Albert (Al) James, Jr., a Walkerville legend, passed away on March 27, 2025. Albert was born in 1935 to Albert James and Elizabeth Maud Williams of Cornwall. Growing up as a Blainer in Walkerville, and a golden-glove boxer with the Saint Lawerence boxing team, Al lost both of his parents by age 14 and began as a nipper in the mine to fend for himself in the “new country.” Albert lied about his age to join the United States Navy at age 17, where he earned silver gloves for boxing before spending much of his service in the Naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington.
After serving in the miliary, Albert returned to Montana, where he renewed his friendship with the Galahan family, including his future wife, Patricia Ann Galahan. Albert and Patrica were married in 1958.
In 1963, Albert answered the call to educate the mass of baby-boomers, receiving his Education Degree from Western Montana College, beginning his career at the Longfellow teaching sixth grade. He then obtained his Masters in Physical Education from Montana State University in 1973, while teaching. Being a Bobcat fan was part of his identity. Albert taught PE, Butte History, and Montana History position with the Butte School District for 32 years, including coaching many teams in many sports. Albert is remembered by generations of Butte schoolchildren for his tough, but fair teaching style, including the infamous 2-inch punch.
Al became an iconic musician throughout the Butte, Dillon, and Wise River area. He became interested at a young age in music, beginning with the piano he kept with him from age seven to his death. Albert has been an integral part of Butte’s music scene since the 1950’s when he performed his first gig on St. Patrick’s Day at the 9 Mile Dance Hall south of Butte. Albert’s most memorable music group that he played in was “Tinkle, Plunk and Boom” alongside Bob Kovacich and Bob Wilcox. The band was known throughout Southwest Montana, regularly playing at the Rumpus Room. Albert played the drums, piano, and guitar along with other instruments. Additionally, Al regularly played solo, stopping at every bar along the Big Hole River and at hunting camps and campfires throughout the Pioneers. He also enjoyed composing his own original Butte folk and mining songs, which he played headlining at the National Folk Festival with the “Al James Band” encompassing his son Mark, Toby Schelin, and the late Gary Robinson. He passed this love of music on to his children and his grandchildren.
Another of Albert’s passions in life was the mountains. From a very young age, Albert enjoyed stealing away on a horse with a pack and losing himself in the mountains. Over the years, he came to know the mountains, meadows, and drainages around Wise River better than anyone else. One of his favorite pastimes was to stay the night at his cabin in the Pattengail and croon songs to the woods and gaze at the stars.
Albert was a great horseman, one of a dying breed. Throughout his life, he rarely was without at least one horse. He enjoyed taking friends, his son Mark, and later his Grandson Austin through the mountains on horseback to reach areas that few had seen. His cowboy style of camping and hunting high country elk was more rough and ready than most friends were used to. He was the first to volunteer himself and others to a cattle drive, or to stop for a trout stream.
Albert was a local living legend in Butte. This was assisted by his interest in history and genealogy. The Butte Archives have an “Al James collection.” He not only knew everyone, but he knew their parents, how they were related to his relatives, and how they were related to Butte historical figures. Albert was a living resource for those interested in Butte history and family trees. Because he knew everyone, his friends numbered in the hundreds, and he always enjoyed making new ones.
Albert was loved by all his family as he found ways of connecting with them. He was able to connect with his family through music, the outdoors, sporting events, and stories about Butte. Albert is survived by his children Mark (Terri) James and Michelle (Patrick) Mulhill. He is survived by his grandchildren Austin (Rose) James, Rebecca Mulhill, Taylor (Justin) Howell, Logan Mulhill, and Keegan (Zoe) Mulhill. He was also lucky to meet his two great grandsons, Jack Albert James and Brayden James Howell. Albert is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Maud James and his spouse, Patricia James.
A beloved educator, story teller, athlete, musician, historian, and exemplification of “Butte tough”.
Celebration of Al’s life will be held at 11am, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in the Ballroom of the Copper King Hotel, 4655 Harrison Ave, Butte, Montana, 59701. Visitation will begin at 10am in the ballroom. Followed by a reception.
Memorials in honor of Al are suggested to the Montana State University Veterans Support Center, checks written “MSU Veterans Services”, mailed to MSU Veterans Services, 136 Romney Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, or to Butte High Athletics at 401 S Wyoming St, Butte, MT 59701, or to the Young Musicians Club at East Middle School, PO Box 4531, Butte, MT 59702.
You may visit below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Al.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Al and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 10:45 am
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Life
11:00 am
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of the Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 10:45 am
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Life
11:00 am
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday April 5, 2025
Ballroom of the Copper King Hotel
4655 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Tom Stetzner says
The wizard of the Pattengail Creek drainage.
One of the few real Cowboys I ever knew..
Using a saddle for a pillow and manny tarp for cover.
Rest peacefully, sing and pick guitar stings with angles.
Many of us will certainly miss your humor, presence & demonstrated love for the great outdoors.
Ginny Powers says
Al was a great friend and neighbor. Growing up in Walkerville we were all like extended family. Loved when he would bring his guitar down and play us some tunes. But mostly he would stop by the garage and tell some fun stories..And let me tell you he had some stories. We also camped for many years up in the Pattengil close to his cabin and would keep an eye on it. He sometimes would stop at camp and have a cold one and tell us fun stories or good info. We have missed our visits since we moved from the hill. He was very talented man and loved by all. Very simple but yet so full of life..They broke the mold after him. He loved his family and always talked with great pride about them. So farewell our friend, send us down some fun memories from time to time. Your friends from the hill. Kevin and Ginny Powers. Bennett st. Folk! 💙🙏
Kathy Decker says
I am deeply saddened by the news of Al’s passing. May his soul rest is peace, and may his family find comfort in the love and memories you all have shared. I am going to miss him.
Joe says
Lots of memories of Al. Man of many talents . Condolences the families.
Frank Rozan says
Mark, Terri, and Family. We are sad to hear of Al’s passing. What a Great Teacher and friend he was. Al (Boom) of “Tinkle pluck and Boom” played for our wedding. What a great time we had! May Al and the band play on for eternity. He will always be an inspiration.
Frank & Tulip Rozan
Lynette Petritz says
My wedding present from All was to play for my wedding. Tinkle, Plunk, and Boom were also there has a 25th wedding anniversary gift for my parents. My dad and All really loved their family connection. He will be missed.
Frances Harvey says
So sorry for your loss!! Al was a great guy!! He had the best stories and he was a great neighbor!! He will be missed!! Sending prayers to all of the family!! RIP AL
Barbara Stevens says
My deepest sympathy to the James family. It was an honor to have been Albert’s home Healthcare Provider and friend. You are missed.
Mike Dotson says
Mark and family, was so very sorry to hear of the passing od\f
Al. He was a great guy , always had a smile for you. May you find peace in your beautiful family memories. God Bless, Mike and Connie Dotson
Kevin Mellott says
Rest In Peace Mr. James! I met Mr. James at Margret Leary he was our Gym teacher and enforcer. In 1975 the 1st year the school was open Principle Stewart would gather all the students to the Library and on stage Mr. James would be their with his Paddle as Principle Stewart would speak with his little microphone and portable speaker explaining to all of us what would happen if we got in trouble (mostly fighting) like the 2 students he would have with him on the stage. Mr. James was the enforcer and the sound of that paddle spanking made me as a kindergartener to never want to be on the stage or in trouble. Later in Middle School I had Mr. James for Gym and Health and actually got to know him and what a great guy. Every Monday during hunting season (Archery and Rifle) Mr. James allowed us to tell Hunting stories of our weekend adventures (1st 10 mins), which allowed me to see that Mr. James was not the mean paddle master that I feared as a kid. Over the year I would see Mr. James and he would always share a story and I will miss those opportunities. Thank you Mr. James for everything you inspired and being a great role model.
Paul Richards says
Mark and Michelle sorry for your loss your dad was one of a kind, every time I come home to butte I would run into him some where he always had a good story he will be missed
Deb (Salmonsen) Burton says
I am blessed to be friends with Missy as we grew up together. Her house was a second home to me as we spent many days and nights at her house throughout growing up. I remember all of the hockey games on the ice rink Al built for the neighborhood and Butte Hockey. I enjoyed visiting the cabin in Wise River. My brother Doug was sharing stories of riding to school with Al to East Jr. High. He shared his gym classes were his favorite subject. Al and the whole James family have a special place in the Salmonsen family hearts. We will be thinking of you all as you say goodbye for now. Remember all the great times as you shed a tear.
ronald v kindred says
Mark, Terry, I am so sorry to hear of Al;s passing. I had him for a gym teacher many years ago, he was a great coach and helped countless kids with his firm and fair advice. My sincere condolences to your family, i will miss him.
Anna A Ken Dockter says
so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. One of the greats. allour thoughts and prayers
Ken Dockter & family
Ann “Annie” Shes says
My sincere condolences to the James’ family.
My memory of Al was over my dog,Henry.
Henry was my BEST friend. One day someone set the fire alarm off on Bennett St. where we lived.
I was holding Henry as many cars followed the fire engine and Henry liked to chase the cars.
I was holding for dear life but Henry pulled away to chase a motorcycle. He got hit by a car.
I a remember screaming. My mother thot a kid got run over.
Years later, I saw Al I didn’t really know.him. But he said to me, “I remember Henry and that day…..This must have been 40 years after the incident. I was SHOCKED that anyone would remember the incident let alone Henry’s name!
What a fantastic, personable, loving, caring man I recollected and was impressed by his memory and thoughtfulness in sharing.
Amazing. Thank you , Al. I know you are up there with the many saints of Walkerville, etc. Sharing your memories and talents! May GOD bless the family knowing there was such a remarkable, wonderful person and role-model bestowed in their lives!
Thank you. GOD bless.