James A. Monroe

James A. (Jim) Monroe, 75, of Sun City, AZ, was called home by the blessed Lord, at home, peacefully surrounded by family on May 15, 2025.

Jim was born as a twin April 2, 1950 in Great Falls, MT to Catherine Gallagher Monroe and Lyle Monroe Sr., baptized at St. Annes Cathedral. Jim is a graduate of Great Falls High School, Class of 1969. Jim enlisted in the United States Air National Guard in 1969, where he would experience an immense amount of travel over seas to many different countries before he retired in 1995. Jim was an amazingly hard working man. Throughout his career life, Jim was a very sought after carpet layer. He truly loved what he did and was a phenomenal provider. Jim and Lynda were always entrepreneurs at heart. They owned several businesses together to include: The Carpet Store and The Burger Master to name a few. Jim participated in many various hobbies throughout his life. In his early adult life he was a lead singer in the Barber Shops and a quartet, He was a great Texas Hold'em player participating in tournaments locally in Great Falls and in Las Vegas. He was an avid fisherman, who would never be caught without his Ron Popiel pole ( if you know, you know ). Jim loved to be seated at the dirt track every Friday night and would definitely never miss a night the sprint cars were in town. In the early 70's Jim completed the Dale Carnegie course, that would spark his entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1972, Jim met the love of his Life, Lynda at Seeley Lake. They married on July 21, 1973 and would go on to raise together four wonderful daughters. In the early years of their marriage, Jim and Lynda were active members of the St. Joesph's Catholic Church, Cursillo and the marriage encounter. Jim and Lynda were very ambitious folks and never stopped. One of their true passions together was buying, remodeling, and selling homes. The only thing they couldn't decide on was where they wanted to be - In 1985 they made their first move to Phoenix, returning to Great Falls in 1994. Between the years of 2008 - 2016 they moved back and forth four times to spend time with their daughters and grandchildren in both states until settling in Sun City in 2016. They always considered both places home.

Jim was always asked "How do you handle a house full of girls?" Well, one afternoon in the mid 90's Jim went out and bought himself a motorhome. He parked Big Bertha in the driveway, with nothing but a coffee pot and TV for the news. Jim spent many evenings out there enjoying peace and quiet from a house full of four teenage girls. This purchase lead to many wonderful memories that Jim and Lynda created. Not only with the family, but as a couple. They loved taking their road trips together, always listening to George Straight the entire way. Mom always made sure dad's bright orange shirt was packed, just in case he gave her any grief on the road. That way people would be able to see him hitch hiking on the highway. Jim was a man who always had good joke to tell, some of which, us girls weren't allowed to hear until we were married. He really enjoyed life when he could.

Jim was an amazing man, he was a sensational provider, a devoted husband, a wonderful dad and a phenomenal Papa. Jim was dealt a hand in life that no man should ever get, a Montana Banana if you will. His devotion to the Lord, never wavered in knowing, if this is God's will, let it be. Jim lived a physically painful life for decades, and with his faith and devoted wife by his side, he fought. He fought hard for many many years. We will all miss him very dearly and cherish the time he was here on Earth. He will always hold our hearts, even if he doesn't have the key.

"I can do all things through Christ, who Strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13

To those that loved him in both Montana and Arizona - Lynda is honoring him in both states. She would like to accommodate everyone to be able to say their final goodbyes.

Arizona Service:

Saturday, June 7th 2025 at 11:00am

St. Elizabeths Seton Roman Catholic Church

9728 W Palmeras Dr

Sun City, AZ 85373

Montana Service:

Saturday, July 26th 2025 at 11:00am

Burial - Mount Olivet Cemetery

2101 26th St S

Great Falls, MT 59405

Reception and Luncheon to follow:

VFW Post 1087

4123 10th Ave S

Great Falls, MT 59405

Jim is survived by: His wife Lynda Budeski Monroe, daughters, Jamie Orr (Jason), Jarrah Monroe, Jennifer McGrew (Luke), Jichole Hagen (Tim). Grandchildren, Breyannah Henry-Dailey (Michelle), Lenox Nightengale, Rastin Hagen, Blaze McGrew, Harper Hagen and Jace McGrew. Sister Rosemary Adolphson (Brad) Brothers Lyle Monroe and twin Jerry Monroe.

Jim is proceeded in death by: His mother Catherine Gallagher Monroe, Lyle Monroe Sr, Siblings, Bobby Monroe, Carol Monroe, Beverly Lucsinger. In laws Ron and Janice Budeski, Roxanne Stout and Gene Budeski.