James Kanzler

James Harrell Kanzler passed away

outside his home near Wilson, Wyo., on April 18, 2011.

He was born April 22, 1948, in Spokane,

Wash., to Harrell “Hal” and Jean Kanzler. Jim grew up in Columbia

Falls until 1965, when the family moved to Butte, where he

graduated from high school. Jean, Jim and his younger brother Jerry

moved to Bozeman following his father’s death in 1967. Jim attended

Montana State University for two years. He was self-educated and

versed in multiple subjects.

Jim joined Bridger Ski Patrol in 1968.

He was Big Sky Ski Resort’s first ski patrol director, from

1972-1978. He was a Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski patrolman from

1978-1986.

He transitioned into avalanche

forecasting using field data and computers from 1986-1997. He

worked for the resort’s information technology department in 1999

until the time of his passing.

Jim was a well known climber, beginning

with his father and brother in their grade school years in Columbia

Falls. Jim’s influence was widespread in Montana and Wyoming,

making difficult and first ascents in Glacier National Park, the

Beartooth Mountains and the Canadian Rockies. He made expeditions

to Alaska and China.

He was a mountain guide with Exum in

the Tetons from 1977-1999, where he guided the north face of the

Grand Teton.

Jim was preceded in death by his father

in 1967 and Jerry in 1969.

He is survived by his mother Jean, of

Manhattan; his son Jamie Kanzler and wife Jennifer, of Park City,

Utah; and grand children James Dylan, 7, and Jacqueline, 2.

Jim touched the lives of people

everywhere he went. His wry sense of humor was seasoned with a dash

of sarcasm. He was loved and made a difference to everyone around

him.  

His wit and wisdom and the sound of his

boots approaching will be deeply missed by the many people who knew

him.            

A memorial service will be announced at

a later date.