James "Jimmy or trapper" passed away at 68 years old in the early morning hours of September 21,2024 in Butte, Montana. He went comfortably in his home with his beloved music playing and loved ones by his side.

Jimmy was born on November 8, 1955 in Lebanon, New Hampshire to his mother Pauline Ellen Mann (Thurston) and father Joseph Arthur Mann. He was a kid with a heart for the country. He was very kind, adventurous, and an explorer. He attended Bradford Elementary, Bradford Academy, and Oxbow High School-all in Bradford, Vermont.  His mother died when he was only 2. He then had the biggest love for his Aunt Macky (Maxine Thurston), who helped raise him. He had good times growing up in Vermont with his little brother Larry Thurston and cousins who were very close and always getting into some kind of shenanigans.

In his younger years he loved to hunt, fish, trap and listen to music. He traveled to Montana in the 1980's with a fond friend of his from back east, Tom Hahn. After being in Montana a short time, he met his forever friend and "Ol' Bat", as he called her, Peggy Sue Falcon. He then became a very loved stepdad and cheerleader for his stepson Tom Putra. Later in 1991, he had a daughter Chenoa Popovich (Falcon) who he treasured deeply. He was a dad that made things work in his own ways and always provided the way he could with the help of others.  Over the years, he got to share his love of fishing, music, and stories with his grandkids.    He gained numerous friends/family over the years and touched a heart in any way he could with his sarcastic humor, stories, and stubbornness. One particular, that was an angel sent to him, was his dear friend Laurie Dallas (Mama D).

Trapper Jim was a heck of a good trapper. If you had an ear to listen, he would show you his pictures and tell his stories about what he loved. Those were one of his prized possessions. He was very keen on the details of every adventure he had. You felt like you were there on the adventure with him. He could talk about it for hours.  He had a love for birds, beavers, geese, and turtles.

Another prize possession Jim had was a love for guitar playing. He was self-taught and could play a mean tune. His mother also had a love for playing the guitar. His face would lite up and always had the biggest smile with a guitar in his hand. He played electric, bass, and acoustic electric guitars. His favorite one was a Stratocastor Bass Guitar. He loved playing Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and rock blues. He made a sweet song for his granddaughters and played it for them when they were younger. He loved jammin out with his son Tom and his friends.

Jim is survived by his love/friend Peggy Falcon, Christine "Kissy" Falcon,  his step son Tom Putra (Maria), Daughter Chenoa Popovich (Mike Popovich), his grand children Mikkael, Mason, Mariah Putra, Aliyah and McKenna Popovich. His angel friend Laurie Dallas "Mama D" and trapping buddy Karl Krause. Numerous other family and friends from near and far.

He is preceded in death by his mom and dad Pauline (Thurston) and Joseph Mann, his brother Larry Thurston, Aunt Maxine "Macky" Burgess. As well as other family and friends.

Cremation is taking place and will taken home with family.