James “Jim” Thompson, age 82, and Margie Thompson, age 80, both of Butte, passed away on March 1, 2022, and August 17, 2021, respectively. A Celebration of their Lives will be held on their 56th wedding anniversary, Saturday, April 9, 2022, beginning at 4pm, at the Front Street Station, 800 East Front Street in Butte.
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Our loving, caring and devoted Mother and Wife passed away on August 17, 2021 at the age of 80, following a courageous battle with Cancer. Margie was born January 4, 1941, in Fort Benton, MT, to Orville and Edith Morris. Margie had one brother, Donald, who died tragically in an avalanche when she was 11. She married James “Jim” on April 9, 1966 Margie and Jim had three sons, Scott, Dan and Mark whom she cared for with all of her heart! She was the rock of the family, the head organizer of activities, a pillar of the community and a shining light that all of us were blessed to share.
Margie graduated with honors from Fort Benton High School. She studied business at the Billings Business College then continued to study psychology at the College of Great Falls. She and Jim met on a blind date in Great Falls, Montana and after a brief courtship were married in Fort Benton, Montana.
Margie was a successful entrepreneur, being one of the first female sales representatives for Washington National insurance Company in Great Falls and she and Jim built a thriving business in Butte. She was instrumental in the implementation of a comprehensive computer program for K-12 classrooms in the Butte School District and was very committed to the young people of the community playing a major role in the creation of Teens in Partnership (TIP), Montana Teen Institute (MTI) and the Butte YMCA Teen Center. She continually inspired others through acknowledgment of their accomplishments through personal notes, written on a daily basis. Margie believed in practicing “learning for life”.
Margie kept books and operated multifaceted business operations. She served as a liaison between business and independent accountants, and even stepped in as head of a company in a President’s absence. Margie was organized and a critical evaluator for prioritizing project needs and loved to help groups work towards a common goal.
She had experience working on the radio, television and newspapers and was a people person. Margie was truly dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the community, always striving to help others to realize their full potential.
Margie was involved in much community service through out her life including, Montana Tech Foundation Board, Montana Tech Search Committee for Executive Director, Montana Tech Foundation Nominating Committee, Montana Tech Search Committee for Chancellor, MSU Presidents Advisory Committee , Butte School District #1 Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Butte High School Renovation Task Force, Teens in Partnership, Butte Teen Facility for Teenagers, East Junior High Home School Association President, Hillcrest Elementary Home School Association Treasurer, Butte Hockey Moms Organizer and President, Schilling Family Scholarship Committee Chair, Butte YMCA Board Vice President and President, Butte Chamber of Commerce Educational Committee and Community Task Force, Montana State Chamber of Commerce, Montana Community Foundation Executive Board Vice President, Greenway Steering Committee, Neighborhood Watch block chair, Florence Crittenden Home Advisory Committee, Rivendell Psychiatric Center Board, Governor Racicot’s Business Council Renaissance Fund, Governor Racicot Task Force on Endowed Philanthropy, Butte Community Concert Member, Rainbow Member of Grand Cross of Colors, Silver Bow Weaver’s Guild Organizer President and Charter Member, Chapter X, P.E.O. State Convention Chair, Butte Junior League Educational Committee Chair, Provisional Chair, Celebrity Series Chair and Public Relations Chair, the Butte Silver Bow Community Foundation Board, was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, a Board Member of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and was appointed by the Montana Supreme Court.to the Commission of Character and Fitness for the State Bar,
Margie and husband Jim started the Thompson Distributing City Wide Food Drive in 1989 and The Butte Silver Bow Community Foundation with a matching grant from Anheuser-Busch in 1995.
One of her proudest accomplishments was her 7 years as a member of the Montana Board of Regents, and she retired as Chairwoman of that Board in 2002 and the Board in 2003. Margie received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from the University of Montana in 2003.
Awards Margie received over her lifetime include the Butte-Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce “Golden Apple” Award, YMCA Elmer Mester Award, YMCA Distinguished Service Award, Butte Silver Bow Chamber Commerce “Harold McGrath” Award, Butte Exchange Club “Book of the Golden Deeds” Award, and the Montana Tech Foundation Distinguished Leadership Award.
Margie is survived by her husband, Jim; her sons, Scott (Mary), Dan, and Mark; grandchildren Josh (Jackie); Ryan (Hallie), Ashley(Jason), Siena, Lexa and Tia; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Gabriella, and Harper; nephew, Rick (Brenda); great nephew, Karson; and in-laws, Bill (Pat) Thompson and Jan Wolter.
Margie is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Orville Morris; Uncle Claude Morris, brother Donald Morris; Niece, Kelsey Morris and brother-in-law, Roger Wolter.
Services had been temporarily postponed to stop the spread of COVID in the community, but a service time and date has now been set. Please see above for service information.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Jim and Margie are suggested to one of the following foundations: Butte Emergency Food Bank, 1019 East 2nd St., Butte, MT 59701; Butte Silver Bow Community Foundation, PO Box 430, Butte, MT 59703; The Don Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund at MSU; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Margie.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Margie and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Front Street Station
800 E. Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m.
Saturday April 9, 2022
Front Street Station
800 E. Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Lea Ann Cleveland says
I want to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss. It is a tremendous loss to your family and the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lea Ann Cleveland
Carol McElwain says
Margie was the most amazing person I have ever known. She was alway there when you needed her. She was always pleasant, smiling, and had only positive words to say about everyone. Butte will miss one of the most active person that supported the Butte community.
Miss you Margie,
Carol McElwain and Tom
Judie Tilman says
Jim and Family; So saddened to learn of Margie’s passing. I know she will be sorely missed by her family, her community, and all her knew her.
She leaves behind a legacy of commitment to her community. I have lots of good memories of the times we shared as neighbors raising our families. We will all miss her.
Judie Tilman
Terry Dunfee says
So sorry to hear of Margie’s passing. I remember her when I worked at the Acoma Lounge and her and Jim would come in. She was such a beautiful and pleasant lady to talk to. She will be missed by this community for all that she contributed.
Bob and LInda Cenek says
Jim and Family –
Our condolences on the passing of Margie. She was a true pillar in the community – and in the state of Montana. She was always so friendly and upbeat. Truly, a rare individual.
Bob and Linda Cenek
Joanne and Jim Cortese says
Margie leaves the challenge to others to pick up the many torches (challenges) she accomplished so beautifully. God bless her, all who loved her, learned from her, and were inspired by her life.
Dave Micheletti says
I first met Margie when she was the Chairperson of the Montana Board of Regents, and I was supporting the development of a first-ever Master Degree program that was to be offered jointly by Montana Tech/University of Montana and Montana State University. At the time, discussions between UM and MSU Senior Leadership had reached an impasse and were on the verge of breaking-down. At the request of Marko Lucich, Margie intervened and successfully mediated a compromise solution (a significant challenge) and then spearheaded the program’s approval with the Board of Regents. During this process, I got to know Margie and developed tremendous respect for her leadership/team building skills, professionalism, sincerity, and kindness. Later, we became distant neighbors at Georgetown Lake, and my wife and I always enjoyed our periodic encounters with Margie and Jim. Margie was a first-class person in ever respect. Dave Micheletti
Kelly and Theresa Dennehy says
Jim and family. Margie was such a kind person and such a great supporter of our kids and community. She was so good to our son Casey when he played for the Cats. I never met up with her that she didn’t ask about my family. Bless you all. Kelly and Theresa Dennehy.
David Powell says
Sorry to hear of Margie passing. It’s been a long time from being neighbors in Great Falls. Mom’s 100th birthday was on Aug.17. and is doing well. The Powells- Catherine,Jim and David
Henry & Vanette Nagamori says
Our condolences on your loss.
Laura Zanto says
My husband and I met Margie and Jim in the parking lot of a Costco near Indian Wells, CA. I mentioned their Montana license plate and the conversation took off. It turned out that I had worked with Margie’s mother, Edith, at Fred’s Toggery in Fort Benton. I also knew her nephew, Rick Morris and Brenda. Margie graciously invited us to their home several days later for a little cruise on their boat and then to the casino for dinner. Margie was one of those people you instantly feel comfortable with – she had a heart of gold. Jim and family we are sorry for your loss and sorry we did not get to spend more time getting to know both of you. Take Care.
Laura and Rick Zanto
Kevin Devine says
I want to convey my sympathies to the Thompson family on the passing of Margie. Always will have good memories of her as a active and involved and very pleasant person.
Mary and Peter Carparelli says
Margie is living proof that angels walk amongst us and show us through their loving kindness and devotion what it means to be fully human.
We are blessed by her personal friendship and inspired by her example.
Our love to Jim, Scott, Dan, Mark and their families .
Joe Morris says
I send my condolences for your loss. Jim and your sons will miss her as will her many friends in this and other communities. We served on the Schillings Scholarship almost from the beginning. I was born in Belt and she in Fort Benton we both knew people in the Big Sandy area, so had friend from the area. Margie was very good at whatever she took on. Her P.E.O. affiliation made her a sister to my wife Sallie who passed away in May. Our community won’t have her vitality to help any of the causes. Enjoy her memory as that would be her wish I’m sure.
Robin Callow says
Margie was my last living cousin on my mother’s side. Our grandfathers, Uncle Will (Margie’s grandfather) and Montana State Supreme Court Judge Claude Frank Morris (my grandfather) were brothers born in Mexico, Missouri. I have fond memories of going to “the ranch” in Fort Benton to be with Margie, Don and their family, including Uncle Will.
Although we left Montana prior to Jim and Margie’s moving to Butte, we continued to stay in touch and see each other nearly every summer.
Jim, Phil and I feel your and your boy’s loss of Margie deeply, including their families. We will continue to keep her in our hearts forever, and you also. Margie was one of a kind and made a difference in this world. I shall always love her.
Our best to you all,
Robin and Phil Callow
Claudia Sanders Brown says
My gratitude for Margie’s Life and all her accomplishments. Gratitude also for her loving family.
Elizabeth and Keith hArrison says
Dear Jim and family,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss ….due to Covid closed borders and other issues,…we just now arrived at our vacation home in Indio and received the note Margie had written to us last year. Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of a wonderful accomplished lady, wife and mother . We truly enjoyed getting to know you while we lived at Terra Lago on the lake and appreciated the dinners and cruises you and Margie organized .
Thinking of you and wishing you peace that comes from knowing Margie is no longer suffering .
Keith and Liz Harrison