James F. Mahoney passed away June 8, 2009 at the Idaho State Veterans Home in  Boise, Idaho with his family by his side.

Jim was born on June 21, 1920 to Daniel and Johanna (Murphy) Mahoney.  He was the oldest of 10 children raised on North Montana St.  He graduated from St. Lawrence grade school and Butte Central High School.  He worked contracts with his father in the Mountain Con mine and then served in the U. S. Army from 1942-1945 in the Philippines.  He received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his dedicated service.  He married Betty O’Brien, June 3, 1946, she

passed away on Oct. 31, 1995 and his life was never quite the same.  Jim and Betty raised their family, daughter Kathy and son Mike, on North Jackson St. and their home was always busy with family and friends.  They were always great supporters of the Butte Central and Carroll College athletics.

After the war, Jim worked at Hennessey’s sporting goods and then at City Transfer where he was a foreman and then manager until he retired, the first time. He worked as a custodian for the Butte schools and then as a watchman at the city garage.  He moved to Boise in 1998 where he volunteered at the AARP information desk and spent countless hours with his grandchildren and great grandchildren enjoying and sharing the love he so generously shared with his family.

 Jim was a member of the Immaculate Conception in Butte and Holy Apostles Parish in Boise and was an usher for many years.  Jim belonged to the Knights of Columbus and spent many enjoyable hours in the gym there. Jim walked the "M" and surrounding hills almost every day. He loved camping and fly-fishing with his family and friends at Georgetown Lake as well as the Madison and Jefferson Rivers.  Many weekends were spent at the lake enjoying family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Betty, parents Daniel and Johanna, brothers Neil, Bill, Butch, Joe, Ray Mahoney and his brother-in-law Jack O’Brien.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Bob Hanson of Boise, and son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Helen Mahoney of Deer Lodge; grandchildren: Heather Hanson, Christopher (Amber) Hanson, Shannon, Michael and Marc Mahoney; great grandchildren: Sandra and Melissa Casey, Makyla, Ashley and Emma Hanson; brother, Dan (Florence) Mahoney; sisters: Mary Junker, Helen Williams, Pat (George) Stensland; sisters-in-law: Jerry Mahoney; Lorraine Mahoney, Mary Mahoney; brother-in-law, Jim (Judy) O’Brien.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He will live forever in our hearts.  He left us with many wonderful memories to treasure for the rest of our lives.  We love you, Papa.

The family would like to thank the staff of Emerson House and the care providers from Care First Hospice for the loving and thoughtful assistance that they have provided in the past few months before Jim moved into the Veterans Home.  The Veterans Home staff and volunteers have been wonderful this last month.  It is impossible to imagine making this journey without your support and care.  Jim always knew that he was loved by those who cared for him.  God Bless You!

Visitation will be at the Immaculate Conception Church at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 11th, the funeral  Mass with follow at 11:00.  Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery next to his wife he loved so dearly.  Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.accentfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers the family would suggest that memorials be made to the Butte Central Education foundation, The Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.

Condolences:

Sender's Name: JoAnne Daniels

Kathey & Bob: You are in my thoughts and prayers. It is so difficult to lose the ones you love! I shall remember Jim and Dick sharing their bananas, chocolate, etc. I pray they are both at peace and rest after a long, difficult journey. I pray for peace for you and your family.