James “Jim” Lawrence Munch, 97, climbed his last tower on May 13, 2022, just shy of his 98^th birthday. He passed away after a short illness at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana.

Jim was born June 6, 1924, near Kenmare, North Dakota to Phillip and Loretta (Maus) Munch. He was raised there and graduated from Kenmare High School.

He entered Active Duty with the United States Army on July 22, 1944, at the age of 20 years old. Jim served with the K-Company of the 232^nd Infantry in World War II; known as the 42^nd Rainbow Division, with whom he marched throughout Europe and took part in the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945.

Jim then moved back to Kenmare, where he used his GI Benefits to obtain his pilot’s license. Jim owned and flew single engine Cessnas. His love of flying led him to so many opportunities throughout the years. He was also fond of heart-stopping (and lengthy) fuel tank changeovers mid-flight, making for anxious passengers. That smirk and twinkle in his eye was nothing but pure joy. After his return from the War, he also met and swiftly married the love of his life, Patricia Ann O’Fallon, on December 1, 1951.

They lived in North Dakota and Minnesota before settling in Great Falls, Montana in 1956, where they resided ever since. They had four children and raised them in Great Falls while owning and operating, both Able Answering Service for several years and Falls Communications for 52 years.

Jim was a member of St. Gerard’s and Holy Spirit Catholic Parishes.

Jim was always the ever-patient instructor. He taught by example. He was always ready to help anyone, in any way he could. His Faith was his soul and he showed it every day of his life. He valued all of his family-siblings, children, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, employees, and anyone he met. Jim enjoyed all the curiosities that life had to offer. He always wondered just how something worked and was determined to figure it out, no matter how long it took.

He loved to teach-from sharing his trade with his family to teaching his children (and grandchildren) to drive a stick shift, use a hammer, and shoot a gun, at JUST the right age.

To have witnessed what his eyes had witnessed and experience what he experienced so very long ago; how impactful that was and what an amazing man it created. His habits, as well as his regimented and extremely disciplined way of life, could serve as a moral compass for all of us that were blessed to call him ours. To say he had the sincerest respect and admiration of most people he met, would be an understatement. His sense of humor was constant and always perfectly timed. That mischievous smirk, twinkle in those blue eyes (and having to dodge his ever-present toothpick for a goodbye smooch) will be so very, very missed.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Kathy and son-in-law, Rich Thayer; grandchildren, Lindsey (Patrick) Dixon, Elisha Thayer, Bryan (Katy) Thayer; and his great-grandchildren, Miles, Liam, Ethan, Madelyn, Nolan, Camden, and Benjamin. Jim is also survived by his sister, Luella Ray; brother-in-law, Jim O’ Fallon; sister-in-law, Maureen Munch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 70 years, Patricia; sons, Steve, Jeff, and Kevin; and infant twin daughters, Loretta and Frances; brothers, Joe, Jack, and Jerry; and sisters, LaVera and LaVonn.

Jim’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the BeeHive and their wonderful caregivers. We are grateful for their amazing care and support over the past few years.

A Funeral Mass and Interment will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

A livestream of the service will be available on the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Facebook page.