Julia Ann Jackson

Julia Ann Jackson ("Julie")

During the afternoon of March 1, 2023, following a short illness, Julie passed away at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, Montana, from acute myeloblastic leukemia at the age of 84. She spent her final weeks with family, friends, and her newly befriended hospital staff, laughing, crying, with all those around her enjoying her final smiles and spirited comments as she fought the cancer. Julie's courage and strength during her battle only added to her legacy of "other's first" with her greatest concern being the effect of her passing on her family. Dignity never left this wonderful woman.

Julie was born in Cambridge, Maryland, on August 27, 1938, the eldest and only daughter of Frances Aurethia Harris and Laverne Vincent Harris. Julie attended elementary and middle school in Cambridge, and in 1951 moved with her mother, father, grandmother, and younger brother, Bob, from Maryland to Helena, Montana.

Julie entered Helena High School that fall, where she often told the story of her introduction to her new classmates, as on the first day of school her type of dress was much different than that worn by her new classmates. In Maryland, a white blouse, black pencil skirt, with saddle shoes and white stockings, which were rolled down exactly 1/2 inch and held up by a rubber band was the fashion of the day. This costume caused quite a stir amongst her new classmates and left Julie wondering where she had landed. However, this concern faded quickly as she immediately became acquainted with 12 very special girls, all of whom remained lifelong friends and formed a group known as HAPS. This group enjoyed a close friendship and gathered every few years to meet in many places throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Upon graduation from Helena High School in 1956, Julie enrolled at Montana State College in the nursing program where she met her future husband Dave in chemistry lab. Julie continued nurses training until she and Dave were married in Helena on June 14,1958. Shortly thereafter they left Montana for Waco, Texas, where Dave trained for the Air Force. While in Waco they became parents to Don, the first of two children, and Julie spent her time raising her son and playing bridge with other wives on the base. In 1960, the family returned to Montana to finish college classes at Montana State College. In the fall of 1962, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, so Dave could attend law school. It was in Des Moines that Julie truly discovered her passion for helping others as she worked with autistic and impaired children of lower economic status to give them a better chance to succeed in life.

In 1964 Julie and Dave made their final move back to Montana and settled in Helena to be near their families. Julie began her career in banking at First National Bank and continued to work until 1967 when Doug was born. Raising two boys became Julie's fulltime job, but she continued to work parttime over the years in banking, the Montana Legislature and later as a librarian for the U.S. District Court. Julie was also an active member of Daughters of the Nile, P.E.O. International and Sweet Adeline's International.

Traveling was her passion. She was always up for a family trip to Maui or Canada but was equally excited to travel with her husband of 64 years to a great variety of destinations. Julie and Dave bought one of the original condos in Big Sky, and when Big Sky became too crowded, they built a cabin in Gallatin Canyon, on the river under Storm Castle Peak, from which the family spent many happy days fishing the river, hiking the hills, skiing Big Sky and Bridger and traveling into Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole to watch the animals. The wintertime trips on snowmobile to these wonderful places gave her great joy. Julie proclaimed many times that her most favorite place on earth was the cabin in Gallatin Canyon.

Julie was an avid sports fan and loved watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild compete at their various sporting events. She was a caring soul, but equally spirited. She could be heard yelling her support or displeasure for any player who thought the name on the back was more important than the one on the front. Being small in stature did not quell her ability to be heard over most during a game. Her biggest passion was MSU Bobcat football and as a season ticket holder she hated to miss a game. Julie's love for the blue and gold was clear to anyone who sat within earshot, and an inspiration to anyone who met her. She tolerated her Griz friends, but with a mischievous smile on her face, made sure they knew how she really felt.

Our Julie was one of the most gentle, caring and generous persons we've ever known. One of Julie's outstanding traits was a fierce loyalty to her family and friends, acting as a formidable advocate for anyone needing her help. Also, before considering her own needs or wants, she had an irresistible need to take care of anyone and everyone who needed assistance, be they walking on two legs or four. Julie's deep love for children and animals and consistent support of organizations which improved the lives of those groups will be dearly missed.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Verne and Aurethia "Pete" Harris, her son, Don, and numerous cats and dogs, having acquired one dog on purpose, with the others being "repurposed" from her kids, adopted or rescued. Julie is survived by her spouse, Dave, her son Doug (Mary Jo), her brother, Bob (Linda), her grandchildren, Beau (Danielle), Mandy, Kyle and Daniel and great-grandson, Ryder.

Come join family and friends at a memorial service to celebrate Julie's life 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Friends are then invited to the graveside service following the reception at Forestvale Cemetery.

Anyone wishing to donate in Julie's name can donate to either of the following charities:

Farm in the Dell, 6080 Gin Dale Rd, East Helena, MT 59635 or to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P O Box 4455, Helena Montana 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Julia.