James J. Leary passed away on August 13, 2020.  Jim was born in Butte September 4, 1921 to James (Gravel) and Elizabeth (Lowney) Leary.  He was raised and educated in Butte and served four years in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  He was employed by the Butte Fire Department for 38 years and retired as Fire Chief in 1986. Jim married Margaret Seymour in September 1956, and together they raised six children.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jo Anne and James Capp of Great Falls, Sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Thomas and Cindy Leary of Kenosha, WI,  William Leary of Butte, Robert Leary of Salt Lake City, UT, and Joseph and Annmarie Leary of Bozeman. He was preceded in death by a son, Dr. James J. Leary in 1994. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Martin and Aretta Seymour of Butte and sister-in-law Donna Leary of Missoula. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, numerous cousins, and one Nephew, Mike Leary of Missoula. In addition to his parents, and son, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald W. Leary in and sister Betty Williams, as well as sister-in-law Mary Duran. Memorials are requested to the Thomas and Margaret Seymour Memorial Scholarship at Montana Tech.

Relatives and friends may call from after 5:00PM Monday in St. Joseph's Church.  Parish Vigil will be recited at 5:30PM.    Visitations will continue on Tuesday from 10:30AM to 11:00AM.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM.  Rite of Committal will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

"Sure as the shamrock's a beautiful green

And Irish skies are blue

Sure 'n' the luck of the Irish is mine

Just knowin' the likes 'o' you."