James S. Dunbar, 61, of East Helena, passed away on February 20, 2024.
James (Jim) Scott Dunbar was born in Helena on May 11, 1962. The son of William and Helen Dunbar grew up in Helena on Highland Street; raising cain and exploring all the mountains and trails surrounding his little neighborhood. He unexpectedly passed away on February 20, 2024, fishing and enjoying his beautiful surroundings (and yes he did catch that big one).
Jim was a great adventurer and at the young age of 15 he hiked Granite Peak with his father and family friends. Jim took great pride in making it to the peak. His most treasured childhood memories were with his parents and four sisters going on amazing hikes, camping, and summers on the Oregon coast.
As a young man, Jim surveyed for the oil company CGG and Stahly Engineering. On May 11, 1985 Jim asked a girl to dance and his real adventure began. Jim married that girl Jacquelin (Jackie) Curey in August of 1987 and they began building their beautiful life together.
He started his 30 year career in January 1991, as a highway designer at the Department of Transportation and stayed there until he retired in March of 2021. After two years of retirement he went back to work for Stahly for a short time and just two weeks before he passed he ended his long career to begin his many planned adventures with Jackie.
Jim and Jackie were blessed when their daughter Emily joined their family. Their dream of becoming parents was their greatest joy and Jim’s heart was forever changed. Jim enjoyed most people but his greatest joy was his two girls. He was a fierce protector of his little family and he did everything in his power to make sure his girls had the world. When Emily brought her husband Ty into our lives, Jim found his kindred spirit and his family was complete. With Ty, our family multiplied and Jim had the great joy of gaining Ty’s sister’s daughters as his “littles” and we have cherished memories of them tracking him down because they always had to know what “Jimbo” was doing.
If you knew Jim, he had a profound love for people and would give the shirt off his back for anyone. Everytime Jim went fishing he would meet a new friend, someone who told him their entire life story– the misfits, the rejects. And he genuinely cared for each one of them. If he hadn’t seen someone in a while he would tell us that he was concerned about them. He continues to give even after his passing and was able to donate his corneas which gave two individuals the ability to see. He was also able to donate skin grafts for up to 50+ people who were burn victims, breast cancer survivors, and people who suffer from circulation issues.
Jim was happiest in the mountains and that is where he found his strongest connection to
God. He was an avid hunter but it was never about the kill. He just wanted to be where he felt he really belonged. Many times he would get home and tell us he was happy he didn’t get anything. Horn hunting was his true passion and fishing was where he could go to take a pause from the world. On his last day, he was so happy he caught a fish and that was what he would have wanted.
Jim was a true story teller and we are comforted knowing so many will remember those stories. He will be remembered as someone who lived a million lives and survived a helicopter crash, drove off a bridge, and many blizzards he was caught in during hunting season. Somehow there was an angel carrying him through.
Our Family is grateful for the people who arrived by his side and the First Responders. We are blessed to know he had helpers with him in his final moments and he wasn’t alone.
We have lost our rock and we cannot picture our lives without him. We will make him proud and we will keep his memory alive. Jim was the original quiet man who made his voice heard through his kindness and his deep love of his family.
Preceded in death by his grandparents, Murray and Bella Dunbar, Jim and Ina McDonnell, aunts Mary Bishop, Ces Carroll and his father in-law Terry Curey.
Jim is survived by his parents William and Helen Dunbar, his four sisters Maureen (Larry) Cole, Susan (Ardine) Bjerke, Mary (Brad) Rogers, Patty (Russ) Rowsey, his wife Jackie Dunbar, daughter Emily (Ty) Lewis, uncles Kenny Dunbar and Joe Collins, mother in-law Donna Curey, sister-in-law Jenn (Chris) Wihlborg, brother in-law Jeff Curey and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by close family members from the Lewis and Dutton family including his littles Evie and Jade and a community of friends that will miss him dearly.
Please join the family at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Thursday, February 29 at 1:00 PM as we celebrate and remember Jim’s life. The service will be broadcasted here for those who are unable to attend.
The service will be broadcasted live and will open 15 min prior to the start time at 1:00 PM MTN time.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Thursday February 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday February 29, 2024
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Thursday February 29, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday February 29, 2024
Social Hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jim Wilcox and Sally Russell says
We really liked Jim and very saddened by this news. RIP Jim. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
David Larson says
I first met Jim while he was a contracted highway surveyor in Sidney. Then got reacquainted when he came to work at MDT. Great person. Glad to know him. Prayers to family.
Kyle Crisp says
Sad to hear about Jim’s passing. I worked with Jim at MDT for many years. If you had a design question you could go to him for an answer. His desk was always messy with design plans scattered all over, but he could always find what he was looking for. RIP Jim.
Shannon and James Thomas says
Em and Jackie, we just want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and our hearts are heavy for your loss.
RJ Snyder says
Jeembo. We’re all missing you here at MDT, especially in Road Design. Your experience, patience, and hilarious stories will forever be missed. You helped so many of us cut our teeth, we should’ve called you the Dentist. Most of all, I’ll miss starting off the mornings conversing with you over coffee and I was looking forward to a reunion cup later this spring and hearing more stories about you and Vladimir. Ce la vie. Emily and Jackie, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. Jim loved you both very much. You were one of the best buddy.
Molly Jane Sohn says
I have been blessed to live next door to Jim and Jackie for around 30 years. They have been the kindest most wonderful people. Always ready to help when i needed it. I love them both so much and am so sad Jim is not with us now. Sweet Jackie you are in my prayers every day.
Susan Dunbar Bjerke says
We are heartbroken at the loss of Jim (affectionately often called Jimbo). Always ready to help anyone in need, quick with a smile or a great story. Often his partner in the stories of his youth was our goofy dog, Sandy. I love reading the notes from his coworkers at MDT…you knew Jim in a unique capacity that his family seldom saw. Jim lived life like a huge adventure. My absolute favorite memory is the beautiful speech he gave at daughter Emily’s wedding. He was an amazing father. Mom and Dad, my heart aches for you; Jackie, I am so so sorry for the loss of the retirement years that should have been ; Emily and Ty, the loss of your father breaks my heart; Maureen, Mary and Patty – the hole he leaves is huge in our family. A man of few words and a wearer of so many hats in his life. Rest in peace, dear brother.
Mary Dunbar Rogers says
I have so many memories of camping, hiking, backpacking and skiing trips with Jim when we were young. It was always good to reminisce with him in later years. He had a much better memory than me, often bringing forth vivid details of the trip that I had forgotten. I treasure those memories; miss you, my brother, and love you. He was such a kind brother and uncle. I am so sorry, Jackie, Emily and Ty. He leaves a huge void.
Maureen Bjerke Byrd says
Dear Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers for support and healing. I know the strong bond that you all have will be a source of much comfort❣️ loving, loving hugs to you all❣️❣️❣️
Lance Zanto says
So sorry for your loss Jackie and Em. You both and your whole family are in our prayers! God Speed Jim.
Miles Yerger says
Jim, I had the good fortune of working in the cubicle next to you for five years in Road Design. You taught me a great many things pertaining to both road design and life in general. Your stories were always vivid and entertaining. Your thoughtfulness and willingness to help me, and anybody for that matter is something I will never forget. I still use an HP 41C calculator because you touted it as the best calculator ever made. Jackie, Emily and family, I am sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jan Gregson says
Susan and family, I am so so sorry for your loss….may your many memories help you find peace ….. he sounds like he was a true adventurer. Sending you all big hugs…
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Please accept our deepest condolences. Jim will surely be missed. Always good stories at MDT Road Design. Such a beautiful tribute to a very kind man. God Bless all his family.
John C. Ulberg says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. A great hunting and camping partner through the years
enriched my life. He could be counted on at work, in play, and giving off his time and talents to anyone that needed him. And he was damn handy at dragging elk. Rest in peace, my friend.
Jere Stoner says
I worked with Jim at MDT and I am very sorry to hear this news. Really a great guy and had many entertaining and exciting stories to tell. He was sharp and I appreciated his surveying and design expertise. Very nice tribute to a well deserving guy who passed too soon. My sincere condolences and thinking of your family.
-Jere Stoner
Cheri Long says
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. He was a quiet, steady presence filled with love for others (especially his family). Actions speak louder than words, and in his actions, he was a force to be reckoned with! I remember when we were at our lowest, he showed up at the hospital every morning, quietly delivering a thermos of coffee, to help us through rough times. Just one small act that made a huge difference. Much love to you all in this time of great loss.
Maria Szymanski says
I am honored to say that I was able to know Jim through my job at Stahly Engineering. We were both hired around the same time and I am so thankful that I was able to get to know him over the last year. Such a kind and gentle man, but also such a hard worker. I loved listening to the stories he told and was amazed by how much wisdom one man could have. I miss seeing him at the office and mostly miss hearing him say something funny or kind as he walked past my desk when he was leaving for the day! Jackie, Emily and family, I share in your sadness and just wish we had more time with Jim. It’s hard to comprehend but I guess God has some bigger fish in Heaven that he needed Jim to catch. Rest in Peace Jim.
Tiffany Sturges says
Jim will be missed! In the short time he returned to Stahly, he touched many with his warm personality, profound knowledge, kind words, team camaraderie, and pleasant presence. He always spoke of his family with such love and appreciation, and was a wonderful person to the core. Rest in peace Jim. Many prayers to Jackie, Emily, and his family.
Elaine Mueller-Cantu says
I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing. My memories of him were from many years ago growing up on Highland Street. Jim was one of the many Dunbar/Mueller kids crammed into the back of Bill’s Willy’s Jeep heading out on one adventure after another in the mountains and trails around Helena. He was younger than most of us so probably didn’t remember almost falling out the back end of that Jeep!
Thank you for sharing his life story in such a beautiful way. For those of us who lost touch with him after moving from Helena, it is wonderful to hear that he lived and loved in his own way and with the strength of a gentle and kind soul. I pray the family and friends of this wonderful man will find peace and comfort in memories that will live in their hearts forever.
Louise Stoner says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. As many have mentioned, he was the go-to person on any Cadd software issues and design issues. He desk was a mess, but amazingly he could find what he was looking for. I learned so much from Jim when he was my supervisor. But the most important thing I learned from him was how much he cared for his family and helping others. He was a very kind, gentle man. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Jim’s family. Rest in peace Jim.
Stephanie Brandenberger says
I worked with Jim for many years at MDT. He was smart, reliable, and a great mentor to many people over the years. What I recall most vividly was his kindness and sense of humor. He had a friendly greeting or funny quip to anyone who walked by. We talked a lot about our kids and it was clear he loved his deeply. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jim.
Joe McDonnell says
I have just watched the beautiful service for Jim and share in your loss. He was special. I met Jim many years ago when I visited Helen & Bill. Listening to the service today I was very touched and realize your great loss. Jackie Emily and Ty, I will be remembering Jim and all of you in my prayers and Mass in the days ahead. May he rest in peace.
Justin Ratliff says
Sorry to hear about Jim passing. I remember when my uncle Tim and I went fishing with Jim and he grabbed a chunky little boulder and laid down on the shore of the river. He just started bench pressing that boulder. I thought, man Jim’s got it figured out. He’s got the best gym in world. I always liked Jim.