James McGarvey

James Jude McGarvey, 70, went to be with our Lord on Aug. 27, 2012.

Jim was born in Butte, America, on April 17, 1942, to Mary (Shea) and James “Specs” McGarvey. He 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.

Over the course of the years, Jim worked tirelessly, travelling 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. Over a career that expanded more than 40 years, Jim’s accomplishments included organizing the private sector unions as well as other public sector unions.

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

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

A mass was celebrated on Labor Day, Sept. 3, 2012, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, in Butte.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the American Heart Association or a charity of choice.