James L. Koble

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Koble. He departed this life on February 25th, 2026 at the age of 91. Jim had been living at the Holiday Grizzly Peak retirement community in Missoula for the past several years and loved his time and friends there. Jim was born on September 13, 1934 in Missoula to Hazel and John Koble, and attended Missoula County High School. After graduation, Jim joined the U.S. Army and served at Fort Lewis, Washington as a Communications Center Specialist, having received training at the Southeastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, Georgia.

Jim was very passionate about music and dancing, something he enjoyed throughout his life. He taught tap dance and tumbling at his studios in Missoula and Miles City, MT. He was the singer and drummer in a band that traveled throughout Montana and the Northwest; the band performed popular hit songs of the times. Jim was particularly fond of Frank Sinatra and Big Band music, so much so, that he wore out many of Frank's vinyl record albums. It was during his time as a singer that Jim met the love of his life, Mary Lee Palmer. They met in 1966 at the Flamingo Lounge, a popular nightclub in Missoula. Jim and Mary Lee were married for 48 years until her passing in 2014. Jim also worked for many years in the Missoula community as a manager/bartender at various Missoula nightclubs, and he was a clerk for the State of Montana liquor store.

Jim will be remembered fondly for his smile, gift of gab, friendly spirit and his dedication to his family. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne DeMarinis, son Rick DeMarinis (Kathy), grandchildren Melody (Tom) Harvey, Jeremy Gallagher, Gabbi and Ali DeMarinis, sister-in-law Donna Koble and her children Troy, Brady, Lori, as well as his niece Cheryl (Ken) Kempner. Jim will be joined by his family in heaven including his mother Hazel, father John, brother Ron, and uncle Les Ouse.

Jim's ashes will be interred at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT, at a private family service.