Jack Willson

A Celebration of Life for John L. ?Jack? Willson Jr. , 59, of Ekalaka, will be 2:00 p. m. , Thursday, June 7, 2007 at Carter County High School in Ekalaka, MT with Pastors Bruce and Reba Kolasch officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the Ekalaka VFW Post #7885 and Ekalaka American Legion Post #60. Burial will be at a later date. Jack passed away on Friday, June 1, 2007 at his home in Ekalaka. John Leon Willson Jr. or Jack as most of his friends and family called him was born on March 18, 1948 to John L. Willson Sr. and Doris R. (Kortum) Willson in Miles City. He attended school at Opeechee Park and Ekalaka, graduating from high school with the class of 1966. Jack began college at the University of Montana in 1969, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors in 1973. In June of 1967, he was inducted into the US Army, spending his time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in June of 1969. On September 2, 1969, Jack was married to Beverly Jo Hutton, daughter of Jennie and Joseph Hutton. To this union were born Jacqueline Rae and Jimi Lynn. Jack began his career with Southeast Electric in 1973 and was the office manager/accountant for 33 exemplary years. The auditors who checked out his work said Jack?s work was the easiest to check and was always in perfect order. Jack was a loving husband and father especially devoted to his two beloved grandchildren, Jordan and Jade Fix and his godchildren, Damien and Trevor Kortum. He enjoyed several hobbies, especially if family was involved with him. Jack enjoyed his rare 55 Mercury Sun Valley and spent over 20 years in the restoration of it. He also enjoyed grabbing his fishing pole and heading out to his favorite catfish spot or hiking after his big buck. He was as happy as a man could be teaching Jordan and Jade how to fish, find discarded deer horns, taking pictures of wild life or just shooting some baskets. Jack was an avid card player with family or friends. Jack?s cooking forte was making jerky that the whole town could smell. Jacks lawn was the envy of every yard in town and forced his neighbors to try to comply with his high standards of lawn care!Survivors include, his wife, Beverly of Ekalaka; two daughters, Jacqueline (James) Hoyt, Gillette, WY and Jimi (Dusty) Fix, Ekalaka; a brother, Robert (Cara) Willson, Miles City; a sister, Kathy Tobin, Gillette; mother-in-law, Jennie Hutton, Ekalaka; two grandchildren, Jordon Jonna Willson Livengood Fix and Jade Ryan Fix and two godchildren, Damien and Trevor Kortum. He was also survived by four special cousins, Joe (Carole) Carey, JoAnn & Wes Marshall, Mary Ellen Carey and Roger (Deb) Kortum; nieces and nephews, Blake, Scot & Rusty Willson, Tami Sturgeon, Teri and Tina Tobin and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack?s parents, John and Doris preceded him in death. A Memorial has been established for the St. Elizabeth?s Lutheran Church Building Fund in Ekalaka. The land for the new church has been donated by Jack?s family.


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Burial Date: June 7, 2007
Funeral Home Ekalaka, MT

Celebration of Life: Thursday, Carter County High School, Ekalaka, MT