James “Jim” F. Christnacht, age 95 of Helena

Jim was born November 25, 1929 in Tacoma, Washington to George and Kathleen (Walsh) Christnacht.  He was the blue-eyed baby-boy of the family with older sister Mary Anne and older brother George.  Jim passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2025.

Jim grew up in Tacoma, Washington where he attended Saint Patrick Catholic School and Bellarmine Preparatory School, graduating from Bellarmine in 1947. During that time he formed friendships he cherished and maintained for life; Fontana, Hickey, and O’Leary to name a few. Growing up Jim was always active with school, sports, Boy Scouts, and church.  Jim had multiple jobs during his high school and college days. When he was only fourteen, Jim served as an Air Raid Warden Messenger in Tacoma during WWII. One could say Jim was always in motion.

Upon graduation from high school, Jim enrolled at the University of Portland.  Harry Truman called and interrupted his education.  Jim served with distinction in the US Army during the Korean War, earning the Combat Infantry Badge and the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars. Upon his discharge from the Army Jim continued his education at the University of Portland graduating with a BA in Business Administration in 1954.

In Seattle Jim met the love of his life: Joann Virginia Casale. Jim was introduced to Joann by her roommate. The same roommate advised Jim that Joann was not his type. She couldn’t have been more wrong!  Jim poured on the charm using his blue eyes and smile, and in spite of his sense of humor, he won her over.  They were married on October 12, 1957.  After honeymooning in Las Vegas and San Francisco, the young couple settled down and started building their family in the Seattle suburb of Burien, Washington.  Children quickly followed: Robert, Thomas, Carol, Peter, and Paul.

Jim and Joann were active members of their neighborhood and parish at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Burien. They helped launch the Hungry Mind, a coffee shop in the mid 1960’s as a safe place to discuss the hottest topics of the day; women’s rights, race issues, sex, Vietnam War, and politics.

Adding to Jim’s long list of careers was Boeing, and then Unigard Insurance where he honed his tech skills in the very early days of mainframe computers and data processing.  In 1973 Jim and Joann relocated the family to Helena, Montana because they wanted to raise their family in a smaller town. Jim worked for the State of Montana for 20 years retiring in 1993 as the Deputy Director of the Department of Administration.

To no one’s surprise, retirement was only a change of work location for Jim.  He kept active becoming a public servant with the Helena Kiwanis Club.  Jim started a program to repair abandoned and donated bikes, which were then given to those in need in the Helena community.  Over the next 25 years Jim overhauled and gave back to the community well over 1,000 bikes.

For many years Jim was active in the Association of Montana Retired Public Employees serving as a board member and President. He actively supported Joann’s volunteer efforts with the Western Rendezvous of Art and the Helena Civic Center Board.  Jim and Joann both found great satisfaction serving their community.

Jim was always fixing and building things. He never shied away from projects; building his garage, repairing and restoring cars, or hanging drywall.  Jim was famous for his conservative approach to dealing with expenditures.  On many occasions Jim left the Helena Transfer Station with his truck weighing more than when he arrived.

Another aspect of Jim’s retirement was traveling with Joann. Together they visited family throughout the Lower 48 as well as trips to Mexico, Singapore, Panama, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe. He enjoyed spending quality time with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren; sharing in their interests including fixing cars, demolition derby, snow skiing (with his unique form that could be seen across the slope), swim meets, football, basketball, soccer, musicals, plays, and so much more. Jim loved being a grandpa. He had a second opportunity to teach all his economical repair skills, share his wisdom, and usher in a new generation of chess and checker players.

Jim’s unwavering commitment to his faith has been a constant cornerstone in his life. Jim dedicated many hours of his days on earth to helping others. He believed in the power of community and kindness. Jim will be remembered for his gentleness, smile, wit, and his steadfast devotion to his beloved wife Joann.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to friend and neighbor, Carissa Taylor, for her unwavering support, kindness, and assistance during this difficult time.

Jim is survived by Joann, his wife of 67 years, his sister Mary Anne Maloney, his sister-in-law Joan Christnacht, his five children: Robert (Kristen) Christnacht, Tom (Janet) Christnacht, Carol (Brad Smith) Christnacht, Peter (Teresa) Christnacht, and Paul (Teri) Christnacht, fifteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents George and Kathleen, his brother George, his brother-in-laws Pat Maloney and Joe Casale Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church or the Helena Kiwanis Club Foundation.

Funeral services will be held February 10 at St Mary’s Catholic Church (1700 Missoula Ave, Helena), viewing at 9:30 AM, funeral mass at 11:00 AM, reception to follow.  Internment at Resurrection Cemetery.

Service Schedule

Visitation

9:30 am to 10:45 am

Monday February 10, 2025

St. Mary's Catholic Community Church

1700 Missoula Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

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Funeral Mass

11:00 am

Monday February 10, 2025

St. Mary's Catholic Community Church

1700 Missoula Ave.

Helena, MT 59601

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Reception

Following the Funeral Mass

Monday February 10, 2025

St. Mary's Catholic Community Church

1700 Missoula Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

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Burial

Following the Reception

Monday February 10, 2025

Resurrection Cemetery

3685 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

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