James H. “Jim” Hope III

April 9, 1948 - March 18, 2026

James H. "Jim" Hope III, 77, passed away on March 18, 2026. Born on April 9, 1948, Jim was a lifelong resident of Butte, Montana, a place he deeply loved and proudly called home. Jim attended Emerson Elementary, East Junior High and 1966 graduate of Butte High School. He continued on to college at Montana State, then transferred to Western Montana College earning a degree in education.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Hope II and Bernice A. Hancock Hope.

Jim dedicated 43 years to the Butte School District as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He began his career as a Health and Physical Education teacher at West Junior High and Butte High School before moving into administration. His impact, however, reached far beyond the classroom.

A passionate and accomplished coach, Jim led and mentored countless student-athletes in basketball, volleyball, and softball. He was especially proud to be the first high school girls' softball coach in Butte, beginning in 1991. In just 5 years, his teams captured three state championships—two of which included his daughter, Jennifer. He was also part of the Butte High School volleyball coaching staff that won the 1994 state championship, with his daughter Jami on that team.

While his coaching accomplishments were many, Jim's greatest pride was coaching and supporting his daughters, Jami and Jennifer, throughout their athletic journeys from elementary school through high school. He was beyond proud when both his daughters went on to play volleyball in college and followed in his footsteps into education.

Jim married his wife, Toni, in 1994, and together they built a life centered around family, love, and support.

He is survived by his wife Toni, daughters, Jami (Jim Bob) Humphrey and Jennifer Hope which he shared with his former spouse Joni. His stepchildren,

Rio (Marcy) Vetter, Rody (Crissy) Vetter, and Riley (Jackie) Vetter. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Jake, Drew, Lane, Lyvia, Christian, Gavin, Aspynn, Azalia and Sequoia.

Jim shared a special and lasting bond with his sister, Lindia Hope Stanton, and her husband, Bill. He is also survived by nephew Shawn Stanton, niece Deann (Dan) Rutherford and other extended family members.

He loved his pets, found joy in woodworking, and had a deep appreciation for sports, especially watching games and NASCAR. In retirement, he embraced his love for his hometown in new ways, working as a tour guide at Headframe Spirits Distillery and performing in five productions at the Orphan Girl Theatre and Anaconda Ensemble.

Above all, Jim's greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved them fiercely and showed up—quietly and steadily—for every game, competition, and performance. His presence was constant, his support unwavering, and his pride immeasurable. Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach, and friend—steady, humble, and deeply devoted to his family and community.

A private family service will be held on Friday, April 3rd at Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home. Friends and community members are invited to join the family for a gathering of Jim's life and legacy at the Butte Depot at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Jim's legacy. Donations can be sent via Hope Legacy Venmo Jim-Hope-2, through the families memorial account at Wells Fargo or send to 5 McKinley Dr., Butte, MT.