James “Jim” Olds passed away on Feb. 8, 2017 in a Missoula hospital.

      Jim was born in Butte on May 6 1939, the son of Edward and Lorraine (Anderson) Olds.   He grew up in the Greeley neighborhood, surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors.

      He graduated from Butte High and was a fine athlete, playing first base and pitching four seasons for the Butte Legion Team.   Later he played in the Copper League for the South Side and Miners Union teams.   They called him “Lefty” Olds and he had an amazing, if erratic, fastball.

      In his youth he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles with friends Bob Wilcox, John Roesti, Bob Kovacich and Bobby Knievel.

      After high school he joined the Air Force where he received extensive training in electronics as Keesler Air Force Base.   Most of his service was spent in the mountains of Pakistan on a surveillance team.

      He returned to Butte and worked for the Anaconda Company as an electrician while attending Montana Tech, where he received his degree.

      Jim later joined Westinghouse where he worked for his old friend and neighbor, Howie Wing.   Jim followed his passion for electrical systems to M.H.D. and later M.S.E., where he would retire.   Never one to sit idle, Jim later returned to work with Town Pump, traveling the state to maintain their fuel systems.

      Jim took great pride in being involved with Our Lady of the Rockies, specifically the power and lighting aspect.   He was a lifelong New York Yankee fanatic.   A highlight was a trip to New York City for a four game home-stand in Yankee Stadium.

      Jim was an incredibly loyal person and never said a bad word about anyone.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, JoAnne (Boyle) Olds and by infant brother, Donald Olds.

      He is survived by sons, Jimmy (Shawn) Olds of Norco, California, Curt Olds of New York City and daughter, Karen Jean Olds of Los Angeles;   grandsons, Kasey and Bridger Olds;   brother, Jerry (Kathy) Olds of Yakima, Washington;   and numerous nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins.

      In accordance with his requests, cremation has taken place at Butte Crematories and services have not been planned at this time.

      Memorials may be made to the Butte Emergency Food Bank or to Our Lady of the Rockies.

      The Olds family would like to express our sincere thank you to the many friends and family who have supported us during this difficult time, specifically the Joe Sologub family.

      Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve the Olds family.

      Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.