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Dr. James (Jim) Anthony Quinn passed away on October 6, 2025, with his family at his side.
Jim was born on January 30, 1930, in Butte to Margaret McCarthy and Patrick Quinn. He received his early education in Butte’s Catholic schools, and graduated from Boys Central High School in 1948. Following graduation, Jim attended Carroll College, and worked in Butte’s mines during the summers. On August 28, 1954, he married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Mary Kelly at Sacred Heart Church. Following their marriage, they moved to St. Louis where Jim completed his Dental Degree at St. Louis University.
After dental school, the couple resided for two years in San Diego where Jim served his tour of duty with the U.S. Navy. Thereafter, they returned to Montana and chose Helena as their permanent home. Jim opened his private dental practice, and Dorothy became a full-time homemaker, a vocation she cherished.
While practicing dentistry and raising his family, Jim donated time and service to professional, church, and school organizations. He was one of the original founders of Helena’s Cooperative Health Center Dental Clinic. He volunteered at the clinic for four years, and also served as a clinic instructor in Carroll’s Dental Hygiene clinic. For 32 years Jim participated in the Harvard School of Public Health Study on Men’s Health Issues. Jim also served as a board member on the Helena Catholic School Board and Carroll College Alumni Board. In retirement, Jim volunteered for the Montana State Library Talking Books Program.
Jim’s greatest love was his family, and his passion was fishing. He and Dorothy treasured the precious times they shared with their very active nine children; Jim savored the quiet relaxation that fishing provided. With the support of his sons, he was able to continue fishing until the last month of his life.
The family also spent many happy years gathering at their Canyon Ferry cabin. He and Dorothy loved traveling, exploring the backroads of Montana and beyond. They especially enjoyed their trips to Ireland where they shared their heritage with Irish relatives.
Faith, family, and friends were very important to Jim. He and Dorothy were grateful they lived long enough to know, love and enjoy their 16 grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. Jim loved life, and he stayed on earth as long as he could to continue sharing fun times with those he loved.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy (2018); his parents Margaret and Patrick Quinn; and his siblings Marie Carey, Irene Colenso, Jean Quinn, Patrick Quinn and Jackie Quinn.
Jim is survived by his children: Peggy (Roger) Newman of Columbia Falls; Dennis (Joe) of Gig Harbor, WA; Katie (John) Walsh, Mary Ann Quinn, Timothy (Barbara), Kelly (Becky), Patrick (Kim), Carrie (Jeff) Key, all of Helena; and Jim, Jr. (Brittany) of Butte. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces, including special niece Karen Rillahan.
A Time of Remembrance will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N Ewing St., followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to the Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, MT, 59604; or Carroll College, 1601 N Benton Ave, Helena, MT, 59625. Please visit below to offer condolences or share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Time of Remembrance Service
6:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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LOUANN D BALL says
Quinn Family,
Dr. Quinn was one of the first people that we met when we moved to Helena in 1988. I started working for him as a chair side assistant January of 1989. Dr. Quinn was one (his son Patrick being the other.)of the most incredible and caring employers I have ever met. He showed such compassion for his patients and his staff. He was one in a million and I was blessed to have known him as my friend for so many years. I am sad for the Quinn family to have him gone but the incredible memories you must have of him and your mom until the time they passed.
Love, hugs and prayers to all of you.
Chuck and LouAnn Ball
Kathleen Broussard says
Quinn Family
We are so very sorry about your dad and grandpa. I always enjoyed visiting with him at the activities. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Gino Dunfee says
Pat and family, my condolences on the loss of your father. May his memories hold him forever in your hearts.
Sincerely,
Debbie Card Morrison says
Dennis and family:
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad. He was a wonderful man with a smile that warmed your heart. I pray that memories of your father will comfort you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Budge Givler says
My sincere condolences to all the members of the Quinn family. Jim was a living example of humility and respect for all those around him. I am a blessed man to have known this gentle patriarch of the Quinn family. May he rest in peace eternally.
Marie Kall says
Quinn Family,
My deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed both your mom and dad and I’m so sorry for your loss. Gods blessings. Marie Kall
Patricia Rooney says
We were heartbroken to hear of Jim’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss.
It was a privilege for my kids and I to meet up with Jim and all the family in Montana. A warm, kind man with a gentle spirit. We have such fond memories of that time together and his time in Mountcharles, and we will hold them close always.
Your Donegal family are thinking of you all during this very difficult time and sending love, strength, and prayers across the miles. Patricia Rooney (Quinn) and family xx
Bill and Terri Boyle says
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Quinn family. Thinking of you all. Rejoice that Mom and Dad are reunited in Heaven. Love from the Boyle Family
Kathryn D.Smith says
To my teacher Peggy, I was sorry to read about your dad’s passing. He was so involved in Helena and his faith. I know he is proud of you for yourdedication to the Dental Hygiene program here in Helena. You and your siblings are in my thoughts. Kathy Dykstra Smith
Sandy Bradford says
Dr. James Quinn was my dentist for many years. And was happy to then go to Patrick for my dental needs. I teased both as THE FASTEST GUN IN THE WEST as they administered Novocaine – which I dreaded, I might add. What a sense of humor they both had – you NEED that in a dental office!! ha! What a wonderful family with untold influences to the community and patients. THANK YOU for the excellent dental care. My thoughts and prayers with the family.
Sandy Bradford
Barb Meyer Huseby says
So sorry for your loss.
Carol Bridge says
Dr. Quinn was an exceptional dentist. He was so gentle and knew his work so well that on many trips to see him I did not need nova cane. He was certainly one of a kind. God Bless his family!!! I am sure your memories will help dull the pain of losing him.
Janet Neumiller says
My deepest sympathy to all of the Quinn family. It was always so special to spend time with Dorothy and Jim either at a wrestling meet or just visiting after church. Such special people and a wonderful dentist Jim was. We will always cherish the memories we had.
KAREN S QUINN says
To the Quinn family, Dr. Jim was a very special man to me and of course to his nephew Jack. I wished I had more time to get to know him better, but he is in a better place now with no more pain and sorrow. The Lord is taking care of him and his wife Dorothy. He will be sorely missed! We love all of you and keep you all in our prayers daily. Blessing to all! We look forward to seeing all of you again and wish they were under different circumstances. Love you all Jack and Karen Quinn
Constance and David Cole says
We were saddened to read of Jim’s passing. Dr. Quinn was one of the first medical professionals we met when we moved to Helena. His sweet, caring nature mirrored the care he provided to us until we continued on with Pat. His staff always reflected that caring nature, removing some of the anxiety associated with visits to the dentist. Dave and I thank you for sharing this special man with our community.
Larry & Sylvia Michaelson says
Upon my completion of my tour of duty in the Navy, I returned home with my family and began creating a Dental Technician Lab to serve the Helena Community. Dr. Quinn was one of the first dentist to rally around me and support my efforts. His loyalty remained with me up until he retired and passed his practice over to his devoted son, Patrick, who is our family dentist now. Dr. Quinn is an unforgettable gentle man who carried an influence of kindness, humor, and integrity, and devotion to God, Family and Country and his community like no one I have ever known. Both my wife, Sylvia, and myself are fortunate that our paths crossed with that of Dr. Quinn. May God be with the beautiful Quinn family and you Patrick. You carry so much of your dad’s qualities .Sincerely, Larry & Sylvia Michaelson
Collette and John Collins ( Ireland) says
In our thoughts from his cousins in Ireland RIP Jim, to all the Quinn family on the passing of Jim, a gentle and loving father who will be foundly remember for his visit with Dorothy to Ireland, tracing his roots back to his home places for both his parents, and in his life he carried the memories within his soul and his fondness of the people of Ireland which he passed to on the rest of the Quinn family of the old ways, now on his last journey to be
with Dorothy and his people and the old Clan ☘️ he will be seated with our Lord, looking down on us and guiding the family from above , may his gentle soul rest in peace 🙏 Collette and John Ireland.
James Dennis Sheehy says
We are very sorry to hear of Dr. Quinns passing. He was our family dentist prior to Patrick taking over the practice. Dr. Quinn was a professional, compassionate and exceptional Irish gentleman. He will be missed.
Janet and Dennis Sheehy
Seamus and Rosemary Quinn Mountcharles Donegal Ireland says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Quinn family on the sad passing of Jim. My son Conor and I have many happy memories of visiting Jim, Dorothy and family in Montana in 1994. We were delighted that Jim visited us in Mountcharles some years later. He was a true gentleman in everyway. I am sure he will be missed greatly by you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Rest in Peace Jim.
Dan Hawkins says
We are sad to hear of Jim’s passing, but saw what a full and wonderful life he lived. One of the kindest, most gracious men that it’s been my pleasure to know. Heaven is a little bit brighter now with Jim Quinn in Loving Arms.
Joe Kelly says
Jim Quinn has been a uncle I have looked up to my whole life life from probably around 60 years ago when he showed I and my older brother how to run electricity into a wet lawn to get the night crawlers to come out for fish or 40 years ago when I and rich lowe were headed from ak to Mexico dropping in evening of elk hunting next day to elk down by sunrise next day hung out about enough time for uncle to realize that two Alaskans weren’t the best influence on college girls said to me weren’t you two going to Mexico for the winter I immediately told him yes sir we’re leaving in the morning nothing but good memories of you Jimmy Quinn
Bill Hunthausen says
Dear Quinn family, your dad and grandpa was a beautiful blessing in my life! He was the only dentist I had growing up as a little squirt in the 60s and for decades to follow. Whether arriving for an appointment with my mom or dad as a youngster or on my own as an adult, I was always greeted with a kind smile and welcoming voice. His gentle and warm demeanor while working on my teeth is truly a testament to his God given talents. May the peace and joy of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Mary Anne McMahon says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Your dad’s kind heart will forever be etched in my greatest memories! Going to the dentist was not something I looked forward to as a young pup because I didn’t brush my teeth as I should! 😆 I know he knew that I didn’t but that twinkle in his eye, his calm gentle demeanor, and pat on the shoulder let me know that it was all okay. Such a gentle soul that heaven gained in your dad! He lived a long great life and you all get to continue living the legacy of your mom’s life and his! Their reunion in heaven brings a smile to my face!
Barb O'Connell says
How could one not be drawn to the ‘genuine kindness’ of this wonderful human being.
Caring thoughts to all.
Barb Johnson O’Connell