James (Jim) F. O’Connor, age 79, of Helena, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 19th, 2016.
Jim was born on August 13, 1936, in Helena, MT, to James C. and Ida (Stout) O’Connor of Salmon, ID. He attended grade school and graduated from Helena High School in 1954. After graduating high school, Jim enlisted into the US Army and served our country for 4 years spending most of his time stationed in Germany. After his time spent in the military, Jim went on to attend Eastern Montana College in Billings, MT where he met the love of his life, Barb Frantz and they later eloped on September 29th, 1960 in Coeur D’ Alene, ID. Together they were blessed with two boys.
Jim started working for the smelter out in East Helena, MT shortly after they started their family. After working for the smelter for 35 years, Jim retired in 1997. After retirement, he and Barb enjoyed traveling with friends and attending many family gatherings. In May 2006, his beloved wife passed away after an extended illness. Jim then started volunteering at the National Guard thrift store at Fort Harrison where he enjoyed the people he worked with and all the treasures he randomly found and brought home.
Jim enjoyed all outdoor activities including, skiing, golfing, hunting with the group at their hunting camp, and 4-wheeling with his good friend Ray Shell. He also had a special place in his heart for the “hut” with the fishing crew in Sekiu, WA as he said this was his favorite spot on Earth. Also Wednesday nights you would find Jim at the Brewhouse enjoying beer and wings with his friends.
Jim was a kind and loving soul that could talk and enjoy the presence of everyone around him. He loved his family and friends and was very proud of his two sons. Jim will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Charles and Ida (Stout) O’Connor and beloved wife, Barb (Frantz) O’Connor. He is survived by his two children, Kelly O’Connor (Deborah Clarke) of Snoqualmie, WA; and Shaun O’Connor of Helena, MT; his two grandchildren, Caitlin O’Connor (Brook Swingley) of Missoula; and Brianne O’Connor of Seattle, WA; his two great granddaughters, Ryann and Carsynn Swingley of Missoula; and his sister Norine (O’Connor) Brittingham of Billings, MT; nieces Debbie (Jerry) Johnson of Haliey, ID; Sherrie Ringstad of Everett, WA; Mary (Greg) Olsen of Missoula, MT; Lisa (Mose Chun ) Brittingham of Helena, MT; and nephew Pete (Linda) Brittingham of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and his great nieces Michelle Ringstad of Bothell; WA and Tina (Rick) Devrin of Edmonds, WA; and Kate Brittingham of Spokane, WA; and great nephew Connor Brittingham of Hailey, ID and numerous cousins and friends.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, July 28th 2016, at St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church of East Helena. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to National Guard Thrift Store in c/o Betty Brown at 615 South Beatty Helena, MT 59601. Service arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday July 28, 2016
SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday July 28, 2016
SS. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Craig and Jeanette Kimm says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jacque says
Shaun, and Kelly.. I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know how close you are to your father. My heart is breaking for you and all your family.
Anna says
Kelly and Shaun , with sincere condolences; thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and always. Anna
Eldon Lindstrom says
Jim loved to converse with people and did so in a down to earth kind of way, he was a politician among friends as he always was well versed in any subject and always said the right thing. He had a good judgement of character and never had a bad thing to say about anybody as I believe he could see something good in everyone. He was an amazing friend and will be truly missed in many aspects of family and social life, especially at hunting camp and fishing out of Sieku.
Del McNamara says
Shaun and Kelly so sorry for your loss. Jim and Barb were very good friends, and even tho I moved away we visited often. I will miss him. Go in Peace old friend .
EJ Sheridan says
So very sad for your loss Shaun and Kelly,your Dad was my friend and mentor and I will miss him greatly
Peg Armstrong says
A very sad time for all Jim’s family and friends. He was one of a kind, a soul full of character and a caring spirit. There wasn’t person nor fence post he would not talk to or who wasn’t his friend. Jim will forever be missed. RIP dear, dear friend.
Buzz Helfert says
I was sure sorry to hear of Jim’s passing,I just visited with him a few weeks ago. I served on the East Helena Vol. Fire Dept. with him for close to 20 years. He was a top fireman;one you wanted with you when entering a burning building. Rest in peace,my friend and Godspeed.
Mary Brydich says
Shaun – We are so sorry for your loss. What a shock! It was just a few weeks ago that we were having dinner at Barclay’s in Anaconda. What a grand time we had! It just goes to show that every day is a gift. Both your mom and dad were wonderful people. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Mary and Jay
Jim and Cindy Stoddard says
Shawn and Kelly, so sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.
Myrna Omholt-Mason says
Shawn and kelly I will miss him dearly he was a good friend the best you can have, Him and your Mom are together now. Leny and Myrna Mason
John Poppe says
Kelly, Shawn And Family, My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All At This Time, Your Dad And Mom Are Together Again In A More Beautiful Place, And Some Day We Will All Be In That Glorious Place, And Will Never Lose A Loved One Again.
Bill Hess says
I saw Jim every Thursday at the National Guard Thrift Store as I work at FT Harrison. He was always in a good and humorous mood; he was one of the reasons I enjoyed going to the thrift store. You didn’t have to look hard to see that he was a good man; a very good man. I will miss seeing Jim and wish to offer my condolences to all of his family.
Evelyn knowles says
Our prayers go out to Jim’s family. We enjoyed visiting with him when we went out to the Fort store.Jim was one that made us all smile .God Bless You All. Our prayers are with you Jim.
Evelyn knowles, Linda Weber,Bob Joe Weber & Cindy Parry
Angela Ewing says
Our thoughts and prayers to your family. He was such fun to visit with at the Thrift store. He always wanted to buy my son’s hat that had belonged to my dad. Our Dads worked at the smelter together and we had many a conversation about the place. He will be greatly missed.