James (Jim) Matthew Brodowy, age 64, of Helena passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on February 2, 2025 due to complications from sepsis.
Jim was born September 20th 1960 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Richard and Dorothy Brodowy, he was the youngest of 5 kids and moved to Helena at age 8. He (mostly) attended Jefferson High School and met the love of his life Margie Gasvoda at the age of 16. They were married in 1981 and had 2 children Michelle and Shawn.
He was a spectacular husband and father and worked hard to instill strong family values. They did everything together snowmobiling and skiing in the winter, camping, motorcycling, side by side rides in the summer and shooting and fishing all year. Any outdoor family time exploring the beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains was always filled with adventures and challenges that often left us wondering where we were and how/if we would make it back, but he always got us home safe.
Jim worked as a mechanic for 40+ years, and was very respected continuing to field questions from friends and family well into his retirement. The part of retirement he truly loved was watching his grandchildren, bringing his family and friends together, and metal working with his brother-in-law Jim Gasvoda. Weekends were still filled with the same camping, fishing, snowmobiling, side by side rides and any other way to get out in the hills with family.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother Tom. He is survived by his wife Margie and his two dogs Prince and Rex, daughter Michelle Wood (Jeramiah), and son Shawn Brodowy (Katie). He is also survived by brother Ted Brodowy (Sue Near), Richard Brodowy (LaRay), Jeri Brodowy (Steve Klarich), five grandchildren (Joey, Ryann, Haylee, and Dawson Wood and McKenzie Brodowy) and one on the way.
He was one of the strongest, most genuine, caring and stubborn person you could come across. He had very strong values and morals and did what was right no matter how difficult it was. He is loved and missed by all and is surely working hard getting the next home for the family ready for us all.
A Rosary will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 10, 2025 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena followed by a Funeral Mass scheduled for 12:00 p.m., at the church. Burial will be held at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena following the Mass. A reception will follow the burial at the church.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Mass
Monday February 10, 2025
Saint Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:30 a.m.
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Mass
Monday February 10, 2025
Saint Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the burial
Monday February 10, 2025
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Deborah Matte says
To The Bodowy Family
Jim was my exceptional mechanic for many years. My vehicle was old but he kept her running, explaining vehicles were like us as we age, and as long as a mechanic can fix it the truck will chug along for years.
After his forced retirement, he and his family became “friends”. It has and will always mean the world to me to see, how together they have been able to overcome so many obstacles, with dedication and passion in their hearts. Jim was becoming quite the artist over the last few years. He represented this old Quote
” The truest form of magic is the transformation of brokenness into wholeness, and mechanics are the wizards of this art”
Please accept My Deepest Sympathy
Rose marie Wood says
Dear Margie and family
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers and special thoughts go out to the family. He was an amazing person!
Love and peace to all of you with Deep Sympathy
Steve McCall says
I went to school with Jim, he was always a good guy, sorry to hear of his passing. R.I.P. buddy.
Jerome Tuss says
I had Jim and his sister, Jerallee as students in Clancy. They were both a very respectful students and enjoyed having them in class. I am very sorry to hear about his death.
Sharon Bowker says
Margie I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your family.
Twilla and Dan says
Margie and family, So sorry to hear about Jim. We are not home now. I will come see when we return. With our Deepest Sympathy! Dan and Twilla
Leif Griffin says
The Blessings of Jesus Christ on Jim and his family.
Rabbit says
So sad, he will definitely be missed. What a great guy Jim was and he’ll be watching all of us from above.
Tammy Beattie says
Sorry for your family’s loss. Jim’s obituary revealed a life well lived and a man well loved. Tammy & Brian Beattie
Tammie Maslanka says
Margie and family, I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful man! I cherish the time I spent with you and your family members. I am so glad that I got to work with Jim and meet his wonderful family. Shawn,Katie and McKenzie you are all very special to me. May all the memories and good times make your healing journey possible.
Richard J. Brodowy says
You’ll forever be missed little brother. I’ll always treasure the times with you! From when we were kids in Minnesota to growing up in Montana. Damn it hurts to see you go so early! Riding motor cycles, four wheelers, camping, exploring ghost towns, fishing and just hanging out with Jim were the best times of my life.
Paul. Barbara Bessler says
Margie, we were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such an amazing guy. Randy always looked forward to getting together when was in town. You and your family are in our prayers. Barbara and Paul
Chuck Eatinger says
Margie and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was my manager at McDonalds back in the late 70’s, and during that time we had a few adventures in his Dodge Coronet that will always be burned into memory. Jim was one of the best mechanics I ever knew. When I had a problem, I explicitly requested it be Jim I wanted working on it. Rest easy knowing Jim is in a far better place, waiting for you to rejoin him one day. My prayers are with you all at this time. God bless you all. ♥️🙏♥️
Julie Bailey says
Margie and family, my prayers are with all of you.
Laura (Gasvoda) Wright says
Jim was such a generous and patient uncle. He will be deeply missed by our entire extended family. My brothers and I have so many good memories in Montana that were made even more special by his willingness to let us share in the camping fun on dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, play with his dogs, etc. As an adult, I have been inspired by his resilience. His approach living life to the fullest, even after it looked dramatically different than anyone would have expected, is truly inspiring and a lifelong lesson for all who had the privilege of knowing our Uncle Jim.
Ken Conrad says
Jim (and Shawn) were the only mechanics I trusted with my vehicles. When they left the shop where they worked I stopped doing business with that shop.
Really good guy.
His passing is a big loss.
My heartfelt condolences to Margie, Shawn and family.
Cindy Humphrey says
Margie and family our hearts are saddened by your loss. Jim was a heck of a nice guy and we found comfort in knowing the strength he showed navigating life’s challenges. Sending you love and praying for you during this difficult time. Cindy and Sam Humphrey
Dan Herrera says
Spent many outdoor trips with Jim and Margie camping, 4 wheeling, snowmobile, etc. Many dinners, parties and get togethers as well. This family is outstanding and was my good fortune to be able to spend time with them. Jim was a great guy, will miss him dearly. I am sure this man is in heaven! So sorry for your loss, he will always be remembered by my family and me.