On the morning of May 27, 2022, James Lawrence McClure died peacefully at home comforted by his wife. Jim was born October 10, 1948, to Lawrence “Larry” and Ruby (West) McClure in Colfax, WA where he spent his early childhood years playing with cousins and swimming at Newman Lake. In 1960 Larry, Ruby, Jim, and little sister Cheryl moved to Lincoln, MT to start a new adventure. The McClure family owned and operated the Phillip’s 66 station where Jim learned many life lessons. He attended elementary and middle school in Lincoln and attended Helena High School. He loved driving fast and bragged about making it from the station to Helena High in 45 minutes and that was before Fletcher Pass was paved.
In 1969 Jim joined the Navy. He served on the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA-31 Aircraft Carrier and the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 Aircraft Carrier as a Boatswain’s mate during the Vietnam Conflict. He was discharged in 1972.
In 1971 He married Glenna Longmire and had two daughters, Corey and Kellie. They later divorced but remained friends.
In 1972 he started his career in law enforcement at the Helena Airport as security, crash, fire, and rescue. In 1976 he was hired by the City of Helena Police Department. Big Jim was 6’6” tall and was often called to bar fights and domestic disturbances to break up the fights and “have a little chat” with the offenders.
In 1980 he moved back to Lincoln and became the resident deputy for Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Gentleman Jim treated the residents of Lincoln with respect and kindness while keeping the peace in his hometown. Often covering Lincoln to Augusta to Wolf Creek. He definitely honed his fast-driving skills.
In 1984 Naknek, AK became his home when he took a job for the Bristol Bay Police Department. Bears were as big of a threat as the criminals. Although the salmon was good he missed his family and moved back home in 1986. He worked for six months for his friend Fred Valiton at his security business. He was hired back at the Helena Police Department in 1987 and retired in 1998. He then worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and contract guard for the US Marshall Service. In 2000 he was hired as a court security officer for the Federal Court and officially retired in 2013 protecting his community for over 40 years.
He married Dauna Stewart in 1998 and gained another daughter, Brandi.
Most people that know Jim know his 1970 Dodge Challenger. He rebuilt the 440 special engine with his dad and enjoyed restoring his car to show quality. He joined the Big Sky Mopar Club and spent his summers showing his car for over thirty years.
Jim is preceded in death by his mom and dad. He is survived by his wife Dauna. Daughters Corey Schaefer (Josh) of Billings, Kellie Longtine (Jason) of Canyon Creek, and Brandi Cotton of Helena. Stepson Denny Dunaway of Missoula. Grandchildren Bailey and Jory Schaefer, Jenna and Blake Longtine, Brenden (Landara), Ethan and Bella Cottrill, and Taylor Zimmerman. His sister Cheryl (Dennis)Woods, nephews Dustin (Sarah) Woods, Devon (Morgan) Woods, and niece Delsa Barth. Aunt Elsie Glotfelty and many cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be June 25th at the LCC Lodge at 6311 Three Mile Rd off Birdseye Rd from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Please stop by and share memory of Jim. There will be a cruise with the Mopar Club to the Lodge beginning at 1 p.m. at the old Shopko parking lot. All cars are welcome.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday June 25, 2022
Last Chance Chapel Lodge
6311 Three Mile Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday June 25, 2022
Last Chance Chapel Lodge
6311 Three Mile Road
Helena, Montana 59602
jeff sherlock says
I knew Jim at Helena High, where he was one of the biggest and nicest guys you would know. Peace to his family.
Peter Thomas Rehmann says
Jim, you Gentle Giant, you will be, will be missed.
I always enjoyed working w/u @ HPD & our no non-nonsense, 2+2 =4 conversations when handling calls & just in general. Your HPD retirement party was a Total tribute to you. Friends & LE from around the state came. What a tribute! I will miss you Big guy & so will everyone
Gentle Giant/Big Teddy Bear, take care buddy.🙏👮
Karen Bryson says
Condolences to Jim’s family. A true gentle giant he was. May happy memories help you through the loss.
Karen Bryson
Sally Nyland says
Dauna and Family,
Please accept my condolences and know you are on my mind at this difficult time. Jim was such a great guy. I met Jim many years ago when he was working at the Federal Courthouse as court security for the U.S. Marshall Service. Since there were two security guards named Jim, I would always refer to him as “Big Jim”. You could not ask for a more kind, knowledgeable and respectful gentleman. Jim, rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
Delsie Forsythe says
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you Peace” Num 6:24-26. I am so blessed to have had Jimmy be part of my life and to have been graced by his big heart. He was a Rock and Rock Star in my world – just simply the best!
Prayers and love to all of you in this celebration of his life ♥
Gordon A Eslick says
A true gentle giant and a true freind,
. Happy memories to his family
Gene Kelly says
I worked with Jim at the federal courthouse in Helena for six years. From the day I met him, I considered him a lifelong friend. We shared many stories about life, cars and politics. I will never forget the day that I went the fastest that I have ever gone in a vehicle. We were between Anaconda and Deer Lodge when we recorded a speed of 102 mph in his beloved Challenger. It was as smooth as silk! Thanks Jim for your wisdom, kindness and friendship. I will never forget you my friend!
Dave Anderson says
My sincere condolences to Jim’s family. I always enjoyed working with him in just about every place we both worked. I am happy that I got to visit with him these past weeks. I am glad that his spirits were good and his pain was minimal. Best of wishes to all of you.
Becky Warner says
I knew Jim when he’d do transports with the USM. He was always such a kind, happy individual. He was a big teddy bear and will be missed.
John Brewer says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May God hold you all tight and grant you healing and peace. In Jesus precious name Amen
Florence H Shaw says
Dauna and Family
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers and thoughts are being sent.
Judy Malquist says
He was a great man and always so kind. I have great memories of our younger years in Lincoln. Gone too soon
Rest easy Jim. My condolences to his family
Jon West says
I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends. Back in 75′ Jim helped me get my foot in the door with the Sheriff’s Department and later he I worked for the Helena Police Department together. He was a good man to have as backup when needed or to just sit down and have a cup with. I’m glad I got to talk with Jim a couple weeks ago. It was like we were still beat partners reliving a few goods times and catching up a bit. Jim, we will meet again my friend, but not yet.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
I will always remember how Jim and Cheryl took such good care of their mother, Ruby. In all my years of banking with seniors, I never saw such devotion!
A great man!
Barry Michelotti says
My condolences to the family. I knew big Jim from our law enforcement and court security days where I had the pleasure and honor working with him . My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
George Marble says
Dauna and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Years ago, my job necessitated interaction with unsavory characters which caused me to call law enforcement at times. I was always thankful when officers arrived when situations got out of hand. I was especially thankful when Jim showed up because things got settled very fast. Both his calm demeanor and size were governing factors in several situations. I would tease Jim that I also appreciated him on sunny days since he also supplied shade. Years later I worked at the federal buildings where Jim was a security guard. Jim made the work fun. We visited at cars shows where he teased me about my “plastic car” and I would ask him if he was still driving that old Challenger. Jim was a great guy. I will miss him.
Brenda Kay Nelson (Ludwig) says
Dauna and Family,
We all lost a great man with the passing of Jim. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Nelson (Ludwig)
Scott Swingley says
I consider myself fortunate to have known Jim. He always came to work with a smile and a positive attitude. Jim was a kind man and a dedicated worker. I’ll greatly miss our coffee and conversations. With Jim, what you saw is what you got. He operated under no false pretenses. I’m very sorry for your loss Dauna and family. I pray that the Lord comforts you during this difficult time.
Phay Lloyd says
Officer Jim spent many an hour making sure the ER crew was safe as we did our jobs through the years. Great guy beyond words.
Margaret McIntosh says
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope you will be comforted by many lovely memories of Jim.