John "Jack" Henry Fisher

John Henry Fisher, 72, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side in their home in Yuma, Arizona on January 20, 2022.

Although his birth name was John Henry, he was a man of many names. Jack was his common name but, he was quickly given the nickname Sammy or Sam after a family friend said his wife was watching a show starring Sammy Davis Jr. and she said, “he looks just like little Jackie Fisher.”

Jack was born on October 22, 1949. He was the 4th of 11 children born to Dave and Helen (Foote) Fisher.   Although his family is large, they are incredibly close. He was raised with strong family values and the relationships he had with his family members were treasured. He was raised in the Boulevard neighborhood in Butte, where he attended St. Joseph’s Elementary School and graduated from Butte High School in 1967. Sometimes, you meet someone, and you know they are meant to be in your life forever. Jack met the love of his life and lifelong companion, Judy Kay, when he was 14. They were married 4 years later, February 24, 1968. Their devotion and their ability to talk to each other is one of the most admirable things they share. Their love for each other can be seen everywhere and in everything they did. They were blessed with two children: daughter, Jacqueline Dee and son, Robert.

Jack loved the outdoors so much they decided to purchase a cabin in the lower Seymour Lake area. The risk taken and the sacrifices they made to purchase the property pale in comparison to the family moments shared there. So many people have a special place in their hearts for “the cabin” and it will always be one of those places you will always feel his presence.   Jack grew up hunting and enjoyed teaching others the sport and passing down their hunting traditions. The hunting boys share some incredible memories, that will be cherished forever. Jack also loved softball and whether he was watching, playing, or coaching, you could often find him at the softball fields. The competition, his teammates, the friendships forged, the energy of the crowd, watching a team come together to pull off the win, the hotdogs and the cold beverages all fueled his love for the game.

He was loyal, hard-working, passionate, and fair in every aspect of his life, including his career. He worked various jobs until he started working for the Anaconda company, where he was given the opportunity to participate in an electrical apprenticeship and become a union electrician, a trade he continued until he retired. Jack was laid off from the Anaconda Company in December of 1981 when they ceased mining production and turned off the pumps that kept the mine drained. After being laid off, he continued to work by traveling to any available job throughout the states.   Jack was very active in his union and passionate about the work they achieved. He served on multiple committees, as a shop steward and was elected to the Executive Board. He was initially affiliated with IBEW 65. He was later sent to IBEW 122 then 623 and finally 233, where he retired as the Assistant Business Agent. During this time, Jack was elected to the state electrical board, where he served as president for 7 ½ years. He was also involved with the Central Labor Council (CLC). The CLC is responsible for the Butte Labor Day picnics. He was also very active in the AFL CIO and the building trades and was honored at the 2019 Labor Day picnic for his union loyalty.

Jack and Judy have owned Sam’s Place, for 38 years. A bar, he said, “Judy purchased sight unseen to get him off the road”. He gave the tavern association as much passion, support, and dedication as everything else in his life. His understanding of people and business was remarkable and in September 2022, he received the Durkee award, which is the highest award given by the Montana State Tavern Association.

Jack was a volunteer Fireman for 35 years. He was an officer with the Boulevard Volunteer Fire Department for 5 years before transferring to Home Atherton Volunteer Fire Department where he retired as Chief, their highest-ranking officer. He was very proud of the time he spent helping to keep our community safe. He fought many major fires in the Butte and surrounding areas, and he forged lifelong friendships.

He and his wife Judy have spent their retirement years traveling, attending concerts, going to their cabin, Flathead Lake and just sitting in the sunshine, enjoying their coffee or a cocktail while listening to some music and talking to each other   Their journeys have taken them through the Panama Canal, Australia, Egypt, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and across the United States. Their traveling adventures with their children, grandchildren, family, and friends have brought them so much joy and were some of Jack’s favorite memories.  

Jack is preceded in death by his brothers Dave and Ron Fisher, his parents Dave and Helen Fisher and his mother-in-law, Ruth Doltar. He is survived by his wife, Judy Kay; children, Jackie and Jim Galipeau and Rob and Sandi Fisher; siblings, Judy Lewis, Bill and Dee Fisher, Ed and Teri , Dan and Terry, Jim and Florence (Bean), Ellen and Paul Downey, Kathy and JR Gonzalez, Lori LeDeau and Marty Yochim; sister-in-law, Connie Fisher; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob and Elizabeth Winters, Rick and Sue, Marty (Dewey) and Shannon Doltar; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shelia and Andy Kankelborg; grandchildren, Jami and Chris Salmonsen, Samantha and Donavan Halvorsen, Jake Fisher and fiancé Katie Martin, and Brylee Meisinger; his great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Although our hearts are broken from his passing, our lives are better having known him. His smile and laugh were infectious. He loved deeply, was kind, giving and incredibly loyal. He lived his BEST life and in doing so, he has taught us how to live our BEST life. Learning to live without him will not come without tears and challenges but, it will also come with lots of laughter and smiles.   We will not say good-bye because he is not gone. God has wrapped his arms around him and is keeping him safe. He will live forever in our hearts, and he will be guiding, protecting, and loving us. Until we meet again, know, we love you!

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you share Jack’s giving spirit and “pay it forward”. Buy a latte for the person behind you at the coffee shop, pay for someone’s meal at the restaurant you are eating, run for a cause, or hold the door for someone. Big or small, we hope these acts of kindness toward others will remind you of Jack, will help with the healing process and will inspire more kindness.

Cremation has taken place. Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Butte Depot; 818 S Arizona Street. Visitations will begin at 12(noon) until 1:00pm. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00pm, reception to follow.