James McManus

James Charles McManus met his parents, friends, and favorite dog Essie May at heavens gate on November 10, 2010. Jim was born to Nellie and Elroy McManus on Labor Day, September 7, 1953. Being born on that particular day was a prelude to how he would spend most of his life. As a boy he worked beside his dad learning carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. If something was broken he could usually fix it.rn Jim grew up in a Catholic neighborhood. He attended Little Flower, Riverside, and graduated from Billings Senior High in 1971. He worked for his Uncle Don and his dad at Insul-Fiber before going to work at Archie Cochrane Ford. In 1974 he discovered his love for “playing in the dirt.” He worked his way up to foreman and was employed by several companies including; Hoven Construction, Johnson Brothers, Empire Sand and Gravel, and J.T.L. While working he met Mike Reece, his best friend until the end.rn In 1975 he found his match while playing pool at The Kraut Haus. Nancy and “Mac” have been united through good times and bad for 35 years. They both had a passion for working with their hands; he was the builder and she the painter. In 1982 they bought acreage near Seeley Lake, MT and the two of them built a cozy cabin that has been a sanctuary for them, their children, grandchildren, and friends. At Seeley their neighbors became an extended family, and it remains that way even today.rn Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy, children, Bill Wilder of Las Vegas, NV, Kerensa McManus-Funk (Ryan), and James Ryan McManus of Billings, his brother and sisters; Judy Romee (Mike) of Laurel, Jacque McManus, Jeff McManus (Ronda) of Billings, and Jeanne Hyde (Dave) of Spokane, WA, and his seven grandchildren: Drake, Ariel, Brooke, Adriane, Uriah, Abigail, and Adam, and his great granddaughter, Zoey, his Aunt Rosemary McManus, and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Service: A celebration of life will be held at St. Lukes Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 15. Food and fellowship will follow in Cardwell Hall.