James J. McGarvey, 70, of Libby

James Jude McGarvey, 70, went to be with our Lord at 11:46 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, 2012. 

Jim was born in Butte, Mont., on April 17, 1942, to Mary (Shea) and James “Specs” McGarvey.  Jim attended St. Lawrence Catholic Grade School and Butte Central High School and graduated from Carroll College with a degree in Sociology.  

He began his teaching career at Butte High School in the fall of 1965. Shortly after that he followed his calling to become a union organizer and workers’ rights advocate.  He followed his passion of always protecting the underdog. 

During the course of the years, Jim worked tirelessly, traveling many miles every week to meet with teachers.  He then established the Montana Federation of Teachers, an affiliate with the American Federation of Teachers and AFL-CIO, ensuring teachers a better standard of living.  

Jim was a vice president on the national executive council of the AFT. He held that position for 20 years, making him the longest-serving member.  

During a career that expanded more than 40 years, Jim’s accomplishments included organizing the private sector unions as well as other public sector unions.

Jim is survived by his wife Suzanne; children Tim (Jamie) McGarvey, Seana (Erik) Iverson and Jolinda (Dean) Linden; grandchildren Nolan and Nathan McGarvey, Kincaid, Sean and Olivia Jensen, Vander and Parker Linden; sisters Kathleen (Fred) Bull and Joann (Jimmy) Harris; and brother-in-law Bill Kelly. Jim also is survived by many other relatives, friends and colleague and his pets Obi, Sasha and Majic.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary “Birdie” Kelly, and numerous special aunts, uncles and cousins. 

There was a viewing on Sunday, Sept. 2, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2100 Farragut, Butte. 

A Mass was celebrated on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3 at 9 a.m. at St. Ann’s with a reception immediately following in the church hall.

Suggestions for memorial donations include: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital,  The American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.