James L. Terry, 72

James L. Terry, age 72, passed away Aug. 27, 2026, in Beaver Dam, Ariz. He was born Feb. 19, 1954, in Missoula, a son of the late James and Mildred Terry, and was one of seven brothers.

James spent his formative years attending school in Missoula and Polson. On Feb. 4, 1978, he married the love of his life, Debra Meyer, in Missoula.

The early years of their marriage took them on a journey across the Northwest. They lived in Lakeside and Missoula, where they welcomed their first child, before moving to Seattle, where James worked as an assistant manager for Fred Meyer. They later moved to Spokane, Wash., celebrating the birth of their second child.

James then enlisted in the United States Army, serving for three years. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., where the couple welcomed their third child. Following his honorable military discharge, the family moved to Great Falls, where their fourth child was born, and James continued his service in the Army Reserve.

James later partnered with his brother, David, to launch Terry’s Customized Pest Control. Upon relocating to Lakeside, they divided the company by region to focus on regional business growth.

The family later moved to Finley Point and eventually bought a home in Polson. James dedicated 30 years to operating Terry’s Pest Control, proudly serving families and businesses throughout the Flathead Valley until his retirement in 2019. In retirement, he realized his dream of being a "snowbird," escaping the Montana cold for the warmth of Arizona.

James loved volunteering and serving his community. He served as a Cubmaster, volunteered with the Finley Point Fire Department, and served as a Fire Department Trustee. He was also a proud Elks Lodge member, serving as Exalted Ruler twice as well as a District Deputy.

His favorite hobbies were golfing, fishing, camping and dancing. He also enjoyed a friendly game of poker, pinochle, pool or shuffleboard. James especially loved playing Santa for the Elks and Scouts Christmas parties.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Louis and Marge Meyer; his brothers, David and Gordon Terry; and his brothers-in-law, Dennis and Ray Meyer.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Debra; his children, Amy Hall (Aaron), Brian Terry (Kendra), Cindy Harvey (Leevi) and Donny Terry. His legacy lives on through his 14 grandchildren, Jade, Isabel, Kaelan, Kiara, Aryanna, Zaylaria, Zaylan, Braelynne, Tyrius, Kyndrie, Carson, Finn, Rhett and Kacie; as well as three great-grandchildren, Braxton, Tessa and Kairi. James is also survived by his brothers, Gary, Bruce, Adam and Zane; his brother-in-law, Al Meyer; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Mathewson.

No formal service will be held. Condolences, well-wishes, and inquiries may be sent directly to the family at [email protected].