James Edward Neighbor

June 5, 1942 - December 31, 2017

Mr. James Edward Neighbor passed away just before midnight, New Year’s Eve, 2017, just in-time to give his bride Donna a New Year’s Eve kiss. He was born to James and Edna (Strike) Neighbor on June 5, 1942 in garage while the family home was being built on Moulton Street in Butte. Evidently pre-destined to spend time in garages, Jim was a mechanic for the military and Anaconda Company for many years. There must have been a little “MacGyver” in him as well because it seemed as though he could fix anything. He attended Butte Schools including St. Ann School, Butte High and the Butte Vo-Tech. He served his country in the United States Air Force and following his honorable discharge in August of 1963 he returned to Butte where he and Donna Lee Nichols were married on November 9, 1963. She preceded him in death on July 28, 2007. During his career and through his marriage he also served in the Army National Guard. Jim was a loving and nurturing father who seemed to have the kindest hard working hands. Jim was not only kind and generous to his own children but to all the neighborhood children as well. Upon retirement our father discovered his love of painting and became an avid painter even joining the Butte Art Club. In his later years he shared great kindness in rescuing numerous feline friends. Mr. Neighbor is survived by his children and fur child Delano, Timothy and Coni Neighbor of Boise, Vicky and Rob Rowling of Butte, Todd Neighbor and Derik Sapp of Great Falls, Melissa and Fredrick Turk, Tracey and William Johnson all of Missoula. Grandchildren, Nickolas and Ashley Neighbor of Butte, Stefanie and Eric Neer of Indianapolis, Robert and Erin Turk of Indianapolis, Liam Johnson and Amelia Johnson of Missoula. Great-grandchildren Mattison Neighbor and Maverick Neighbor of Butte, Ethan Neer and Thatcher Neer of Indianapolis and numerous nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his wife, parents, Brother David Neighbor and Sister Clara Brown. His best friend a Himalayan named Bozeman and rescue kitties Bubba and Fluffy.