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John McGuinness Obituary
John McGuinness
March 2, 1948 - May 22, 2024
CHENEY, WA - John Willis McGuinness (Jack) was born in Butte, America on March 2, 1948 and was a lifelong Montanan. He passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 22, 2024 at his home. He was 76 years old.
Jack graduated from Boys Central High School in 1966 and went on to receive a Health Sciences degree from Montana State University in 1971. He was on both the football and rodeo teams at MSU and will forever be a proud Bobcat.
He married the love of his life Linda Leavitt (Levi) on June 10, 1972. They had three children and five grandchildren. He spoke often and fondly of his family and was endlessly proud of them all.
After a few years teaching and coaching football, he spent his career in Montana in the cattle industry. He operated sale barns in seven locations throughout MT - settling at Billings Livestock Commission for most of his career. He was an auctioneer, an innovator in the industry and a fearless entrepreneur.
Jack loved Montana, the Bobcats, cattle, running, lake life and spending time on the roads of MT. He never met a stranger and never forgot a name.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Dorothy McGuinness; his Irish twin brother, Jim and many other beloved family members and friends.
He is survived by his wife; three children; five grandchildren; his brother, Jeff (Lisa Fields) and sister, Joan (Jonathan) Sachs.
Jack was a larger than life storyteller and great friend to many. He would often remind us all to work hard, be true to our endeavors and follow our passions. "We've got a good life here." GO CATS!!
A memorial will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Butte on Friday, June 28th at 12pm with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall. In lieu of flowers please give to your favorite charitable organization in Jack's honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McGuinness
Sheila Mehrens
May 20, 2025
Just a GOOD Guy. Hard working with a sense of humor all of his own. A favorite Jack one liner, "If it cost a quarter to go around the world he could not afford to get out of sight!" God Bless Jack and Jim.
Mick Delaney
June 28, 2024
Jack was a true Blue Bobcat but we always enjoyed heckling each other. He was on one of first teams at Butte Central that I was fortunate to coach. We remained friends through all the years. Jack your gone but will never be forgotten. May you RIP
Mick Delaney
Lynn Hirschy and Shirley Harrington
June 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss of Jack. He used to say "Don't tell anyone that I was your babysitter!" It was so handy to have Jack just down the road when Don and I would go out. I even remember when Lynn led the pony up the stairs into the house to torment Jack. He was always so good hearted and so macho. Levi, I don't know how to get ahold of you so I'll leave my phone for you to call me someday. Again, so sorry for your loss. Shirley Harrington (and Lynn) 406-683-2720
Todd D. Bartle and family.
June 24, 2024
My most sincere condolences upon the occasion of Jack's passing. We grew up with the McGuinness family , My brother and Hoss where great friends. I never met a McGuinness I didn't like.
Melissa O´Donnell
June 10, 2024
Sorry to hear of Jack´s passing . I spent many a weekend at the McGuinnes´s home in Billings. Great memories:)
Sending my prayers , to Katie, Kale , Kara and Levi:)
Mick DiFronzo
June 10, 2024
Jack was a mans man and a real Montana Cowboy. He was a super family man and very successful in business. He had endless energy and a fun sense of humor. Loved Jack and his entire family!!
Jim & Kym Espy
June 10, 2024
Many condolences to family.
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