James (Jim) Gradyn Dunks, 74, died peacefully at home with his family by his side on May 16, 2022, following a brief battle with cancer and breathing solely on the lung an organ donor gave him twenty-two years ago.
Jim was born in the fall of 1947, in Butte, Montana, to Tom and Vi Dunks. He spent most of his life living south of Rocker, exploring the surrounding hills and roaming the wide-open spaces on horseback and foot. Jim graduated from Butte High School and, in 1969, married Shirley Baszler. They moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he served in the United States Army and Vietnam, before coming home to Butte for good.
Jim built a home in Rocker where he and Shirley raised three kids—Jimmy, Kelly, and Kristi—and plenty of horses, dogs, and cats. When their paths in life changed and they later divorced, Jim affectionately liked to introduce Shirley as his old wife.
In October of 1998, Jim married Janet Boyd, forming a true love that would carry him for the rest of his life. They made their loving home south of Rocker, raising stepdaughter Lindsey Boyd and creating the first of their pool rooms, where they spent countless hours playing and perfecting their pool game and entertaining friends and family. Jim and Janet enjoyed traveling to pool tournaments in addition to camping with friends, always competing to see who could catch the biggest fish. It was usually Jim, or at least that was how the story went.
Jim worked in the Berkley Pit mine and at the Anaconda Smelter, and spent most of his working life as a truck driver. He helped to build miles and miles of paved roads with Gilman Construction, where he worked for over thirty years. He was a skilled craftsman and an expert mechanic, and although you would never hear him make that claim, it was clear in everything he built and fixed. He spent countless hours puttering in his garage. Jim was a quiet person, but if he loved you, you knew it, and that was a good spot to be in.
Jim is survived by his wife Janet, his children Lindsey Boyd, Jimmy and his wife Cari Dunks, and Kristi Dunks and her husband Richard Nelson, and his dear grandsons, Tommy and Jericho Nelson.
A welcoming party was waiting for Jim as he transitioned to the next life into the arms of his parents Tom and Vi Dunks, siblings Tommy Dunks and Connie Wock, his son Kelly Dunks, and his mother-in-law Nellie Huot.
The family would like to thank the staff at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, the hospice staff at Senior Solutions in Butte, Jim’s treasured friends, and the organ donor that gave Jim over two decades of life. To remember Jim, please consider becoming an organ and tissue donor at www.organdonor.gov.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place with family and friends this summer.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jim.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jim and his family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Dave says
Jim was a great guy to hang out with, talk about life things and of course pool. He was Butte tough and will be missed by our whole community. RIP Sir
Kent & Yvonne Webber says
REST IN PEACE JIMMY BOY LONG TIME FRIEND!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Kent Webber…
Janet Neitzel says
I only met Jim a couple of times at pool tournaments with Janet. Great guy! Laid back and easy going.
Janet, my heart goes out to you and your family. May you all find peace in the days ahead. ❤️
Tom says
So sad. Jim was a very nice guy. RIP Jim.
Mary Kostich says
Jim & Janet were such a great unit – he was quiet & thoughtful, kind & fun. So deeply sorry for his passing. Hoping respite can be foubd in knowing he isnt having to battle any more. Sending love & strength to endure to each of you left to carry on.
Sandy Richter says
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a good friend and neighbor. We a grew up in Rocker. My prayers to you, Jim,Christie and thier family. And Lindsey. RIP Jim’s
Diane Earles says
Rest in peace Jim, great guy, and damm good pool player.
Mary Garcia says
So well written, RIP Jim we will always have a laugh till we breath our last breath.
Annie Descharme says
May the Lord be by your side and hold you tightly Janet. RIP Jim
Cheri Cusson says
Beautifully written Janet! We all will miss Jim and his words of wisdom! Words express so little our sorrow for your loss. We love you. Lyle and Cheri Cusson
Larry Henrie. Boise Idaho says
My deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Jim’s family. I first met Jim in 1962. I rode in a small school bus, 1962 Chevy Suburbsn, to the 2 room school house in Rocker. I have clear memories of Jim and Gay Palmer during recess in school. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Jim’s present family. May the Lord be with them all.
Diane Cotton says
Janet, I am so sorry about Jim. He was a very nice and gentle person he was fun to be with and he was very happy to give me encouragement when we were playing pool and I felt pressure to not screw up a shot. I can imagine the pain and loss your going through it was very hard for me and Tony when we lost Keith. You can call me if you need anything or if you just need someone to talk to my number is (406)479-4931. I am sending you love and prayers for you and the rest of the family love you Diane.
Ann Demaio says
The Molignoni Family, Albert, Lou, Lee and Rob offer our deepest condolences for a good friend and neighbor.
Mark Darlow says
RIP Jim, it was an honor to have known you. So sorry for your loss Janet.
Molly Jones says
Jim was a kind and welcoming man and my heart breaks for Janet and the family! So very sorry for your loss. Safe travels Jim, from this journey to the next. Gone but not forgotten. 🙁
Roberta (Robbie Osier) Peterson.of ice hill of ice ended e says
Janet I am sorry for you loss. Jim has been in my life for 73 years. My cousin Jim was a priceless gem in my life. He graduated with my cousin Nancy (Dunks) Swope and I in1966. He was a character….Tommy & Him talked me into getting in an old style buggy with no wheels on at Uncle Bill’s Ranch in Boulder. The little icy hill was fun until I ended outside the buggy and had stitches in my chin. We still laughed about it. Loved watching him at rodeo’s. Jim RIP. My heart is glad you are at peace but thank you for all the memories. My Love you Cousin. Robbie. Janet thanks being there for an him…we love you
Claydee Ann Dunks-Martin says
Jimmy,
I have always loved your quick smile and infectious laugh. I carried your “Green page” picture until it fell to pieces. The horseback rides, the rodeos and the parades are still to this day precious memories. Having you and Tommy while I was growing up always made me feel safe and loved. No girl could ask for a more wonderful pair of cowboys than you two, even if you did threaten my husband with his very being just momments after Vic & I said I do. I know that was the Dunks coming out. I was so blessed that we were family and you were there in my childhood.
Janet, I am sorry I never got to meet you. Thank you for loving a caring for one of the best men ever.
They say that cousins are your first best friend, so true in our family. Loving you always, Claydee Ann Dunks-Martin and family.