947 at the University Of Montana School Of Pharmacy. After school, he tried his hand running a service station in Missoula, Montana until April of 1952. He then started working as a saw filer at the Thorton Lumber Co. In September of 1954 he married Jigs Kelly; they had two sons, Mike and Marvin. The marriage was dissolved in 1982. Just before Christmas of 1986, Jim started dating a former acquaintance, Phyllis Smith. He called her "Sweetie Pie" then, and still did up to her passing. She called him the love of her life. She brought with her a large family that he loved and loved him. Their relationship continued to grow until they chose to commit their life to one another. Jim was a member of the Kettle Falls Masonic Lodge. He served as Master Mason twice. He was awarded the Saw Filers Gavel in 1984. He was the Fire Chief in Darby, MT, Assistant Fire Chief in Hamilton, MT. He served thirteen years on the fire department and ambulance crew. He was an avid bowler, hunter, and fisherman. Jim and Phyllis were baptized together in August 1994. Jim retired from his saw filing career at Boise Cascade in 1988. He spent his last year in a wheel chair with much dignity, grace, and unfailing sense of humor. He is survived by his soul mate Phyllis Roming of 24 years. His two sons whom he loved and adored Mike Ronning, Palm Springs, CA, Marvin Roming, Providence, RI. His acquired family, Cindy Smith, David (Sandy) Smith, Melvin (Micki) Smith, Paul (Ralla) Baker. Grandchildren Missy (Rick) Thompson, Joshua (Tracy) Baker, Ember (Ben) Beardslee, Nadine Smith, Doug Smith, Hannal Smith, and Taylor Smith. Great Grandchildren Mickalyn, Kaylynn, Brett, Kristopher, Wyatt, Josie, Kimber and Cheyene. Sister-in-law Frankie (Daniel) McNeil Chewelah, WA, Carole (John) Battey, Trail, B.C., Brother-in-law Gerald Pelissier, Marcus, WA, John Pelissier, Sprague, WA. Nieces Kathy Cox, MT, Sue Cox, MT, Nancy Nelson, Coeur d'Alene, Nephews Jim Cox, MT, Randy Cox, MT, Jody Cox, MT. Cousins Jim and Roma Nelson of Spokane and Judy and Gene Olson of Spokane. Jim was preceded in death by his brother Eugene Ronning, sister Dot Cox and brother-in-law "OB". Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Hospital or Boy's Town. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. The funeral service for Mr. Ronning will be held at the Colville Community Church on Saturday, September 3, at 12:00 p.m. DANEKAS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORY, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114 is entrusted with the arrangements.