James David Firmage

He died Dec. 15, 2025, in Minneapolis. 

Jim grew up on a farm near Balaton, Minnesota, and was the only child of Kenneth and Gina Firmage. He graduated from Russell High School in 1964. As a boy, Jim loved Christmas, cowboy hats, playing the accordion, and he had a beautiful singing voice. He also loved chocolate chiffon cake, root beer floats, watermelon and cherry Kool-Aid from a mason jar with ice. He was active in 4-H from 1957-1964 and showed sheep and cattle. Jim won 4-H ribbons for his baking too (his specialties included chiffon cake, sponge cake and fried bread). After graduating from high school, Jim continued farming with his parents for several years and particularly enjoyed raising cattle.

During his early 20s, Jim started to experience symptoms of mental illness. His condition eventually forced him to leave the farm and move to Marshall where he worked hard to stay as well as he could manage. Though his struggles were sometimes intense, he continued to seek connection with the wider world where he could. Music was a balm for Jim throughout his life, especially traditional hymns and Elvis Presley. He took pleasure in demonstrating his amazing memory for dates and anniversaries and his ability to tell you almost instantly the day of the week of any date since 1900. Jim remained interested in farming and family members. Despite battling mental illness for almost sixty years, he never gave up his sense of self. Jim was his own person, and he fought hard to keep his bearings amidst great loss and disequilibrium.  

Jim was preceded in death by his loving parents, Kenneth and Gena Firmage. He is survived by a host of cousins who helped to make it possible for Jim to live independently. Special thanks to all the angels throughout the years who helped Jim live in the community including Kathy, Laverne, Carolyn, Mary, the Bakker Family, and Southwest Health and Human Services. 

 

Arrangements by Hamilton Funeral Home Marshall, Minnesota 507-532-2933 www.hamiltonfh.com