James Larue

James M. LaRue, 75, a retired teacher of Great Falls passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2015 of natural causes. At his request, cremation has taken place under the direction of O’Connor Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date. James was born April 18, 1939 in Bozeman to Dent and Myrldine LaRue and attended school in Manhattan. He was in the Army National Guard from 1957 to 1961. He graduated with honors from Montana State College, now MSU, in 1962 and received a Master’s Degree in 1964. In September of 1962 he began teaching at East Junior High School. He taught Physical Science and was the Science Department Head from 1969 until his retirement in 1993.While teaching he was an active member of the Great Falls Education Association, Montana Education Association, and the National Education Association. He was married to Judy Jean Opp from June 9, 1962 until her death in 2003. He then married Jannett Rae Gernaat in Great Falls on February 21, 2004. He loved his family and enjoyed fishing, reading, and traveling with Jannett. He is survived by his wife, Jannett; daughter Janell LaRue of Los Angeles, CA; step-daughter Jaylene (Brenden) Carlson of Rothschild, WI; step-son Dean (Julia) Gernaat of Boise, ID; grandchildren Raeanne, Jade, and Jacob Carlson; and sister-in-law Alice LaRue of Palmer AK. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; and brother William E. LaRue. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Peace Hospice of Montana.