James E. Hawley, 76

“A simply wonderful life” is how one would describe the life of James E. Hawley, who died on Jan. 31, 2017, at approximately 18:50 at Kalispell Regional.

He was born Aug. 8, 1940, in the then Irish borough of South Side Chicago. He was raised, with his younger sister, Carol, in the grandest traditions of Irish/Scottish Roman Catholic parents.

He left Chicago to obtain a college education and, along the way, joined the U.S. Army. He had a very distinguished career of over 20 years in the military. He obtained the rank of colonel, specializing in EOD/ammunitions, Airborne and command staff. He retired as the epitome of the “quiet professional” and patriot.

It was in the military that he met his greatest love, Patricia Hawley, his faithful wife, friend, mother of his only child — Michael, advocate and supporter of over 50 years.

When he retired from the Army he went on to have a long and successful career in the private sector. When he decided to retire again, he landed in Bigfork, to be with friends. It was here that he spent his days in the service of St. John Paul II Church and many charitable organizations supported by that organization. His family grew to include his daughter-in-law, Connie, and granddaughter, Lauren.

He is loved by all that he came into contact with and will be sorely missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 7, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork.