Gerald Lester Jones

1941 - 2025

Gerald Lester Jones, age 83, passed away from the effects of pulmonary fibrosis on January 29, 2025, at his home in Dillon, Montana. Gerald was born on June 6, 1941, in Malad, Idaho, to June and Lester Jones. At the age of nine, his family relocated to Dillon, Montana, where he resided for the remainder of his life.

Gerald graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1959 and went on to attend Western Montana College, where he played basketball, rodeoed and earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Industrial Arts. He then attended BYU, where he met and married Patricia Hogan on June 13, 1964 in the Los Angles, CA temple. Together, Gerald and Patricia built a life rooted in hard work and love, raising their six children on the family ranch.

Gerald lived a rich and fulfilling life. He worked hard and valued relationships. Everywhere he went, he knew someone, and if he didn't know you when you arrived, he did by the time you left. Gerald's love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. He cherished time spent with his children, teaching them the finer points of hunting and fishing, riding horses, playing basketball, and working side by side on the ranch. It was always clear who his favorite child was-whoever he was with at the moment. He had a special gift for making you feel like the most important person in the world.

Gerald's love for his grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews was equally profound. He made a point of building a special relationship with each one, whether by teasing them with his humor or supporting them at their events. His warmth and devotion created lifelong memories for his family. Gerald was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in the bishopric.

Gerald's love of horses was evident in the high-quality breeding stock he and his father developed. Together, they bred and trained highly sought-after quarter horses, renowned for their exceptional lineage. Gerald was instrumental in the early years of the open arena Saturday rodeo events at Montana's Biggest Weekend and generously supported the county fair through his horses, time, and resources. His passion for rodeo took him across Montana, where he competed in calf roping, team roping, wild cow milking, and hide racing.

Hunting was another lifelong adventure for Gerald. He spent countless days combing the mountains of Beaverhead County in pursuit of big game, with elk being his favorite. In his later years, he turned his focus to bird hunting, with pheasants becoming his preferred quarry. Even after losing sight in his right eye, Gerald simply switched to shooting with his left-and, to no one's surprise, remained just as skilled.

Gerald had an enduring passion for sports, especially basketball. He followed Beaver basketball from the time he played in 1955 until his last game on January 17, 2025. If there was a basketball game, Gerald was there-even when he didn't have a child or grandchild on the court. In high school, he excelled as an athlete, playing football, earning a third-place finish at the state basketball tournament, and becoming a state champion hurdler.

Gerald's life was a testament to hard work, love, and dedication. His deep affection for his community and friends was evident in his genuine desire to know and connect with people. He was known for his cheery disposition and passion for life, touching the lives of all he met. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His memory will live on in the love he shared with his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by many.

Above all, Gerald's greatest pride and joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband, spending 60 years sharing life's ups and downs with his wife, Pat. Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; his children, Shawn (Janet) Jones, Conny (Brent) Tanner, Jennifer (Monte) Henderson, Cary (Marcelle) Jones, Shannon (Gage) Grossman, and Jessica (Billy) Johnson; and his grandchildren, Kyle Josey, Josey Jones, Andrea(Trevor) Siebert, Ashley (Jordan) Steinquist, Andrew Tanner, Aaron Tanner, Sydnee Clinton, Kayl Clinton, Kohl Clinton, Kenadee Pitcher, Shawn (Traci) Henderson, Katie (Tommy) Reck, Lacy (Brenton) Taylor, Matthew (Jessica) Henderson, Trason (Samantha) Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Synova Jones, Abby Grossman, Brock Grossman, Riley Grossman, Emma Grossman, Jaycee Johnson, Billy Johnson IV; Great Grandchildren, Harper Siebert, Ally Siebert, Ty Siebert, Makaila Henderson, Attlie Henderson, Easton Henderson, Natalie Henderson, Tommy Reck, Porter Reck, Joylin Reck, Justice Reck, Ethan Taylor, Jayce Taylor, Kase Henderson, Clara Henderson, Zane Henderson, Harper Henderson; Siblings, Clara (Harry) Markowski, Vonda (John) Geertsen, Dennis (Kathy) Jones.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter Abby and his parents, June and Lester Jones.

A funeral service for Gerald will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 93 State Hwy 91 S, Dillon, MT. Viewing on February 9, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with a service on February 10, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established under the name "Gerald L. Jones Scholarship Benefit" at Stockman Bank in Dillon, Montana. This benefit will honor Gerald's passion for sports by providing a scholarship to a student-athlete graduating from Beaverhead County High School.