James C. Rowe

We are saddened to announce the quiet passing of James C. Rowe on December 2, 2024. Born in Centerville, Montana in October 1940, the third of 5 sons to Harry and Gladys (Reilly) Rowe, he attended Blaine Elementary and graduated from Butte High School in 1958. From the time he was 14, when his dad challenged him to take every nut and bolt out of the family’s old and non-working car and put it all back together piece by piece and see if he could make it run; he worked on cars for the rest of his days. Oh, and he did get that car running again. He always enjoyed a “Challenging Fix”, even if it meant a duct tape and bailing wire style repair – for which he was teased relentlessly. He spent many days repairing cars for the neighborhoods he lived in, helping folks whenever and wherever he could. At last count that we can recall, he owned 108 cars over his lifetime – now, what was he driving today, and where did he park it? His love for the Big Hole River and Potosi Hot Springs began at a young age when the family would go fishing. He wasn’t much of a fisherman himself he’d admit, rather, he enjoyed sitting along the bank, watching the water, animals and nature, and building the biggest bonfires one has ever seen. He was a very quiet man, but always helpful to anyone in need who he may have found broke down along-side the street or highway. He was forever stopping to lend a hand, get someone back on the road and made many friends this way. The most important random meeting like this was when he met the love of his life, the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen, Judi. The odd thing was, his car was broke down and she stopped to offer help to him! He worked at many places in Butte, living here all his life, making a career working at the Post Office for 33 years, following in his dad’s footsteps. Jim and Judi married in 1962, and had three children, Michelle, Mark and Craig. Over the course of his 84 years, the family has grown tremendously to include 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Preceding Jim in death are his parents, Harry & Gladys Rowe, Brothers and Sisters-in-Law Bob and Barbara Rowe, Tom and Betty Rowe, Fred and Ted Rowe. Brothers-in-Law and Sisters-in-Law Delmer Jensen, Paul Bingaman, Ralph & Myra Bingaman. Daughter-in-Law Lisa Rowe. Surviving relatives include children Michelle (Rick) Varady, Mark Rowe, Craig (Loretta) Rowe, Sisters-in-Law and Brothers-in-Law Joyce Jensen and MarieAnne Rowe, Al Bingaman, Mel & Anita Bingaman, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Upon his request, cremation has taken place. His Celebration of Life will be held on a bright, sunny day along the banks of the Big Hole River at a later date.

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James C. Rowe

October 10, 1940 - December 2, 2024