Walkerville resident James David "Jim" Bunney passed away at home early Saturday morning, May 14, 2016, 15 days after his 90th birthday. All six (6) of his children were able to be with him and care for him the last few weeks of his life. Jim was born in Butte, Montana, on April 29, 1926, the son of William and Esther (Powers) Bunney. Both of his parents died before he was two (2) years old, and he was raised by numerous aunts and uncles. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and Boys Central High School. He later received his GED in 1969.
He was an optician before joining the U.S. Army in November 1945 as a sharpshooter and military policeman at Camp Hood, Texas. He received a World War II Victory Medal.
James David (as mom would call him) married Ann Marie O'Neill on January 31, 1959, in St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church. Jim and Ann were married for 51 years before she passed away July 14, 2010.
Jim's greatest joys were following his three (3) grandchildren, Zach, Kayla, and Wyatt's success academically and with their sports. Another pleasure in his life was his pets. Over the last couple of years, he and his Shih Tzu, Angel, never left each other's side. She truly was an "angel." We always joked that he loved his dogs more than he loved his kids! He loved to golf and bowl, and he played both sports until just about two years ago with his very good friends Bernie Lazzari and Denny Nelson (and the late Gil Lazzari). He also loved to walk on the trails around Butte with mom, his girls, and Denny. He took a lot of pictures of his dogs throughout the years, and he took many pictures of birds on the trail and in is yard.
In his younger days he was quite the gymnast performing in the old Fox Theatre, and he was an excellent speed skater. He was an excellent golfer and was well known at the "Muni" (the Butte Highlands Golf Course), and was known to get his name in the golf sports section quite often.
He worked in the Courthouse in the Assessor's Office, and he worked many years underground in many of the mines in Butte. He often talked about working underground for the Anaconda Company at the Kelly, the Belmont, and the Steward to name a few. He also worked as a pipefitter on the hill. During one of the many layoffs and strikes that our family endured, he worked for the City of Butte until he decided to go back to work for the Anaconda Company. He was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor (Bud) Burns, Catherine (John) Walsh, and Louise (Jake) Jacobson, his wife Ann Marie (O'Neill) Bunney, his nephews, Bill (Bonesy) Walsh and Jim (Jimmer) Walsh, his mother-in-law Mary B. (Griffin) O'Neill, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harold and Syble O'Neill.
He is survived by his daughters Shelly (Dan) Jones, Susie (Jim) Gross, Julie (Frank) Montoya, all of Butte, and Paula Bunney of Rockville, MD; his sons, Jim (Melissa Nixon) Bunney of Boerne, TX, and Tom Bunney of Butte, and his loving grandchildren: Zach Bunney, Kayla Montoya, and Wyatt Gross. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Natalie Opie, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Janet O'Neill, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Wednesday in St. Patrick's Catholic Church for visitations. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon in St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Interment of ashes will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested in acknowledgement of Jim to Highland's Hospice, 3703 Harrison Avenue, or the Chelsea Bailey Butte-Silver Bow Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Avenue, or to a charity of donor's choice.
We cannot thank Julie B., Taresa S., Debbie M., and Dr. Hueftle and staff from Highland's Hospice enough for all of your support this last year. You were such a blessing to us. We also would like to thank Keri Ferguson, PA, and Dr. Paul Siddoway from Mercury Street Medical, and Easter Seals Goodwill Home Health.