James Dean Martz

Mr. James Dean Martz passed away peacefully Saturday morning, February 11, 2023 at his home in Butte, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sunday, January 12, 1936 in Henderson Township, Pennsylvania to Harry and Cora (Bailey) Martz. He was the last survivor of 5 siblings. James attended schools in Brookville, Pennsylvania where he excelled in football and baseball. He started working, delivering newspapers at the age of 9. He worked at several jobs in Pennsylvania, Buffalo, New York and Ohio. It was his first job out of high school that he met and married the love of his life Lavonne Thomas in Sigel, Pennsylvania on August 14, 1954. They were married for 68 plus fantastic years. Together they made their home in Butte since 1962 when he started working as a mechanic for the Anaconda Company and they started their amazing family. He was with the ACM until it’s closure in 1983, then with the Golden Sunlight Mine. He retired in 2001 as the shop manager. James belonged to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He loved baseball and coached all ages of baseball and softball here in Butte. He never missed any of his grandchildren’s sporting events and had a passion for four-wheeling with his family and friends especially his friend Owen McDevitt and nephew Harry Martz. James was preceded in death by his father Harry, Mother Cora, brothers Harry and David, sisters Marily, Lil, and Leah. He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Lavonne Martz of Butte, daughter, Cindy Griffin of Walkerville, daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Buzz Heston of Post Falls, Idaho, sons, James R. Martz of Butte and Timothy Martz of Divide. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Heath Griffin, Jared and Amy Griffin, Stacy Carey, Jeremy and Aubree Carey, Jamie and Reed Smith, Jay Martz, Josh Martz, Janelle Martz, James and Cassidy Martz, Thomas Martz and Gia Martz. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Thursday morning at 11 o’clock in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home and a reception will follow at the East Side Athletic Club. Mr. Martz’s family extends a profound and sincere thank you to all the staff at Senior Solutions, especially Chris Mann and Abby Riordan for the kind and compassionate care given to Jim in his last few days. They would also like to thank Dr. Siddoway, Dr. Hueftle, and nurse Mikelyn McCarthy for their outstanding care, also. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Christ, 601 Evans Ave, Butte, MT 59701.

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James Dean Martz

January 12, 1936 - February 11, 2023