Jim Rohrer, 87
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 2 hours, 4 minutes AGO
Jim Rohrer (born Jimmie Wayne Rohrer), 87, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026.
Born on Feb. 11, 1939, to Ben and Mabel Rohrer, Jim lived a remarkable life defined by hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, deep love for family and a playful sense of humor that touched everyone around him.
Jim was the loving husband of Sheila (Frith) Rohrer and a proud father to Ben Inman, Natalie Elert, Wendy Stevenson and Jimmie John "JJ" Rohrer. He was also a cherished grandfather to Elizabeth Luke, Nicholas Inman, Tyler Mullen, Cody Tahista, Izabelle Tahista, Gavin Rohrer and Madeleine Rohrer.
Professionally, Jim built an impressive career with the Port of Seattle, where he took immense pride in initiating and becoming the first manager of the Port’s warehousing operation. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a true entrepreneur at heart. Over the years, his ventures included owning rental and investment properties, selling locking gas caps in response to the gas crisis, and exporting used American cars overseas. While major automakers struggled to access Japanese markets, Jim quietly built what may have been one of the largest used American car export operations into Japan. His determination allowed him to achieve his personal goal — retiring from full-time work at 52.
Jim was incredibly handy and took pride in building and fixing things himself. A skilled woodworker, he built much of the retirement home he and Sheila shared in Lakeside on Flathead Lake. He also spent many years coaching Sheila’s championship softball team. Over the years, he enjoyed horseback riding, motocross racing, golfing and pickleball. He loved being with family, sharing stories and making people laugh.
Jim was a deeply loved father, grandfather and uncle. His sense of humor, playful spirit and ability to have fun made him especially memorable to the many nieces and nephews who knew him as the goofy, beloved uncle.
Jim will be remembered for his hard work, independence, humor and love for his family. He leaves behind a lasting impact on those who knew him and a lifetime of stories his family will continue to share.
A small memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, May 30, at 4 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St. in Kalispell. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.