James Marshall Kimball

James “Jim” Marshall Kimball, 86, passed away in Clifton, Idaho, on May 4, 2026. With his wife of 53 years by his side, he passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and a belief that you help others simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Jim was born in West by God Virginia on December 11, 1939, to Virgil and Mary Kimball. Growing up in the hills and hollers of Shirley, he learned the value of a hard day’s work from his dad, Virgil, and developed a lifelong passion for hunting and marksmanship. Whether he was walking miles through the woods for whitetail deer or squirrel hunting with his dad, those West Virginia roots remained a part of him no matter where his travels took him.

On August 17, 1960, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in Fairmont, West Virginia, beginning his journey with Boot Camp at Lackland Air Force Base. He served two tours in Vietnam as part of the elite RED HORSE squadron. Jim was the man they called when the runways were bombed; he and his crew worked under the pressure of conflict to repair airfields and facilities, ensuring the mission could continue. During his service, Jim earned a reputation for being a straight shooter—both with a rifle and his words. He reached the rank of Master Sergeant and was known for his stoic presence. He didn't speak much of the war, but he spoke fondly of the lifelong friends he made and the few "scrappy" moments on the runways of Danang Air Base Vietnam.

On June 22, 1973, Jim married the love of his life, Nancy Gailey of Clifton, Idaho. Nancy brought two children into the marriage, Scott and Stephanie, whom Jim raised as his own. Together, they had a son, Corey James Kimball. After Jim’s retirement from the Air Force, the family moved to West Virginia in 1981, where they lived for 28 years. In the spring of 2009, they returned to Fruitland, Utah, where they built a home. Eventually, Jim’s deep love for Nancy led him to ensure she was close to her family, and in November 2016, he moved her back to her parents’ home in Clifton, Idaho.

Jim was a man of action who ran heavy equipment, drove semi-trucks, and maintained a pristine yard—no matter how steep the bank or thick the brush, Jim kept it clear. He was a dad who believed in teaching through doing, and his greatest joy in his later years was his role as a grandfather. He took great pride in teaching us how to shoot, just as his dad had taught him, ensuring that even the youngest generations understood the importance of patience, focus, and a steady hand.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Kimball; his children, Scott Sleight (Amber) of Millville, Utah, and Stephanie Kissner (Kevin) of Byron, Georgia; five granddaughters, two grandsons, 2 great-granddaughters, and his sister Nina Matthews of Weirton West Virginia, all of whom he adored. He is preceded in death by his son, Corey James Kimball, and his parents, Virgil and Mary Kimball.

Jim’s life was defined by a simple code: work hard, tell it like it is, and never charge a neighbor for a helping hand. He will be remembered standing by a clean truck, looking out over a well-kept yard, or out in the field with a rifle in hand—exactly where he was meant to be.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, in Preston. A viewing will be held on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Webb Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Clifton Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.