Associate James (Jim) T. Tackes April 18, 1932 – May 10, 2023, Accepted March 19, 2000
Jim was born in Great Falls, Montana, the son of Joe Tackes and Katherine Keller Tackes who were homesteading pioneers in Power, Montana. The ninth child in his family, he was born during the great depression and survived and thrived through difficult times. From humble beginnings in a one-room schoolhouse to a master’s degree in theology, Jim was driven by a desire to be of service to others. In 1958, Jim was ordained as a priest and began working with numerous communities in Montana, including five years on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and four years as a missionary in Guatemala.
Leaving the priesthood in 1969, Jim began working to help the developmentally disabled, which he would do in one way or another for the rest of his life. His wide-ranging talents and dedication to help others contributed to his success as a business owner, carpenter, handyman, and especially, husband and father.
Jim was accepted as a BVM Associate in 2000 and met frequently with the sisters living in Missoula. He served on the Associate Advisory Committee for six years and enjoyed traveling to Dubuque for committee meetings, assemblies, and associate retreats.
Marie Corr, BVM, described Jim as “a man who spoke his own truth clearly and with love and had a deep love for the Vatican II vision of the Church”. In a letter of affirmation and support, Colleen Volkers described Jim as a person who “spent endless hours providing emotional and spiritual support to everyone he met and sought out the truly needy individuals in his community”.
Jim is preceded in death by many family members, including spouses Patricia (former BVM sister and BVM associate) and Rosemary (BVM associate). Jim is survived by his wife, Linda (BVM associate) and daughter Lori, who expressed appreciation to the BVM sisters and associate community for the prayers, kind words, and memories shared.
Evening vigil prayer service and sharing will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church in Missoula, Montana, on Tuesday, May 30, at 7:00 pm.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church in Missoula at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the 65th anniversary of Jim’s ordination.
Memorial donations may be made “in memory of Jim Tackes” to the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Hunger Fund) 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003-7991 (www.bvmsisters.org or 563-585-2854), or Partners in Home Care (Hospice) Missoula County www.partnersinhomecare.org (406-728-8848).
Linda asked that we share this message from her, “Please express my gratitude to the sisters and associates for the support they have shown Jim and I over the years we’ve been associates, as well the loving kindness, prayers, and concern upon his passing. Blessings, Linda.”
Cards and messages of condolence may be sent to:
Linda Plamondon
1555 W Central Ave
Missoula, MT 59801-5528