John Oscar Sura

1944 - 2025

John Oscar Sura, age 81, passed away in Billings, Montana, on November 15, 2025. He was born on July 1, 1944, in Glendive, Montana, to Erven Sura and Vivian Sura (Larson). John grew up on the family dairy farm on the outskirts of Glendive, Montana, graduating from Dawson County High School in 1962, where he played fullback for the Red Devils football team. In 1968, John married his first wife, Judy Christianson. This union lasted two years. In 1972, John welcomed his first child, Jackie Baker Martin, with partner Carol Scwindt (Neis). In 1974, John married his second wife, Sharon Johnson, and became a stepfather to her daughter Karley. During this marriage, John welcomed his second child, Angie Sura, in 1975. While this union only lasted two years, it developed into a life-long friendship.

John was a jack of all trades, working as a farmer, oil field worker, mail carrier, truck driver, bartender, poker dealer, pawn shop owner, and finally a bar owner. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, traveling as far as Canada, Alaska and Africa to pursue these hobbies. John loved guns and cars, with an impressive collection of over 200 guns, and his prize possession, his Mustang Shelby GT500.

John is survived by his daughters and their families and several grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janice Batchelder. The family expresses deep gratitude to those cared for John, including friends Danny Grigsby, Marie Barthel, Arnie Scarpholt and to the staff at Billings Clinic Dialysis Center and The Springs at Grand Park, where John resided since 2019. John will be remembered for his toughness (known as the toughest guy that ever lived in Glendive), his humor and his deep love for animals. He will be greatly missed. Per John's wishes, no formal service will be held. There will be a celebration of life at a later date in time in Glendive, Montana.



John Oscar Sura