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BORN
1930
DIED
2021
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Jack Johnson Obituary
Jack David Johnson
Jack David Johnson, 90, of Billings passed away at Highgate Senior Living on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 of natural causes.
Dad was born on Nov. 7, 1930 in Fargo, North Dakota. His parents were William Raymond Johnson and Muriel Elva (Cuthbertson) Johnson. They raised Jack and his sister, Merlys JB Larson, on the Johnson Homestead near the small towns of Erie and Ayr, North Dakota. After graduating from Mayville High School, dad continued his education at Mayville State Teacher's College. He earned his BS in education but more importantly, he met the love of his life, Vera Penas. They were married on June 2, 1950. Dad often remarked, 'We graduated from college in the morning, and got married that afternoon!' Dad completed his Masters of Science in Education from Eastern Montana College in 1962.
He retired from teaching after 35 years, 30 of which were in Billings at Lincoln Junior High and Lewis and Clark. He was a member of the Mayflower Congregational church and served his community in a variety of professional associations. Of all the recognition dad received for his community service, he was most proud of his 1972 'Montana Teacher of the Year' award. His sister describes him as a 'life-long activist'.
Dad loved music-big bands, Willie Nelson or the Billings Symphony; baseball- no favorite team, just baseball! He was an avid reader. He enjoyed camping, fishing, swimming, singing, and an occasional 'Old-fashioned'.
He was a family man, teaching us many life lessons: 'Pay yourself first'. He fixed our cars, helped repair and paint our homes. He took us camping, to church, and found his greatest joy in spending time with his ever-growing family.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Vera; 'best friend cousin'-Duane Johnson, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Dad is survived by two daughters: Lorna (Steve) Norton of Buckeye, AZ and Claudia (Pat) Vandersloot of Billings; three sons: Jack D. Johnson Jr. (Karma) of Rock Springs, WY; Mark (Linda) Johnson and Jeffrey Johnson, all of Billings: five grandchildren: Ricki Ann Ketterling of Deer Lodge, MT, Ty Ketterling of Mesa, AZ, Andrew(AJ) Johnson, Vanessa Vandersloot (Zach Dalin), Nathan (Lauren) Vandersloot all of Billings; great granddaughters, Leah Maree Johnson and Elle Marie Vandersloot. In May of 2021, a great grandson and a great granddaughter will join the family! He is also survived by his sister Merlys JB Larson of Modesto, CA, cousins Amy McLeod and Dallas Johnson, sisters in-law Jennifer Morris, Carole Matthews, Carrie Larson; brothers in-law Glen Penas, Harlan Larson, Clark Penas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Smith Downtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Johnson
Pam Waller Meissner
February 10, 2021
I´m so sorry to hear of Jack´s death. He was a lifelong friend to my parents Ed and Marge Waller. He helped mom in her last few years with projects at her house and continued to visit her when she moved to assisted living. She always enjoyed his visits as he was such a calm and positive person. Karen and I had hoped to visit him at highgate but had not been able to do so with the pandemic. Our prayers are with you in your time of great sorrow. May Jack Rest In Peace. God bless your family.
Peggy Cluff
January 30, 2021
I can't believe I'm reading Mr. Johnson's obituary because I truly was just talking about him TODAY!!!! I had him for 8th-grade History and Home Room class at Lincoln Jr. High. He was such a wonderful teacher and gentleman. I sat in the back of the room with three other students, and we were always talking when we should have been listening or studying. For whatever reason, the other three got "N's" (Needs Improvement) in Behavior on their report cards, and Mr. Johnson always gave me an "O" (Outstanding) for Behavior. They were so mad at me (and I could name them if I wanted to). Ha ha!! He also wanted to know why I was always "frowning." I wasn't, but I had a crease between my eyebrows that made it seem like I was frowning. I am currently considering Botox to get rid of that crease. Mr. Johnson was a wonderful teacher, and I will never forget him!! I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Roger Clemmons
January 30, 2021
A true gentleman and a prolific booster of Billings. I met Jack through Kiwanis and would see him at the Adult Resource Alliance also. Peace to the family, God Bless you all. Rest In Peace Jack.
Shaun Harrington
January 30, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Jack at Lewis and Clark. He was a wonderful man who touched the lives of generations of kids and colleagues. He will be remember as a truly good man and with a smile on my face. Rest In Peace my friend.
Myrna Hardy
January 30, 2021
Such a Beautiful Father you had, may he rest in God's Glory. Pauline and I loved stopping by especially to wave and have small chats through the window on our morning walks! Never a day went by when he wasn't smiling and have such nice compliments to offer. A true Gentlmen Indeed, he will be so missed.
Frances Tweten McDermott
January 30, 2021
Jack was my high school band/chorus teacher at Bisbee High School ND. It was great fun to meet him in Billings and even teach together one year at summer school. He lived a full life...rest in peace friend.
Lynda Kaye
January 30, 2021
I´m so sorry to hear of the passing of "Mr. Johnson" who was my teacher at Lincoln Junior High school. He was one of those teachers who kindly and wisely guided from a rebellious, selfish, egocentric, snobbish teenager into a responsible adult. I wouldn´t even have considered college if it weren´t for Mr. Johnson. He made a positive and lastly impression on all his students. Thank you Mr. Johnson.
Becky K. White
January 30, 2021
My condolences to the Johnson family over Jack passing away. I will remember him for his generosity, loyalty to family and friends, and his quick wit! I'll never forget the day I came home from work and the entire Johnson family was pouring a new sidewalk at the home I owned next door to one of he and Vera's rentals in Billings. I hadn't even asked them to do that, yet there they were. What a great example that was for me, and I thank you all. I'm sure he will leave a void in all of your lives ~ Becky K. White
Lynn Duggan Noland
January 30, 2021
I am sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I connected with Jack when he came to school for a BUG Awards ceremony. My mom Helen Duggan was Jack's cousin. We heard stories of them growing up. Thinking of you all.
Nicole, Krue, Kitch and Family
January 29, 2021
We are so sorry to all of your family. We loved having you as our "adopted" Grandpa Jack! Each time we came and visited you while you lived at HGSL we knew you would be our highlight. We have so many special memories sitting on the swing with you, Krue stealing your breakfast, and just visiting with you each time we had a chance. We are so glad we were able to wave at you a few times these last couple months and blow you kisses while we weren't able to actually visit. We will sure miss your sweet soul, the world will not be the same without you. Wished we got more photos of you and the boys! This will be cherished forever. Our deepest sympathy is with your family. HUGS
Walt Donges
January 29, 2021
All, Jack was a good man and a loyal friend of 45 years. He helped me set a path for my life back in 1975. He taught me to pay myself first, I did and I have had an amazing life. Please say hi to Vera for me.
Pam Turnquist Birkeland
January 29, 2021
So sorry to hear of Mr. Johnson's passing. Your dad was a wonderful teacher. I had him at Lincoln Jr. High!
John Bohlinger
January 29, 2021
Jack was a well respected educator, dedicated Democrat, wonderful father and friend. May his Soul, through the Mercy of God, rest ineace.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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