James Kirth Erickson

James Kirth Erickson was born on February 19th, 1971. He joined his forever family in September of that year. Jim was the happiest of babies despite his medical problems. He struggled with these issues all of his life. Despite his valiant struggle his body could not cope any longer and he passed away on April 2nd.

Jim lived most of his life in Denver, Colorado. He attended two years of Community College studying machining and computer science which he excelled in. Jim worked in a facility for mentally disabled persons for 2 1/2 years in Ogallala, Nebraska and did some computer consulting. He always enjoyed the challenge of computer trouble shooting and designing and building computer systems.

After three brain surgeries, Jim moved to Billings in 2002 to be with family and friends. Last week Jim accepted a job with the National Hot Rod Association at Acton where he was to be operating the computer timing devices for the 1/4 mile drag races. He told his dad that it was his dream job. He had everything he liked wrapped up in one great package.

Jim had a sweet spirit and a very kind, loving soul and a great sense of humor. Jim had many friends, both young and old, and a very special friend, Jan Hixon, that he could always call and discuss his physical and mental problems with and share a joke or two. He had a lot of empathy for persons with medical issues as he was so intimately acquainted with them.

Jim is survived by his parents, Kirth and Joan Erickson and his faithful dog, Tucker; his brother Mark; his aunt Randi Friez and her children: Scott and Laura Scheetz and their sons, Skyler and Tanner; Stacy and Todd LaRue and their daughters, Alysia and Jordan; His uncle Woody and Betty Erickson and their children Jodi and Steve McCarty and Chris Erickson; his aunt Barbara Lewthwaite; his aunt Elizabeth and Michael McCarney and their children, Sara McCarney and her husband Jeff Harmon and Daniel McCarney.

The family would like to thank his doctors, Tom Van Dyke, Kerstin Beijer, and James Mack for the gentle and loving care they gave him while dealing with his many problems. Also thanks to his terrific therapist, Annette Bachellor for her patience and understanding.

Jim’s service of faith and healing will be held at the Town Square on St. John’s Campus at 3940 Rimrock Road at 11:00 am on Saturday April 15th. Family and friends are invited to the Erickson’s for lunch after the service.