Major General (Ret) James William (Jim) Duffy
February 17, 1930 – July 25, 2024
Major General (Ret) James William (Jim) Duffy passed away peacefully at his home in Montana City on July 25, 2024, of natural causes. He was 94.
Jim was born in Mullan, Idaho on February 17, 1930, to Bernard and Mary (Hrella) Duffy, the third of five children. When he was 11 years old, his mother passed away and the children were sent to live with different relatives, with the younger two going to an orphanage. Jim and his older brother, Dick, went to live with their maternal aunt and uncle, Albert and Genevieve Hrella, to work on their farm near Helena. Jim graduated from Helena High School in 1948, and attended Carroll College, majoring in Engineering.
On August 28, 1954, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Mergenthaler. They had five children over the following 9 years – 2 daughters and 3 sons. Jim and Barb were married for 48 years, before her death in 2002. After Barbara’s passing, Jim met Melva Miller, and they enjoyed a partnership of 20 years together until his death.
Jim enlisted in the Montana National Guard (MTNG) in 1954 and became a fulltime employee of the MTNG in 1955. His military career began when he enlisted in Medical Detachment (Det.), 163d Armored Cavalry, MTNG. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Medical Services Corps, in 1956, promoted to 1st Lieutenant in 1959, and after a short assignment to Aviation Company, 163d Armored Cavalry, he was assigned as Det. Commander, Separate Det., 1049th Engineer Company. He was transferred to State HQ and assigned as the Det. Commander in 1963. He was promoted to Captain in 1965 and reassigned as the Assistant G-1, HQ MTNG in 1970. He was promoted to Major in 1972 and was reassigned as Assistant G-4 until 1976 when he became Civil Authorities Section Head. He was reassigned as Director, State Area Command and promoted to Colonel in 1980. His MTNG career culminated with his selection by Governor Ted Schwinden to be the Montana State Adjutant General, a position which he held from 1981-1989. Jim’s strong leadership skills resulted in him being elected by his peers to be president of the Adjutants General Association of the US (AGAUS). His service in the MTNG was distinguished, garnering numerous awards and decorations.
Jim served the Helena and Montana communities through his involvement in the Lions Club, Helena Chamber of Commerce, State Committee for Employer Support of Guard & Reserve, Knights of Columbus and the Military Affairs Committee. For over 25 years, he led the annual Wine Fair, the primary fundraiser for the Montana Military Museum, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Jim was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic parish and also attended the St. Helena Cathedral.
Jim was a family person; he loved his children above all else. His Aunt Gen told him he had more love in his heart than anyone she ever knew. He also loved his cows and often named them after his children and their friends. He loved to play cards with his family, playing pinochle up until one day before he passed away. He and Barbara enjoyed traveling across the US and abroad, including trips to Germany and to Ireland, where they learned about the Duffy ancestry. He was always generous with his time and a kind and unselfish caregiver, from Max, the hired man at the ranch to his aunts in their elder years, to his friend Gene to deliver the eucharist, to his disabled son, Jeff. After the family cabin burned down in a forest fire, he and his son-in-law, Dan Stewart designed and built a new cabin on his mountain property. He instilled in his children these same qualities of love, kindness, caring and to always be considerate of others.
Jim is the last of the “great generation of Duffys”. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his siblings, Catherine, Dick, Pat and Tom, his sons-in-law, Dan Stewart and Guy Knapp, and his grandson, Eric Schillinger. He is survived by his children, Jeanne Schillinger (Dale), Joan Stewart, Bill Duffy (Dan Benz), Jeff Duffy and Dan Duffy, his grandchildren, Jennifer, Joel and Tim Stewart and Heather Schillinger (Corinne Brown), his great grandson, Cannon James Schillinger, his longtime partner, Melva Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Vigil will be held on Thursday, August 1st at 6:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with viewing beginning at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2nd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with burial following at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow at the Jim Duffy ranch – 23 Wapiti Lane, Clancy (Montana City).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations: American Legion Post 2, Helena, MT; Carroll College Athletics; The Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 2, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 12:25 p.m.
Friday August 2, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Graveside Service
Friday August 2, 2024
Duffy Family Ranch
23 Wapiti Lane
Clancy/Montana City,
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Thursday August 1, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 2, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 12:25 p.m.
Friday August 2, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison , Montana
Reception
Immediately following the Graveside Service
Friday August 2, 2024
Duffy Family Ranch
23 Wapiti Lane
Clancy/Montana City,
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Alan Gullickson says
To the Duffy clan. I was saddened this day to read the passing of the “General”. He was and will always be a great inspiration to me and many others . It was always a pleasure to see him with the greeting of General / FATS and a firm handshake. He will be greatly missed on Tuesdays at the American Legion with his friends, young and old. His memories will live for ever in my mind. RIP General! Alan R “FATS” and Barbara J. Gullickson
Daryl says
Saddened to read of the ‘General’ passing.. “He will be greatly missed on Tuesdays at the American Legion with his friends, young and old..” a FINE gentle man. RIP
Dave and Helen Cogley says
Montana has lost one of its finest and most outstanding citizens. Jim will be missed by so many of those he’s crossed paths with and whose lives have been enriched by knowing him. We will always remember the annual family ranch pig roasts. RIP General Duffy.
Carynn and Phillip LeMieux says
Was an honor to serve with General Duffy in the Montana National Guard. He and family were great friends and we had many fun times and traveling together for military conferences. He will be missed. Love and prayers for the family.
Lorry Parriman says
Duff, Duffy family, and friends. Jim was a great and honorable man. Every time I saw him I would think to myself, I hope I look that good and have that much energy when I’m his age! He will be extremely missed. Hugs to the family.
Tina Whitaker says
My first TAG, one who later became a friend. Remarkable man. Prayers to his family, he will be missed.
John & Cherie Dahl says
I first met Jim in 1961 when he was my boss on The Sleeping Giant Fire near Hamilton. We served together in the National Guard from 1962 to 1985 and remained friends since. Great man who will be missed by many. Rest In Peace Jim. 👍🇺🇸🙏
Sharon Warn says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a great man.
Karen Revious says
General Duffy was an amazing boss and all around incredible person. I always enjoyed seeing him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bonnie Cunningham says
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Joan and the rest of the Duffy family. Last year fell during bowling and wasn’t able to return, bowling wasn’t the same it’s just not gonna be the same without Jim. He was the kindest man. Rest in piece Jim.
Michelle Anderson says
Joan, Jeff , Melva and family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.
Your dad was was one of the greatest to ever walk this earth…. he was kind, gentle and stern all at once. His love was evident for his friend and family. I sure miss the old KofC bowling days, our celebration dinners and his Christmas fudge to name a few.
Michelle and family
Doris Romanisko says
Joan and all the Duffy family and friends, my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the honor and pleasure to work with Jim while serving on the Red Cross board and local disasters. He was a great, and compassionate leaders. A special life for a special individual.
Sean Duffy says
I will never forget the Great Jim Duffy. As noted, the last of the great generation of Duffys. The love those siblings shared despite all of their tribulations was inspiring. The laughter and the affection was amazing. As noted in the obituary, he was tremendously affectionate, and as a child I just wanted to hang on him. What a big heart he had. God bless Jim and his family.
Cindy Hoy says
General Duffy was always kind to me when I was in the National Guard way back in the 80’s. He was a good man!
Debbie Duffy Tancrell says
So sad to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing. I treasure the memories of the few visits we had. Love to all the Duffys.
Kathleen Broussard says
Dan and family
We are so very sorry about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Jay Reardon says
To the Duffy family, I’m sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in the last few years but I always enjoyed our visits when we ran into each other. my prayers are with all of you.
Debbie and Rob Petek says
Duffy family…we were so sorry to hear about losing Jim. He always had a hug and a hand shake whenever we ran into him. Jim always had time to say hi and visit. He will be missed by so many. Prayers and thoughts for your family.
Dean Retz says
So heart breaking about Jim! The last time I saw him was at a funeral and we talked about our ages and memories. He had a fantastic memory! Just last Saturday – July 27th – my wife and I were up Jackson Creek having memories of our cabin that burnt down in the 1988 fire, and I thought of the Duffy family! GOD BLESS
Laureen Grovom-Dordal says
Godspeed to you all….
May your memories comfort you.
Joel and Brenda Cusker says
Jim set the standard for every General Officer that followed him in the Montana National Guard. He led by example and his daily devotion to the US Army Values of Loyalty – Duty – Respect – Selfless Service – Honor – Integrity and Personal Courage was the barometer of this man in everything he ever did. Simply the best of the best. God Speed General …
RAYMOND K. READ says
Jim Duffy was a great mentor, fellow service menber and a wonderful friend. Over the last forty years in the development of the Montana Military Museum (1983-present) Jim served as first as the Adjutant General of Montana supporting Montana’s National Guard, Veterans and the military Fmilies of Montana. He then stepped up to serve on the Fort William Henry Harrison Foundation in support of the Montana Military Museum with over 25 years as the Foundation President. Jim Duffy helped to establish the Helena area Military Affairs Committee. This led to the estblishment of the Montana Military Musuem Wine Committee that has conducted the Montana Military Museum Wine Fair that just completed it 25th annual Wine Fair that has supported the museum with raising north of $250.000 in operating funds. His support of Montana’s military heritage is a part of his legacy.
RAYMOND K. READ says
Jim Duffy was a great mentor, fellow service menber and a wonderful friend. Over the last forty years in the development of the Montana Military Museum (1983-present). Jim served as first as the Adjutant General of Montana supporting Montana’s National Guard, Veterans and the military families of Montana. He then stepped up to serve on the Fort William Henry Harrison Foundation in support of the Montana Military Museum with over 25 years as the Foundation President. Jim Duffy helped to establish the Helena area Military Affairs Committee. This led to the estblishment of the Montana Military Musuem Wine Committee that has conducted the Montana Military Museum Wine Fair that just completed it 25th annual Wine Fair that has supported the museum with raising north of $250.000 in operating funds. His support of Montana’s military heritage is a part of his legacy.
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars & Jim DeMars says
We have so many memories of Jim and the whole Duffy family! We are sending lots of prayers for all of Jim’s loved ones, may you find comfort in the many, many memories and in the knowledge that he is resting in eternal peace.
Jim & Lynne Maierle says
Joan & family, so sorry for your loss. A great man in many ways. I know he is so happy to be with Barbara. She went to heaven way too soon. Lynne & Jim Maierle
Mark Gilbertson says
So sorry to learn of his passing. He was a great friend to my father for years.
CW4 (Ret) Ken ‘Rosy’ Rosenbaum says
I have one (of many) memory of flying ‘General Duffy’ in a small scout helicopter from Helena to Fort Missoula. The General was my guide directly into the landing pad southwest of Missoula. On that flight, he was my partner.
CW4 Ken ‘Rosy’ Rosenbaum, He called me Rosy.
I will miss seeing The General on Wednesdays at our American Legion Post 2 club.
Larry Westfall says
I was privileged to serve as Gen Duffys command Sergeant major. After retirement he and I carried on that special bond. I thought he would live forever. He will in my heart as long as I live.
Carley Robertson says
Thank you to all the Duffy clan, who welcomed me with open arms this past few years. Mr. Duffy (I never knew “The General”) was a kind and welcoming host… his children learned that from his authentic heart.
Larriann Murphy says
Joan, Jennifer, Joel, Tim and all the Duffy family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a great guy. Always enjoyed seeing him at the bowling alley.
Larriann Murphy