Published
1 month agoon
James Leroy Kistler, 86, passed away on November 19, 2024, at his home. James was born on June 3, 1938, and was raised in Indiana, where his family farmed. He loved sports and played baseball and basketball growing up. He was awarded MVP Golden Basketball more than once and held state scoring records. He attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville on a full ride scholarship where he played Basketball, Football, and Track. James enlisted in the Army, where he was stationed in Panama. James was trained as a Medical Lab Specialist and Chemist Assistant. He spent time working at Walter Reed Medical Center and played on a traveling Army Basketball team. He later moved to Chicago and worked at the VA.
James moved to Sheridan in 1969. He worked at the VA and ranched.
Among his hobbies were raising cattle and horses. He enjoyed hunting with friends in Sunlight Basin and Walker Prairie. He would also spend time watching his children with their sports.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Mary Kistler, brother, Lester Kistler, wife, Cynthia Kistler, partner, Suzie Puckett.
Surviving James are his children Dana Kistler LeRoy (Tim), Adria Kistler, Raesha Vanderhoff (Tyler), Devon Kistler (Brittni), Chase Kistler (Chelsea), his grandchildren, Timmy LeRoy, Cooper Smith, Bodie Kistler and Maysin Kistler, his sister, Debbie Kistler Miller, nephews, Victor Kistler and Patrick Kistler, niece, Diane Kistler-Beukema, nephew, Jason Rynard, Fran Schultz, Michael and Kathy Strahan – children, Jessica, Brandan, Nikkole, Kim and Robyn Kimble and children, Heather and Korey.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.
Cindy Butler
November 21, 2024 at 10:54 am
Deepest sympathies Dana, Aidra, Devon , Chase and all the family. Jim was a great man and will be deeply missed. May your memories bring you great comfort during this very difficult time. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Vesta Gale
November 21, 2024 at 2:35 pm
Our heartfelt sympathies to all the Kistler kids. Jim was a great person and lived an amazing life! He will be missed by all who knew and loved him! With sympathy, Larry and Vesta Gale
K&L Luegge
November 21, 2024 at 2:53 pm
Our hearts with all the family – we have loved the Kistler family for many years.
Keith D. Luegge
November 21, 2024 at 3:25 pm
Our sympathies are with you and our prayers.
Keith D. Luegge
November 21, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Our deepest sympathies to the family
Rhonda Nash
November 21, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Dana you have my deepest sympathy . So sorry to hear this . Jim was a good friend
Joan Tellez
November 26, 2024 at 3:40 am
Dana, Devon and all of your family, my heartfelt sympathy to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was my favorite Lab person who was patient with everyone and always had a smile. He was a great man!
Stephen Zahniser
November 28, 2024 at 5:26 pm
What a kind man. My sister, Suzie, cold not have chosen a better or loyal friend. He leaves a standard for the family .