A good man has passed into eternal life. George “Jack” Jones died early in the morning, on September 5th, at his East Helena home. His family was at his side. He spent the last two years taking care of his wife of 64 years, Bonnie, and true to his devotion for her, spent the last night of his life on the floor next to her Hospice bed. Together they raised a family of 6 children and watched with pride as the family grew to 22 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Jack was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. At a young age and with four young boys, his mother became a widow. While still in grade school, Jack worked full time to help support his family, and finished grade and high schools with honors. He attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in accounting. Jack served in the Korean War for two years and was awarded the Bronze Star. Hitchhiking back home after his deployment, he was given a ride by a man who gave him a job working for a pipeline company. While constructing a line through Montana, he developed “the luckiest toothache he ever had” and met Bonnie who was working as a dental assistant in Helena. They were married in 1955 at St. Cyril and Methodius Church.
Jack worked at the ASARCO smelter for 35 years, progressed to be the Accounting Manager, and never missed a day coming home for lunch to see Bonnie. To supplement his income, he took on many other jobs, from bookkeeping for Reynolds Drug to serving as the East Helena City Treasurer. He was a tremendous grandfather and had a reputation as the “baby whisperer,” calming the most difficult grandchild in the house or the restless toddler in the pew in front of him.
Jack loved his wife, his family, his faith, his community and his country. His only words for others were words of support and kindness. He was a quiet man of dignity, honor and courage. To signify his commitment to and unity with his spouse, Jack requested to “wait for Bonnie” before his full funeral celebration. When she dies, a joint funeral mass will be held and a full obituary written. In preparation, he asked for a private burial ceremony. This will be held, with military honors, on September 12th, at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jack.
Jack, Bonnie and all of their family are most grateful for the care of Dr. Tracy Dill and his staff, and Dr. Thomas Weiner and his oncology team. In addition, Jack and Bonnie have been blessed through the amazing kindness and services of Angie, Nancy and the entire Hospice team. The family would also like to thank the wonderful friends, neighbors and church community for their friendship, assistance and prayers.
“A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”
– Unknown
Dusty Smith says
Jack was a fine friend and helped a a lot. My best to the family.
Cheryl Stallcup says
Jack the best mentor and adopted Father . He will be greatly missed. Love, prayers , and condolences to the whole family. One big loss for all. Love you!
Nicole Jones Watson says
We love you Grandpa! We are so blessed to have been you in our lives and been able to grow up with you! Not everyone gets their Papa Jack for 35 years and my sister and I treasure every visit and every memory made with you! You raised an amazing man because you are an amazing man! And taught me to find an amazing man to raise my kids. You never hesitated to get down on the floor and play with anyone’s kids ❤️ I’m so glad you were able to influence mine and be involved with them. Until we meet again Grandpa, we love you!
Our loving Prayers go to the rest of our family,
Nicole, Kit, Aizlynn and Koa
Mitch Hegman says
A kind and generous man.
Jay Reardon says
As fine a man as I have ever known. As I think about all the 60 + years of memories of Jack I’m overwhelmed by how thoughtful and kind he was to me and my family over the years. Rest in peace my friend. Heaven is a better place with you being there.
Peggy Harlen says
I never met a man who loved his family more than Jack. I never heard him utter a mean word. We all will continue to love him and remember him as the amazing man he was❤️❤️❤️
Brenda Deshner says
The best grandpa I ever knew, I will never forget. You and grandma were always there for us no matter what with smiling faces. I will always treasure all the time we spent together. Xoxoxo. Love you always
buzz helfert says
I was sure sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.He was a role model to all of us kids growing up in East Helena. Jack defined what a husband,father,grandfather,friend,and gentleman should be. East Helena is a better place because of him.Godspeed my friend,you are missed.
Niel Helfert says
Rest in peace Jack the neighborhood will never be the same without you. Nietze
Lorrine Donovan says
So so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to your Family. My mom sends her love and please give a hug to Bonnie from her. Nothing is easy about losing your father and grandfather. God will be there to guide you through this difficult time. Love to the family.
Rhonda Robertson says
We were saddened to hear of the loss of Jack. We pray that all the wonderful memories you hold close within your heart will sustain you in the days ahead. You have our heartfelt sympathy. God gives us comfort in the form of family and friends. May is peace be with you, His love never ends. All of you will be in our prayers during this most difficult time.
Bruce and Rhonda (Strainer) Robertson
Christine Swendseid says
What a beautiful tribute. I remember a Christmas at Grannie’s house- I must’ve been 4 or 5. The place was packed, warm, full of sound and joy. Jack sat at the player piano and was playing. I thought he was the world’s best musician, not understanding the mechanism involved. He pulled me aside and showed me how it worked after a bit, and that piano became a fixture of every trip to Grannie’s house of my childhood. He was patient, kind and just plain good. I have nothing but wonderful memories of him.
Denny Hunthausen says
Dear Jones’ Family – I’m so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I have fond memories of growing up on W. Groschell in East Helena. Hanging out at the Jones’ home was a big part of that and I remember lots of joking and laughing in the living room with Jack. We would typically be poking fun at one another via a story of some “numbskull” move by one of us kids that was good for a laugh and a life lesson. Jack was otherwise quiet and unassuming so when he weighed in, we listened. Jack and Bonnie were always so welcoming to us neighborhood kids. The Jones home was a safe harbor where you could just be yourself. It was a place you wanted to drop in for a visit whether the kids were home or not. For years after moving away, when I would return home I would always stop by to visit Bonnie and Jack. It reminded me of where I came from and what was so good about it all. I remember Jack always being around when not at work, a man dedicated to his family for sure. In recent years it was touching to see his commitment and caring for Bonnie as her health declined – a powerful reflection of what was important to him. He leaves a legacy of raising a great family. Blessings to you all.
Michael Casey says
I can’t even begin to give tribute to this fine man that had a great sense of humor along with his kindness and devotion to his Bonnie and his children. Not only did he love his own grandchildren but reached out and gave his heart and soul to all children. I will never forget Friday nights at Granny’s where we all gathered for drinks and Jack and Bonnie adopted my nieces Clancy and Molly.
The Jones kids (or maybe Jack) had a love for VW bugs and who knows why. Evenings and weekends you could drive by the Jones house and see Jack’s legs sticking out from under one of the Jones VW fleet. Never ending job but I think he loved it.
Jack and Bonnie raised some of the most unique children, they all have that same sense of caring for others.
I will miss you Jack, and also smile with the memories you left behind.
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear Jones Family, so many thoughts and memories flood me at this time. The ways “Jack” lived his life was an inspiration and role model for those blessed enough to grow up in the ‘neighborhood’. May each of you find solace in the wonderful memories, laughter and joy that his presence surrounded you with. Dear Bonnie, your sweetheart awaits you on the golden shore. I love you all.
Michael Van Diest says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. Truly one of the great men of East Helena. I was blessed to have been raised in East Helena to witness good people like Jack who was a good husband and father, a man of Faith. Seeing Jack, Bonnie and their family at Mass on Sundays reinforced what a family can be. You will be missed. My prayers are with the Jones family. God Bless!
Scott St. Clair says
My condolences to the Jones family. Jack was a wonderful member of the old guard of East Helena. He will be missed by many. Scott
Curtis Stanghill says
Sorry for your loss, prayers are with you all,
Karen Ottman says
Sending condolences and prayers to the Jones Family. Jack was one of the kindest people, and I hope you can find peace in knowing his life was well-lived and full of LOVE for Bonnie, his children and grandchildren.
Bill Dolan says
On behalf of the Dolans, I would like to extend my condolences to the Jones family. Words are insufficient when it comes to describing Jack and the impact he had on East Helena. He truly was a rock. I have such fond memories of Jack and Bonnie and the Jones clan. We were from the other side of town, but we were always well received at Groschell! I have great memories of watching George play football for the Bengals and Jack rooting him on in his Oklahoma twang. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for my East Helena heritage. We all need to give thanks to Jack and his generation for all the gifts they bestowed on us. God bless the Jones’ and East Helena.
Ronnie Pursley says
A great loss for the East Helena community. Jack was a quiet leader who always led by example. Jack and Bonnie raised a great family . My condolences to the entire Jones clan. Rest in Peace
Marvin St Clair says
Sorry to read of Jack’s passing. One of East Helena’s finest rock solid pillars. Condolences to all the family.
Mark Ryckman says
Jack was as fine of a man as I’ve known, always a kind word to whomever he met. RIP
Patsy Fox says
Jack we will not forget you. My grandkids loved visiting you and getting treats from you on your their visits. Bonnie has come to join you now. May your after life together will be even more special for the most kind & generous couple we have been blessed to know from Patsy & family.