James “Jim” Michael DeClue, 61
On the afternoon of August 16, 2024, Jim DeClue was reunited with his beloved wife in heaven. Finally, at peace, Jim passed away with his devoted daughter and loving brothers by his side.
The youngest son of Robert Gilmore DeClue and Bernice Barbara Schmeiderer, Jim was born on June 25, 1963, in Perryville, MO. After Jim graduated from Sainte Genevieve High School in 1981, he attained an associate’s degree in business from DeVry University.
Jim enjoyed over 25 years in retail and financial management. Starting his career working at Jerry’s Superette, to becoming an assistant manager at Osco Drugs, to partnering with his wife Barbara in owning and operating The Rent to Own Store, and even becoming a senior tax analyst with H&R Block. Throughout his career, he formed many successful relationships and left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.
In 1991, Jim met Barbara at a family Thanksgiving dinner. Jim’s goofy sense of humor and charm captured Barbara’s heart that day, and they wed on June 12, 1993. They firmly planted their roots on Butte’s westside and together raised their only child, Courtney Rose.
Jim was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and funny. He was fearless and independent, yet selfless and patient. He loved fishing, camping, golfing, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Jim was a true family man. They were who he was, and he worked hard to make sure they were taken care of and felt loved every day.
As we say goodbye to our dear father, brother, uncle and friend, we take comfort in wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memoires to be cherished.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Barbara; his father, Robert DeClue; and his mother, Bernice Schmeiderer.
Jim is survived by his daughter Courtney (Michael Landers) DeClue of Sheridan, MT; his brothers, Bob (Stephanie Basler-Brumsfield) DeClue of St. Genevieve, MO, and Brian (Lisa) DeClue of Springfield, IL; his sisters-in-law, Diane (James) Dahy of Helena, MT, and Brenda (Gary) Clark of Ramsay, MT; his nephews, Brandon Clark of Butte, MT, Bryce Clark of Butte, MT, Michael DeClue of Springfield, IL, and Adam DeClue of Springfield, IL; and nieces Rachell (Ryann and Rylee) Williams of Helena, MT, Meghan (Jade) Lunney of Bozeman, MT, Alexandra Dahy of Helena, MT, and Victoria Dahy of Helena, MT.
Family and friends are asked to call on the afternoon of Friday, August 23rd, beginning at 1:00pm at Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services, located at 2009 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT. A small celebration of life service will proceed where memories and stories of Jim will be shared. There will also be a memorial service to be determined at a later date in Sainte Genevieve, MO.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services is privileged to care for Jim and his family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday August 23, 2024
Axelson Funeral Home
2009 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday August 23, 2024
Axelson Funeral Home
2009 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Sherry Williamson says
I cannot even imagine the loss your heart has taken Courtney. I know time heals all wounds but sometimes, it heals but forever aches. I don’t live close so can’t offer much buy my condolences and love to you all.
Sherry and Morgan
Larry WIlson says
I was a classmate of Jim’s and he made everyone smile. We had band together.