James “Jim” Curtin lived a full and meaningful life, marked by love for his family, dedication to public service, and a deep appreciation for the Montana outdoors. Born on May 5, 1940, in Butte to James and Mary (Troha) Curtin, Jim carried the strong work ethic and sense of duty he learned early in life into everything he did.
After graduating from Butte Central in 1958, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force, serving at bases in Texas, Montana, and Athens, Greece. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Butte and began work at the Anaconda Company as a heavy equipment operator. In time, he found his calling in public service, joining the Montana Highway Patrol in 1970. Later, he continued his commitment to safety and service as a federal court security officer, retiring in 2010.
Jim married Joan O’Mara, and together they raised three children—Chris, Jim, and Tim—surrounding them with love, laughter, and lessons that will last a lifetime. He was an avid fisherman, camper, and golfer, but his greatest joy came from following his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, always cheering from the sidelines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary Jo McDonald (Jay) and SR. Rosalie Curtin. He is survived by his wife Joan; children Chris Campbell (Bruce) of Helena, Jim Curtin of Billings, and Tim Curtin of Helena; grandchildren Connor and Kasidee Campbell, Marisa Stief (Kienan), and Brevin Curtin, all of Helena; sister Pat Lee (Leroy) of Butte; brother Richard Curtin (Dorothy) of Arizona; brothers-in-law John O’Mara (Sheila) and Joe O’Mara (Inge), both of Butte; sister-in-law Carol Whitrock of Nevada; and many extended family members and friends who will miss his steady presence and kind heart.
We invite family and friends to join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home, located at 3750 North Montana Avenue, Helena, MT 59602. Following the service, military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the Montana Highway Patrol Honor Guard at Resurrection Cemetery across the street. A lunch reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Montana Hope Project or to a charity of your choice in Jim’s memory.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and medical staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their compassionate care and support during Jim’s final days.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00am
Saturday April 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00am
Saturday April 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Inurnment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Saturday April 26, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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Paul K. Grimstad says
Jim was a mentor of mine, the year before I went in uniform….1982-83. I would ride along with him any chance I could during my time working at HQ. He imparted lots of common sense wisdom on those rides and I appreciated him immensely! He was a great man. Condolences to his family. Paul
Rhetta Street says
Jim was an amazing man, he will be greatly missed by many. The first time I really remember meeting Jim, I had bought a car in Butte Montana. I drove back to E. Helena, was probably about 3 miles from my house and I got pulled over for no license plates. I had only purchased the car about an hour before. When Jim approached the window of my car, he began laughing. Then he said where are your parents? Shaking,from being pulled over, I said they should be pulled up behind me any minute. After that day, Jim was there to help me many times. Jim and his family were good friends with our family. GREAT MAN!!!
Dave Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We were good friends the many years we worked in law enforcement, from the 70s through court security. He always had a joke and a great sense of humor, and he was great backup on any call either of us had. He was a great friend and a good man. Rest in peace, 288. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Mike Swingley says
Jim was one of the first officers I met when I joined the MHP in 1988. Before going to the academy I was a dispatcher. Jim never failed to make me laugh with some of his comments over the radio. He was a fine officer and after riding along with him on many shifts I learned how to be a good officer from his examples. He was serious when the situation called for it, yet light hearted and compassionate with the public.
I will miss seeing him around town. All of my respect.
Mike Swingley
MHP 127, retired
Rick Broadwater says
My condolences to the Curtin family. I was honored to work with Jim early in my career in Law Enforcement.
We worked for different agencies and I was so thankful everybody got along. He was one of the “Old Guys” to us young bucks. He was always friendly, professional and always willing to help. Definitely mentored me in many ways and always looked forward to meeting for coffee or a meal break. R.I.P Jim.
Rick Broadwater
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Wally Jewell says
I always looked forward to Trooper Curtin filing tickets with the court. Always friendly. Always kind when he had to testify. Truly a good man.
Wally Jewell
Former Justice of the Peace
Kathleen Broussard says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Henry Flatow says
Jim was a great next door neighbor when I lived in the immediate neighborhood on Davis Street. Always genuinely friendly and pleasant. My condolences to his family.
Sally Nyland says
Joan and Family,
Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. While working for IRS, our office was temporarily moved into the Federal Courthouse on Front Street. Jim was one of the court security officers and it was so nice to be greeted by such a friendly and all-around great guy. Rest in Peace, Jim.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Jim was a good friend from my days employed at GVW of the Highway Department. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joan and the rest of the family. 🙏 What a great sense of humor Jim had. Rest In Peace old friend.
Richard Glover says
It was an honor and privilege to work with him. I grew acquainted with him as I worked in and out of Helena when he was a court security officer in the Federal Courthouse. He was a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with.
Ann Marie Bushong says
Jim was one of the guards at the old Federal building on Park Avenue. When I work there he always had a smile and a welcoming word for you. Plus, he knew my name! With as many people that came to that building that was simply amazing. What a great legacy he left he will be missed.
Sharon Beaver Culbert says
Joan and family,
So sorry to read of Jim’s passing. What a great guy he was. It was always so nice to be included with your family in Helena and Jim was such a happy guy and made me laugh. Of course …. that was many years ago. May God Bless all of you. Take care of each other.
Cal Schock says
Like so many, Jim had a great influence on me and my career, even though our interactions were too few in number. During my ride-alongs with him, he showed me how to do the job with caring, fairness and humor. He gave me invaluable advice that I carried with me my entire time in uniform and beyond. Thank you, Jim. Rest Easy.
Jeff Mount MHP 128 retired says
Jim was a memorable fellow and I always enjoyed talking with him. He always had a joke, prank or just good humored foolishness. You never knew what he was going to say on the radio. He always left me with a smile. Rest easy Jim and may God comfort your family. Until we meet again. 288 is Ten-ten
Bryan Adams says
My career with the Highway Patrol began in 1984 as a cadet in Helena. Jim’s mentorship and sense of fairness had a profound impact on my successful 27 year tenure in law enforcement and remains with me in my vocation as Justice of the Peace. He was the complete package and served the citizenry of Montana so well. We will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Clyde Lindell - MHP 195 Retired says
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Jim’s family. I was stationed in Helena and worked with Jim and we remained friends after our retirements from the Patrol. Jim’s sense of humor and laugh will always be one of my favorite memories. He will be missed!
Clancy King says
I spent a year dispatching Jim before the 10 days training with him between the MHP academy and reporting to my first station. He wasn’t thrilled to have a “new broom” working with him but we had a great time. I learned how to be firm yet friendly, organized yet happy & in charge yet humble. I had some exceptional mentors early in my career. Jim topped the list!
My condolences to the family of this fine man.
Dutch Meyer says
Rest in Peace Jim! He was one of my training officers when I joined the patrol. We did a lot together such as a trip with the wives to the State of Washington. Great times. Thanks for being a good friend. MHP 139
Alan Young says
Jim and I were classmates in Mhp academy, at Ft Harrison 1969. I enjoyed all the years we worked together, especially when I was stationed in Lincoln. One story. On a day off I was involved in a head on crash on my motorcycle into a pickup on Dalton Mtn rd. While laying in hospital in Missoula Jim called me as the investigating officer, I told Jim I was on the wrong side of the road and had a citation coming. Many months later I would try to meet with Jim and he would avoid me.i finally cornered him,got my ticket that he really did not want to do. Right after we went to coffee with the guys and I told all there that Jim just wrote me a ticket, broken back and no sympathy. We all got a great laugh and a lot of mileage out of this, we all know how he enjoyed a good joke or jab. A very good man we all will miss.