I am James P. “Harr” Harrington, born in Dublin Gulch, Butte, America, on Nov. 17, 1937, to Daniel “Duni” and Margaret (Paige) Harrington.   I attended St. Mary’s Grade School, as well as Butte Central and Butte High School.

      When I was young, I didn’t want to be one of the guys hanging around wishing I would have done something — I lived by the motto, “been there, done that.”   I enjoyed being active, participating in football, motorcycle racing, skiing, and baseball/Old Ozzie softball in my younger days, and snowmobiling, four wheeling, Harley riding, hunting and boating later in life.   The best part of doing these things was being with old and new friends.

      I had the good fortune to travel to Ireland, Canada, and Mexico.   I traveled to see my favorite teams play, the Green Bay Packers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in addition to seeing several Seahawks, Steelers, Mariners, and Yankees games, and Super Bowl XX in New Orleans.

      I love to read, and my bookcase is full of books on Butte and Montana history, Western and Civil War history, mountain climbing, the Mafia and presidential and sports biographies.

      I was a staunch union member when I worked for the Anaconda Mining Co., Arco, and Metro Sewer for Butte-Silver Bow, and I made many lifelong friends at each.

      I am proud of my Irish heritage, loved being out on St. Patty’s Day, and I am a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.   A few of the businesses I have supported over the years were the Lost Weekend, Mulcahy’s, The Classic, the Club 13, the Moose, the Deluxe and Koochie’s.

      One of my greatest joys was to jump on my Harley with Joan and ride the back roads of Montana.

      Many friends stopped by this week, and it was great to see them all.   In keeping with tradition, an instant “Dublin Gulch” wake took place Thursday night, as my buddies Bill “Hogue” Hogart, Danny Hogart, Mike Johnston and Frank Johnston came to send me off.

      I am survived by Joan Porter, my lifelong companion of 39 years;   children, Kellie and Dan;   sister, Danette Harrington;   nephew, Jeff and Velvet Hartwick, and children Hunter and Payton;   nephew, Jason Hartwick;   sister-in-law, Dianna Porter;   and numerous cousins in the Bay Area and Seattle.

      I want to thank family and friends for the good times, their loyalty, and their love.

      Tap ’er light.

      James died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009.

      Relatives and friends may call from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday in St. Ann’s Catholic Church for visitation.   Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at noon, and a reception follows at St. Ann’s Hall.   Private placement of ashes will take place at a later date.

      Donations and memorials can be made to the Belmont Senior Center, the Ancient Order of Hibernians or Friendly Sons scholarship funds, or a charity of your choice.

      Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.