James A. Lynch

James Alexander Lynch, 54, of Anaconda, passed away on January 8, 2011. He battled bone cancer from 2007 until the time of his death. James was born to Charles “Rusty” and Mary (Trunkle) Lynch in Great Falls, MT on January 18, 1956. In 1962 the family moved to Billings and Jim attended Rose Park Elementary, Lewis and Clark Junior High and in 1974 graduated from Senior High. Jim went on to college attending the University of Montana and completed his Masters degree in Education-School Counseling at Montana State University-Billings. Jims employment as a counselor included the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, the Mental Health Center, Billings Central High, Kellogg, Idaho and most recently was in School District #10 in Anaconda, MT. Jim has always been someone who loved nature. He had lots of adventures and enjoyed traveling in his VW van. He loved backpacking, fly-fishing, carpentry work and spending time with his family and friends. The best of his adventures was when he went to the Philippines on July of 2006 and married the love of his life, Manolita “Lilet” Cole. A devout Catholic, Jim was an active parishioner of the Anaconda Catholic Community; a Knight of Columbus member, Lay Eucharistic Minister, a Legion of Mary devotee and a Third Order Carmelite member. From the day that Jim was diagnosed with cancer, his faith never wavered. His courage and his love of God sustained him. His determination to survive was an inspiration to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he was able to touch. Jim is survived by his wife, Lilet; daughters, Kaitlyn and Callie from a previous marriage to Laura Noto; parents, Charles and Mary; brother Ron (Roxanne); sister Diane (Tom) Cooper; nephews and nieces: Connor and Lexie Lynch; Nathan, Danielle and Mary Cooper; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and many dear friends. Jim was especially close to his daughters, always putting their welfare first. He loved them so dearly and provided them with fun, laughter and lasting memories. To the family Jim will always be the loving son, cherished brother, faithful husband, well-liked colleague and beloved friend. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Billings Clinic Cancer Center, c/o Billings Clinic Foundation, PO Box 31031, Billings, MT 59107-9945; or Age to Age Campaign, c/o The Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, PO Box 1729, Helena, MT 59624. Cemetery: Committal of ashes will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Service: Vigil Services will 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memorial Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2011 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.