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John Richard Powers
1940 - 2025
BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
John Powers Obituary
January 2, 1940 - December 3, 2025
A loving father and grandfather passed away in Butte Montana on December 3rd, 2025 surrounded by family and friends.
Jack was born on January 2nd, 1940, in Butte, MT to Albina and Joseph Powers. Raised on theButte Hill (Corktown) – graduated from St. Marys grade school, Boys Central, Western MT college B.S., Western MT college Masters in Education. In high school participated in football, track, wrestling and tumbling.
Principal occupation- teacher-coach-admin-education specialist- Lima District Teacher, Coach, Superintendent Butte Silverbow and Montana State Prison-Watch Program. During his time in college he met the love of his life Jean Sturdevant and they were married for 58 blissful, wonderful and eventful years.
He was a great outdoorsman and enjoyed many hunting trips with the nephews from Anaconda, Bill, Roger, Gary, Tim and son John. Fishing trips to Wisdom with his dad and brother Dave were always number one priority in the summer. These trips were always relived and the stories grew year after year.
He enjoyed many trips to Jackpot and Wendover with his wife Jean and her sisters, Patty, Lucille and Nancy. Good times and good luck were had by all.
He is survived by his children Jackie Johnson, Julie Petersen and John Powers. Their spouses are Ernie Johnson, Jason Petersen and Heather Powers. Grandchildren Ernie M. Johnson (Dylana Johnson), Koby Johnson (Alexandra Johnson), Skyla Johnson, Chloe Petersen and Cruz Franich (Isabelle Schild). Many more nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held at Butte Brewery December 7th at 1pm.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services
2009 Harrison Ave.
Butte, MT 59701
4064944264
Memories and Condolences
for John Powers
Sponsored by Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services.
7 Entries
Caitlin Moore
December 10, 2025
John will be missed greatly. He was a great man and always made my day when I got to see him even though it had been awhile. Jackie, sending all my love and to the rest of his family as well.
Bill Briggs
December 8, 2025
I have a memory of this guy I want to make known. When I was in the 7th grade, Mr. Powers offered hunters safety to our class. At least all of the boys jumped on that opportunity... possibly some girls. He taught the class inside the school. He made it a lot of fun..., taught some survival skills as well. Just prior to the written test, it was time for the live firing exercise. He intstructed us all to bring a hunting rifle of our choice and a box of ammo to the next class (we dutifully brought high powered rifles and ammo into our classroom) there he gave us the basics of firing range rules. Then he marched about 14 well armed juveniles out to the school bus and he hauled us out to the firing range and we all lined up and fired off about six rounds successfully. The. Back to the school. No small thing he pulled off that day. Parents nowadays would lose their minds over a scenario like that...... but Mr. Powers had a command presence .... We respected him so much and damn sure did exactly what he instructed us to do. Teachers in those days taught a lot of life skills.... What a great atmosphere to grow up in.
I valued this guy so much. He was a great influence for good growing up. Much respect and genuine concern to his family
Bill Briggs - Lima, MT
Karen Pupich Hellman
December 8, 2025
I have many great memories of my cousin Jack, as I got to teach in Lima where he was the principal and superintendent. He was the best principal that I ever taught under and worked with. Jack had a gentle spirit and was so very kind, he made you feel special just like his mom, my Auntie Al always did. He was a great husband and father. I will remember him always and forever miss him.
Rest in Peace my dear cousin.
My love and prayers to Jackie, John, Julie and their spouses and children.
john omara
December 7, 2025
John was a classmate of mine at Butte Central.
a fine fellow
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Tom Henderson
December 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss
...I knew him from time school in Dillon
Maribeth Connell
December 7, 2025
I was sad to see another of the St Mary´s class of 1953 pass away. Jack was a bright and thoughtful spirit. My condolences to his family.
Bob Clucas
December 6, 2025
Farewell Coach / Teacher / and
Friend Mr. Powers. Many great memories of your motivation and inspiration to many. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Mr. Powers
Go Bears.
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