Dr. James (Jim) Andrew Trudnowski passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 23, 2010. He was removing snow from the driveway of the home he loved on Canyon Ferry Lake. His wife Kathleen was with him.
Jim was born November 13, 1935 in Harlowton, MT to Ted and Marguerite Trudnowski. He spent his childhood years in Harlowton and Lewistown; as a teenager he moved to Helena where he graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953. Overcoming a battle with polio, he became deeply involved with sports, especially basketball, and later in his life started running.
Jim attended and played basketball at Carroll College graduating in 1957 with a degree in History and a minor in Mathematics. In June of 1958, he married his first wife Lois Pithoud Miles. They had 4 children: Marjorie, Mary, Dan and John.
Jim followed his passion for coaching and teaching. He began his professional life at Anaconda Central and Great Falls Central High Schools before moving to Helena and continuing his love for coaching and teaching at Carroll College in 1968. During his forty-two years at Carroll, he taught students, coached athletes, started basketball camps, and took on the role of vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college. He impacted many lives not only with his wisdom in the classroom and on the court, but also by guiding young people and his peers with their life decisions.
In November of 1990 Jim married his wife Kathleen Joyce. In their twenty years together Jim and Kathleen were dedicated parents, grandparents. Together with their deep faith in God and love for each other, he and Kathleen created a beautiful place of solitude and hospitality at their home on Canyon Ferry. There was always plenty on the table from his beautiful garden and from his good luck with a fishing pole. Family, friends and students enjoyed their time there immensely.
Carroll College was always included when they talked about family. Strong advocates for education, health and sports, they attended almost every game, graduation and wedding of both family members and Carroll students.
In October of 2010 Jim was acknowledged for a lifetime of dedication to the Carroll athletic community by being presented with the prestigious Warren Nelson award, the highest honor bestowed by Carroll College athletics. He was very humbled and honored to be the recipient of this special recognition. He was a “Saint” that will truly be missed.
Jim was an avid sportsman. One of his favorite events was preparing for and participating in the Governor’s Cup with his kids. Many happy memories were also made with his sons; hiking the hills and mountains of Ft. Benton searching for that perfect buck. Jim found great peace in the outdoors of Montana; running, hunting, fishing and spending time at the lake with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Ted and Marguerite Trudnowski.
Jim was also very dedicated to his family following very closely the paths their lives took. He is survived by his wife Kathleen Trudnowski; daughters Marjorie (Nick) Masla, Seattle WA; Mary (Kevin) Casey, Rapid City, SD; sons Dan (Diana) Trudnowski, Butte, MT; John (Carolyn) Trudnowski, Butte, MT; their mother Lois Pithoud Miles, Helena MT; twin brother Jerry (Sally) Trudnowski, Spokane WA; brother John (Nancy) Trudnowski, Torrance CA; grandchildren Mary and John Masla; Caitlin, Bridget, Conor and Kevin Casey; Tony (Jenessa), Jake, Anna and Sonya Trudnowski; Tyler and Ryan Trudnowski.
Please join us in celebrating his life. A Vigil service will be held at the Carroll College PE center on Tuesday November 30, 2010 at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday December 1, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at Cathedral of St. Helena. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Trudnowski/Joyce scholarship fund at Carroll College, a memorial in the name of Jim Trudnowski at Carroll College or a charity of your choice.
Alan Pule says
Dr.Trudnowski will always be remembered in mind for constantly making student search for the “why?” in everything we did. My first memory was answering a simple 2+2 math question in his class with the answer 4, and then being asked why that was the answer. He impacted my thinking in so many ways. His infectious smile will remain in my memory forever.
Angela says
My dearest sister Kathleen, I hope you feel our love surrounding you as you celebrate the beautiful life of your loving partner Jim tonight and tomorrow….I am with you in spirit and so wish I could be sitting next to you. I will be home soon to spend some time with you and until then I am sending my and all of our loving hugs and prayers and thanksgiving for the beautiful man that you brought into all of our lives!!! I love you Kathleen my dear loving beautiful sister.
Angie (Clinch) and Todd Johnson says
We both grew up with the Trudnowki kids. I have so many happy memories of spending time with Marjorie and Mary at your house in Sunhaven in high school. Your dad was always very kind to my family. All your fondest memories with your dad will comfort you in the days ahead. God bless you all at this very sad time.
Beth Krings Kirsch says
Professor Trudinowski made a big impact on my education as a teacher. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Betty Flaherty McColgan says
Please accept my heartfilled condolences at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Jim was an outstanding human being from the time he was a very young man. I was fortunate to have known him in high school and college. You are in my prayers.
Bill and Sandy Shikany says
Dear Kathleen,Dan,John,Marjorie Mary and family,Sandy and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Trudy was a real friend. We treasure our fond memories of him and his family. May he rest in peace.Peace be with all of you.Peace on earth. Bill and Sandy Shikany
Bill Baumgardner says
I witnessed Jim saving the life of a young girl who choked on a grape at the Buttery Store in Anaconda in 1960. I remember him from Carrol where I was a student (Class of ’60). A fantastic basketball player, teacher, and a fantastic person!!
Bill Haffey says
Jim was such a great role model for us at Anaconda Central. A good many of us followed his career path. He showed us the way.
Bill Stanaway says
Kathleen and all:
My condolences on the death of Jim. We met at Carroll as students, as teachers in Anaconda – Jim and Lois lived next to school, then again when he was at CC & I was chaplain. He is one of few men I admired and tried to live as he did. My heart is saddened as I write, but it is also grateful to have been touched by him.
Peace and prayers,
Bill Stanaway
Casey & Alison FitzSimmons says
Jim was an amazing man who positively impacted the lives of many. He will truly be missed. Heartfelt condolences and prayers are being sent to Kathleen and the Trudnowski family.
Clare Yochum says
Jim’s incredible light shined brightly in his friendly smile and warm laugh! Thank you God for the remarkable gift, Jim, was to the world and our Carroll Community! He will be missed.
Connie Davis says
Kathleen, I did not know your husband, but my daughter (Maggie Davis class of 2008) thought highly of him. You were such an angel to Maggie during her Carroll years; I want to express my sympathy for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Dale & Deanna Hause and family says
Jim was not a teacher of mine at Carroll but a mentor. He was always interested in my life and where it was going. His wisdom and caring has guided my life and the way I want to be seen as a get older. You will be truely missed my friend. Gods Peace
Darla Dexter says
He was an awesome instructor. He made me think. Most of all, I loved his laugh. God bless.
Dave and Debbi Waldenberg and family says
Dear Kathleen…We are so sorry to hear about Jim…although we do not know you both personally, but only really in passing…we sure know who you are and how very much we have appreciated all your LOVE and support to not only the Carroll football Team but especially for someone very special to us…our son Michael…THANK YOU so very much…my only regret, I never came up to the both of you and shared this with both of you before today…Cherish and embrace all the love that is surrounding you to help guide you through this time…Fondly, Debbi Waldenberg and family
Dave Cunningham says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Trudnowski family with the loss of Jim. May he rest in peace.
Dave and Patty Cunningham
Wildwood, MO
DeeAnn (Janikula) Mooney says
I will always remember Jim and appreciate the impact he has had on me and three generations of my family. I treasure the stories my father and uncle told about their years at Great Falls Central. I value my years at Carroll and appreciate the positive influence Jim had on me as a mentor, coach, and friend. I always enjoyed visiting with Jim and Kathleen at Carroll and at math conferences. My daughter also benefited from his expertise as she was also a basketball camp attendee. Please know that his light lives on in each of us.
Dennis and Laurie Wiedmann says
Dear Kathleen and family,
We are saddened by the passing of Jim and wish to extend our deepest sympathies on your loss. Jim was a caring, warm and compassionate person whom I respected and admired as an Academic Dean. We will always have fond memories of you both on the trip to Ireland with Carroll folks.
Dennis and Laurie
Dick Franz says
I first met Jim when we both played in the City Basketball League. Jim was on the “good” team and I was on another team. I didn’t know about Carroll at the time and that he was the basketball coach. His team was, to say the least, quite competitive. I was lucky enough to make a last second shot to beat his team. As I recall, someone knocked me on my back as I made the shot. Whether or not it was Jim, I remember me complaining about the late foul. Jim looked at me and told me not to complain — we won. Yes, I sensed he was quite competitive. Many years later, I began my work at Carroll and met Jim. He was most friendly, and always had that welcoming smile. He always stopped to say hello. I sense he always demanded the best from himself, and always did his best for students, Carroll, and his family and friends. I was privileged to know Jim. He was a good man.
Kathleen, I wish you comfort at this difficult time. I hope you can take time to grieve as you remember the good times you and Jim shared. Peace be with you.
Don Olson says
Dear Kathleen- We are so saddened to learn of Jim’s death. I had such a nice visit with him at the President’s Dinner- he looked good, and was so honored with the recent awards he was given, Jim spent a year rooming in my Anaconda home after he graduated from carroll, so I had a special relationship with him because of that. He is “Mr. Carroll College” in my book. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Don and Joanne Olson
Ed & Suellen Wilkinson says
Oh my gosh, Cousin Kathleen! We were so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. I’ve been reading the tributes, and truly wish we could have known him better. We pray that you will take solace in the many extraordinary comments from friends, family, and colleagues, and that you know we are thinking of you as you come to grips with this enormous heartbreak. God Bless. Love to you and your family. Cousin Susie & Ed
Fred and Linda McDermott says
So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend in high school and on the basketball floor, and was in our wedding party. He’ll be remembered as a gentleman and a friend.
Gary Cooper says
Thank you Jim and Kathleen for what you have meant to my life, and what you have meant to Carroll. Both will last forever. Bless you Kathleen, rest in peace Dr. Trudnowski.
Gerry & Judy Kuhl says
Our thoughts, blessings, prayers and condolences. Jim was such an icon…admired by all who knew him. We share in your grief and sorrow at his loss; but, take great comfort in the reality of his union with our Father and God.
Jack Haffey says
Susan and I send our condolences, thoughts and prayers to Jim’s family. Jim coached basketball at Anaconda Central and was a great coach and mentor. He was so valuable to Carroll and its students as well. Jack and Susan Haffey.
Jackie Thelen Eberle says
I remember “Mr. Trudinowski” from math classes at Great Falls Central in the 1960’s. I know I wasn’t the only girl with a crush on him, not only for that wonderful smile, but because of his effective, inclusive teaching. I wasn’t lucky enough to be in any of his classes at Carroll, but ironically one of my daughters-in-law works with his daughter in Seattle. Small world! I lost my husband a year ago, so I understand the pain you’re feeling. I send my thoughts and prayers….
Jan Williams says
To the family of Dr. Trudnowski.
I was truly fortunate in having Dr. Trudnowski as a professor and mentor during my college career at Carroll. Dr. Trudnowski was a truly gifted educator whose love of teaching was evident in how many student’s lives he touched.
The academic world has lost a truly fine educator, Jim will be missed greatly.
Jan Williams
Carroll College Class of 2000
Jana Hahn says
Dr. Trudnowski was a wonderful teacher. I had the privilege of being a student of his. I am honored to have known him. I will always remember his infectious smile and love of education. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Carroll family.
Jennifer Marold says
What a tremendous loss. He was a wonderful educator and person.
Jeremy & Amanda Grove says
Our sincere condolences to Kathleen and the rest of the Trudnowski family. Jim was a great man and he will be sorely missed by the Carroll College community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy and Diana Cassidy says
This truly is a day of great sadness, as well as great joy. Sadness, that a man who was a beacon of Christ’s authentic love both in respect to the beauty of his Church and the dignity of it’s people, will no longer be able to share that light in the mortality of this Earthly life. However, this day is joyful because Dr. Trudnowski will reach the eternal reward of Heaven just as he embodied daily. Dr. Trudnowski was one of the few people at Carroll who truly understood my wife and I’s love for evangelization and the Church of Christ. God Bless him and his family and may the soul of this faithful departed rest in Peace.
Jerry & Judy O'Reilly says
Jim was our frosh football coach at Great Falls Central.
He also taught me math at Central and Carroll. He was a great person and our prayer’s are with you.
Jessica (Hilborn) Imholte says
Kathleen and family–
I am so sorry and sad to hear of this news. I fondly remember Jim from my time at Carroll–always full of spirit and joy for life. He will be missed greatly.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jessica Hilborn, ’05
Jim & Marilyn McMahon says
Our deepest sympathy to all the Trudnowski family. Jim inspired both as a teacher and as a coach. His legacy lives on in all of us whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
Jim and Jennifer Tucker says
Our prayers and sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this amazing man. It has been a great please to know and work with Jim. He will be so greatly missed!
Jim Longin says
Dear Trudnowski Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of our beloved Jim. He was my mentor, my role model, my friend…an educator’s educator. I thank God for having allowed me the privilege of knowing and working with Jim. I will miss him. May he rest in peace.
John & Cathy Joyce says
Kathleen: Please accept our sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing. Had to have been a great guy to have been married to you. Met him one time while we were out there. Our love to you during this time.
Josy Peterson says
Kathleen and family,
I want you all to know that I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Jim. I was a nursing student at Carroll, graduating in 2007. What I remember most when I think of Jim is his smile. May that smile live on in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you have much hope and support.
Josy Peterson, RN
Kami Wallner says
Kathleen,
My condolences for your loss. While I was a student at Carroll College (Class of 2004), I interacted with Jim regarding a course matter and have a lasting memory of his wisdom, directness, and ability to help others. I will be forever grateful.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Kami Wallner
Katie McClure says
Kathleen & jim’s family,
I can’t even tell you how dear Jim and Kathleen are in my life and how they made my expereince at Carroll complete. I got to know Jim through the athletic department and he had nothing but kind words and care to share. He made a difference in my life and was such a positive ifluence. My prayers are with your family and with the Carroll family for it is a great loss. Love,
Katie McClure
Kelsey Kyle says
Jim could light up a room with his smile. I am blessed to have known Jim and Kathleen. They are the kindest, giving people I know and enriched my experience at Carroll. Jim will be greatly missed by the Carroll and Helena community.
Kirk Stetson says
My prayers and thoughts are with Kathleen and the entire Trudnowski family. Coach T brought me to Helena and introduced me to the Carroll family 34 years ago and I will forever be grateful. Rest in peace.
Koby and Gayle May says
We would like to send our love and condolences to the family. Jim was Gayle’s Alpha Seminar instructor and friend. Both Gayle and I worked with Jim when he was Academic Dean of Carroll College. He will be greatly missed.
Love always – Koby and Gayle
Lee Martin says
Professor Trudnowski led my Alpha class at Carroll when I was a freshman last year. I always enjoyed hearing him laugh and tell stories about his family. I will miss him, and hope for the best, for him and his family.
Lou Durante says
My sincere condolences to the family.I played basketball for coach from 1969-73 and to say the least had a great impact on my life. Will miss his spirit and the love of a good man.Lou Durante
Mark, Kellie Samson and family says
We were deeply saddened by your loss—Jim was always great to our family and seemed to always go out of his way to welcome us back to Carroll everytime we played a game there. He truly was symbolic of what “family and friends” is all about–our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless—
Monica (Huestis) Abbott says
I was a student of Mr Trudnowski at Anaconda Central and have wonderful memories of his class. He took th time to teach a few of us advanced math during the lunch hour. He was a great teacher and I remember him also as a coach. He will be missed.
Pat Molloy says
It is difficult to adaquately pay sufficient homage to Jim T. He was always there with his gentle and deep smile. He and Kathleen looked so good together and they truly lived a Christian life. I remember his words at John Downs’ funeral. He was a good man who will be remembered by many.
Pauline Casey says
I only learned of Jim’s passing this evening (11/29)
It is a shock. None of us know what God has in store for us. I will remember you all in my prayers. He was a wonderful man.
Pauline Casey
Pete Markuson says
I never had the pleasure of having Dr. Trudnowski as one of my instructors at Carroll, but I fondly remember how well respected he was by the students, faculty, and administration. His love for his wife, his students, and his colleagues was evident every day, and everyone can learn something from a man who lived life so well. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, and thank you Kathleen for everything you do for the Carroll community. We ALL love you and are so thankful to have someone so special be a part of our lives. My deepest condolences, and if you need anything, please let me know.
Renata Birkenbuel says
With the sudden passing of Coach Trudnowski, I’d like to emphasize what he meant to those of us who attended his early-day girls’ summer basketball camps. He was larger than life at our camps in the 1970s and 1980s. It was always special when he made an appearance to run drills with us or to demonstrate hustling denial defense. At a time when girls’ basketball was at its infancy in Montana, Coach Trudnowski boosted our confidence, made us tougher and taught us the fundamentals. He helped us pioneer Montana girls’ basketball; he took it and us seriously. His passion for playing the game correctly matched ours, plus he always made sure that we had a lot of fun at camp. Later on, when I joined the coaching ranks at camp for several summers, he treated us as worthy colleagues – often sharing a smile or a bit of easygoing wisdom with us on the sidelines. So, on behalf of all the women basketball pioneers who grew up at his summer camps, as I did, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Renata Birkenbuel
Great Falls, MT
Rick Perko says
A good man, whom I greatly admired during my time at Carroll. The world was a better place because he lived in it and Heaven will be a better place now that he has moved there.
Rod Gartner says
I am part of the class of 1970. Jim was active in teaching then and in the basketball team. I saw him at the homecoming this Fall, a couple months ago. I am saddened to hear of his unexpected passing. He is a model type of person.
-Rod Gartnerk
Ron Iverson says
Kathleen and family: We lost a very good man and friend in Jim. During the forty years I knew him, we had several discussions, some long, most brief. He was always an interesting man to talk to, basketball, sports, education and friendship came easy for him, and he always had time to visit a little and smile while we talked. He had a great impact on so many young people at Carroll and will be badly missed. Ron
Sonny Silverthorne says
My Prayers are with your family. Dr. Trudnowski will be missed by so so many people. I’m just so happy that I had the absolute pleasure of getting to know such an incredible man. Dr. Trudnowski may you rest in peace and I pray your family can always cherish the time they had with this amazing man…
Stacy (Reynolds) Hollar says
Marj,
>From high school I remember your dad’s laugh and how he towered over all of us (at least over me!). So sorry for your loss. May many happy memories bring you some peace.
Stacy (Reynolds) Hollar
Steve Belle says
My prayers of comfort and peace go to the family and friends of Dr. Trudnowski. I’m a Carroll College alum, class of 1987, and as an engineering/math student had the Dr. for a couple of classes. I have great memories of him.
The Ryan Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Trudnowski family. The summers we spent in Helena with Jim and the Trudnowskis were always special and something we looked forward to every year. God Bless.
tom zadick says
in your life you are lucky if you encounter a handful of really exceptional teachers. i was that lucky. coach trudnowski was one of them. i have never forgot my time with him in algebra 2 at gfc.
my condolensces to the family. i know you can find comfort in knowing how many kids he helped.
Tony and Rebecca says
Jim was a very special person. We will always remember those eyes and smile that would light up a room. Sending our love, thoughts and prayers to you Aunt Kathleen and all of the family.
Tracy Walsh says
I have many memories of college and basketball playing and coaching.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Valerie Erwin says
I am so incredibly sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a wonderful man who I had the privelege of knowing. He was a spectacular mentor to many students at Carroll and he was loved by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathleen and the Trudnowski family. God bless.
Valerie Hamer Eickmeyer says
God Bless your family. Jim was a wonderful man. Your in my thoughts and prayers.