James D. "Dave" McPherson

James D. "Dave" McPherson

May 6, 1958 - October 10, 2023

Mr. James D. "Dave" McPherson passed away Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a short but valiant battle with cancer. Known both as "Little Mac" and "Big Dave," Dave was born May 6, 1958 to John D. and Kathryn "Dolly" McPherson. Dave attended St. John Elementary, Emerson Elementary, South Central Junior High, Butte Central High School, completing his education at Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology.

Dave began his career with Butte Silver Bow law enforcement in July 1984 as a 911 Communications Officer. He retired as the 911 Coordinator on May 31, 2023. He was proud to have ushered the 911 center into the newest technologies and systems. During his career he also frequently acted as the on-call DES contact, was the liaison with the Wrecker Association and was the chairman of the 911 Committee and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Dave had been an instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, volunteered for the American Red Cross, and had been a Volunteer Fireman with the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department for 47 years. Dave was honored to serve the Butte Silver Bow Community.

By far Dave considered his greatest accomplishment to be his children Megan and Jake. Frequently channeling his inner child, he relished every moment spent with them. He thoroughly enjoyed coaching Tee ball, baseball, basketball and football. He loved watching his children through all their high school activities and was so proud of the adults they have become. He loved fishing, jet skiing and even tried kayaking. He was always the smartest person in the room, not according to himself, but actually the smartest person in the room. He loved history, science, science fiction and the Green Bay Packers.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dolly McPherson; his parents in law, James R. and Barbara Cashell; brothers, John "Don" and George "Ronnie" McPherson and niece, Jennifer Tilander.

Dave is survived by his wife, Cathy Cashell-McPherson; son, Jake; daughter, Megan (John Liebel); sisters, Sandi (Lee) Seccomb, Sue MacPherson and Sally Harrington; brothers and sisters in law, Jim and Diane Cashell, Colleen and Joe Berger, Bill and Sarah Cashell, Marilou and Ed Hart, and Donald (Pepper) Olsen; nephews and nieces, Lee, Scott, David, Wayne, Jon, Sean, Matt, Chris, Tim, Brian, Seif, Kyle, Laurie, Jolene, Shannon, Kelly, Jenni, Dunya, Kaitlyn, and their families.

The family would like to thank Senior Solutions for their compassionate care of Dave especially Sheena, Robin, Paula, Jordan and Sunny. Thank you to our "Village" John Liebel, Dana Liebel and Tayler Rydalch, Dave's sisters and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-laws who went above and beyond, nephews, Scott Seccomb and Jon Harrington, and A-1 ambulance, and the McGree family for making it possible to bring Dave home. We would also like to thank all those who stopped by or called to visit with Dave; Ed, George, Cindy, Barb, JR, Butch, Lorna and Steve and the steady stream of friends, siblings, nephews and nieces that brought such joy to his days.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, with mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m.

The family prefers memorials be sent to Butte Food Bank, 1019 East Second Street Butte, MT 59701, World Central Kitchen or a charity of your choice.

804 is 10-10 out of service.

Rest easy 804 we'll take it from here.