James “Jim” Eugene Foley passed away during the late hours of July 9, 2011.
Jim was born October 1, 1938, in Chicago, Ill.
Jim spent most of his young life in Chicago but experienced parts of the Eastern world during his service in the U.S. Navy in the 1950’s. Jim moved to Montana with his family in the early 1990’s and relocated to Helena approximately six years ago. Jim felt truly at home in Helena and was an active volunteer in the Helena community. Jim donated his time to the Lewis & Clark Library, Good Samaritan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and the Montana Historical Society. Jim was also proud to be in the Candlelight AA Group where he was a dearly loved member. Jim had a passion for all forms of art: music, theatre, literature, etc . . . As an avid reader, Jim wore his library card thin on everything from James Joyce to Dostoyevsky to Jean Paul Sartre. Jim (though he would never admit it) was a very special human being who lived the last years of his life with quiet dignity in service to others. His quick wit and quiet reflections enriched the lives of those around him.
He is survived by his daughters, Amanda Foley of Portland, Oregon, Shannon Foley of Bozeman, Montana, and Tara Foley of Missoula, Montana; as well as numerous friends in the Helena community.
He will be missed.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 15th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1700 Missoula Ave. in Helena. Interment with military honors will follow at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. Please join the family for a luncheon in the social center of the church immediately following the interment.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dianne Armstrong says
I’ve known Jim through the Candlelight Group for all the years he has been coming. He was one of the most gentle, kind, patient, and humble men I know, also one of the funniest. We miss him so much. It’s hard to see his chair now empty at the meetings or not to see him bustling around making coffee. He was quiet but when he spoke everyone listened because it was always worthwhile whatever he had to say. He had much wisdom. To his daughters, I met you at the funeral. We would love to hear from you and would also welcome you to come to the Candlelight Group some Fri. night and spend some time with the people that so loved your dad. Please contact me any time.
Dianne
Jane McFarlane says
My thoughts are of you for your loss of your father. I knew Jim through his volunteer work. I so admired his quiet presence and humble manner as he went about serving others daily.
Patricia Sternberg says
I wish you the greatest consolation during this sad time. I work at the Library – one of the many places Jim volunteered – and I can’t begin to describe what an impact that quiet, gentle and intelligent man made on me. The way he lived and most especially the integrity he maintained while facing his own mortality will be with me forever.
I know he has left a hole here that no one will be able to fill. I miss him every day when I go by the desk where he worked.He brought a great deal to our organization and to me personally. My deepest sympathy at the passing of this great man. Patricia Sternberg, Lewis & Clark Library