James Jude McGarvey, 70

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

Jim was born in Butte 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.

Over 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. 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.

Jim is survived by his wife, Suzanne; children, Tim and Jamie McGarvey, Seana and Erik Iverson, and Jolinda and Dean Linden; grandchildren, Nolan and Nathan McGarvey, Kincaid, Sean and Olivia Jensen, and Vander and Parker Linden; sisters, Kathleen and Fred Bull, and Joann and Jimmy Harris; and brother-in-law, Bill Kelly. Jim also is survived by many other relatives, friends and colleagues. He leaves behind 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 will be a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 2100 Farragut, in Butte. A mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, 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.