After a short illness, our father passed away on July 3, 2016.
James Martin Sexton, 86, was born in Amherstdale, West Virginia, on Dec. 24, 1929, to parents William Marvin and Mollie (Mynheir) Sexton. He was the third of eight siblings. He attended local schools until the age of 16. He then lied about his age and joined the Army. This would soon find him in Germany. He was with the Army Corps of Engineers. He thought Germany was beautiful and always wanted to go back during better times. He never did return.
After the war, he went back home to West Virginia to work in the coal mines. Mom worked at the Hutchinson Mining Co., in the payroll department where they soon met. After dating a short time, they were married in April 1948. Six children were blessed to this marriage. Dad hated the coal mines and so we were on our way to Butte. He felt copper mining was a safer choice. After several trips to and from West Virginia, we finally stayed put in Butte. After many years of mining, dad retired from the Anaconda Company. He loved Montana but he still had strong feelings for West Virginia ... just not the coal mining.
Dad loved to camp and fish. That was usually the highlight of our summers. He also read many books until he started having issues with his vision. He loved music and had a great voice. He took many long walks until his RA made it difficult to do so. He loved going to Burger King for coffee with his old mining buddies. He was funny, stubborn and so very sarcastic. Some of us called him Archie Bunker, Jr. Dad was a good man and would be there for all of us at any given time. He told some of the best stories ever ... especially the ones from when he was growing up.
Dad was a strong Democrat. He was not going to vote in the coming election. He'd had enough and thought the two candidates at this time were not good choices for anyone. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. Over the years he had been an Elder, Deacon and sang in the choir. We just found out he had also been baptized in the Baptist Church.
Mom passed in 2014. He was also preceded in death by a son, James Martin Sexton II; brothers, Bobby and Ronald; and sisters, Catherine and Billie Jean.
He is survived by Jerry Sexton, Montana, Connie (Steve) Laramie, Idaho, Mark (Kaye) Sexton, North Dakota, Janet (Lee) Walth, Washington, and Dr. Karen (Todd) Stewart, New York. Grandchildren are Scott (Karen) Laramie, Idaho, Jim (Birgit) Laramie, Virginia, Matt (Brandi) Laramie, Idaho, Amanda (Kris) Koessl, Montana, Jacob (Meredith) Baumann, Ohio and Shannan (Eddie) Sanchez, Colorado. Great-grandchildren are Kaitlin and Hannah Laramie, Madison Mokel, Stevie and Anson Koessl, Autumn and Camden Hunter and Samuel Baumann. Also surviving are sisters, Nancy Kenneally, Washington, and Sue Ann (Jack) Baisden (West Virginia) ... along with many nieces and nephews.
Dad has been cremated. There will be no church services per his request. A military service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 15, at the Montana Veterans Cemetery in Helena, Montana. Please make all donations to Disabled American Veterans.
Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.