James Patrick "Jim" Gebel

1951 - 2025

The mountains of Montana lost a true friend on July 6, 2025, when James Patrick "Jim" Gebel peacefully passed away at his beloved home in Absarokee, just four days shy of his 74th birthday. For 23 years, Jim had called the Big Sky Country home, and it was there-surrounded by the natural beauty he cherished-that his gentle spirit found its final rest.

Born under the California sun in Los Angeles on July 10, 1951, Jim was welcomed into the world by his parents, Peter and Lorraine Gebel. He spent his early years in the South Bay, where his kind heart and quiet strength became the foundation of lifelong friendships. Even then, those who knew him recognized something special-a man with sharp wit, who listened more than he spoke, and whose loyalty ran as deep as the roots of the Montana pines he would later come to love.

In 2002, at age 51, Jim made a decision that would define the second half of his life: he traded the California coast for the Montana peaks. It wasn't just a change of address-it was a homecoming of the soul. Whether he was hiking the mountain trails or simply sitting on his porch watching the endless sky paint itself in new colors each day, Jim found in Montana what many spend a lifetime searching for: peace, purpose, and a profound connection to the natural world.

Those who knew Jim remember a simple man of rare qualities in our hurried world. His generosity flowed as naturally as a mountain stream-quiet, consistent, and life-giving. His love for animals was legendary; every stray seemed to find its way to his door, and none left without care and kindness. His easy-going nature made him the friend you called when life got complicated, knowing he'd offer not judgment but understanding, not platitudes but genuine support.

Jim preferred the quiet life, but his influence was anything but small. He had the gift of making people feel heard, valued, and accepted exactly as they were. In a world that often demands we be louder, faster, more, Jim showed us the profound impact of simply being present, being real and always showing up when you needed him.

He is survived by his brother Bob, his dear friend Sandra Burns who knew him best, his Olson family aunt and cousins who treasured their connection, numerous nieces and nephews, and many local Montanans who will carry forward his legacy of quiet strength and unconditional love. Jim was preceded in passing by his parents, Peter and Lorraine, and his siblings Peter, Kathryn, and Laura-a reunion we can only imagine brought him the same peace he found in Montana's embrace.

As we say goodbye to Jim, we find comfort in knowing his spirit lives on-in every sunrise he loved over the Beartooth Mountains and in the hearts of all who were blessed to call him friend, neighbor, brother, and family.

A celebration of Jim's life will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beartooth Humane Alliance in Red Lodge, MT.