James 'Jim' Lavin, 98

James “Jim” Lavin was born July 29, 1913, to Thomas and Mabel Lavin in Kalispell and died Dec. 23, 2011, at Brendan House.

He was married to Mary Monk in 1938, and they had two children, Michael, who died in 1999, and Linda, who is married to Don Jones and lives in California. He is also survived by Michael's son, Stephen, and his wife, Amy, and their children, Michael and Cassidy, who were very helpful and attentive during his declining years. He is also survived by many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He attended schools in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead County High School, where he participated in sports and musical productions. He attended Intermountain College on a music scholarship where he was one of the soloists in the men's chorus traveling the state.

After returning home, he went to work in the hardware department of the Kalispell Mercantile. In 1942, he received a civil service appointment to the post office, where he worked inside. After 18 years, he received an appointment as a rural carrier and served in that position until retirement in 1972.

In 1974, he and Mary moved to Flathead Lake, where they resided for 32 years. They moved to Kalispell in 2006.

Private graveside services will be held Monday. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Jim’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.