On a Beautiful Spring Day, February 21, 2016, James J. “Bing” Gleason passed away peacefully at his home in the mountains he loved near Elliston, Montana. He was surrounded by members of his family,
Bing was born on March 9, 1931 in Billings Montana to James and Ruth Gleason. He was the second of three children.
His early years were spent in Red Lodge and Sidney, MT. At a young age his family moved to Helena where he grew up. Bing’s father passed away when he was 12 years old & he began working several jobs, including work for the railroad while attending high school.
During high school years he was an accomplished athlete playing football, basketball and his favorite sport baseball. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Marlene “Butch” Cross.
Upon graduating in 1949, he attended Carroll College for 2 years. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, in October of 1951. Bing attended basic training at MCRD in San Diego. After his service in Korea, he returned to the States and in May of 1953, he and Marlene were married at El Torro Marine Base in Santa Ana, California.
Bing and Marlene returned to Helena where they raised five children: Jim, Tim, Jan, Pat and Jeff. He worked numerous jobs and eventually became a Beer Distributor, a job he loved and eventually retired from in 1995.
While in Korea serving his time of duty, Bing wrote Marlene a beautiful letter telling her of his dream to one day build a home in the mountains near the Little Blackfoot. In 1976 their dream began and together they built their home and a legacy for generations to come.
Until his passing, his greatest joys were proudly watching his family grow, working with his tractor, tinkering in his shop, riding through the surrounding mountains and great outdoors, finding new trails on his 4 wheeler. He cherished the friendship he had in life. Loved and was grateful for the wonderful neighbors near his home.
Bing was a man of incredibly strong faith. He was honest, kind, loving and a true mentor to his children, 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He deeply loved God, his family and friends, and was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. “He did not know a stranger”
Bing was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Gleason, his sisters, Joan Dee and Judith Gleason.
Bing is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; sons, Jim (Nikki), Tim (Denise), Pat (Connie), Jeff (Katie) and daughter, Jan (Goose) Gregson; grandchildren, Cassie (Alan) Sabo, Mikki Gleason, Lacey (Todd) McNutt, Caleb (Cassie Anne) Gleason, Anne Olson, Tiffani (Jeremy) Trueax, Kelsi (Brian) Hannan, Tymon (Bri) Gleason, Rian (Wes) Oliver, Tyler Gregson, McGraw (Patrick) Donovan, Josh (Kat) Gleason, Megan (Justin) Kambic, Jacob Gleason, Ashley Gleason; his great grandchildren, Tate, O’Malley, Gavin, Tierra, Kaidyn, Rosie, Violet, Quinn, Griffin, Winslow, Banks, Moyer, Reece, Brooklyn, Hunter, Annabelle, Matthew, Emma and Winston. Bing is also survived by Deb (Steve) Larson, Kyle and Gracie Larson, Laura Larson and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family invites you to pray the Rosary, 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2016 with a funeral Mass celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. Interment with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. The family invites you to a funeral reception at the Gateway Center, 1710 National immediately following the burial. Memorials in Bing’s name are suggested to the Cathedral of Saint Helena, 530 N. Ewing Street Helena, MT 59601, Saint Theodore’s Catholic Church P.O. Box 786 Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or to the Helena American Legion Baseball P.O. Box 638 East Helena, Montana 59635 or an organization of the donor’s choice.
To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Bing please visit below.
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the burial
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Rosary
11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Cathedral of Saint Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the funeral Mass
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Reception
Immediately following the burial
Tuesday March 1, 2016
Gateway Center
1710 National Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jim Sampson says
So sorry to hear this…prayers to all of you…I have many fond recollections of working with Bing, as he was definitely “a good man”. May his memory be a blessing to you forever.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Worked with Bingo for many years at Mt Dept of Highways besides playing many rounds at BRGC ,Great Friend and Gentelmen God Bless……………………..
Mary Beth "White" Fisette says
I grew up with Jan and have wonderful memories of Bing helping my family. My mother raised nine of us, and the Gleason’s were our blessing in disguise! God Bless, my prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Tim Easton says
Marlene and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Had the pleasure of working with Bing at the Beer Distributorship. He was a Friend but most of all a Wonderful Person. He will be missed.
God Bless.
Lisa and Dan Newman says
Marlene and family,
Our condolences. Bing was a class act and all around great guy! He will be missed by everyone. It was a pleasure to know him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Chris & Cyndi Schenck says
So sorry for you all! Bing was the sweetest man ever! I’m so thankful Chris and I have such wonderful memories up at Bing’s dream home in the mountains! Love you all
Morris & Max Burner says
Dear Tim, Denise, Marlene and the entire Gleason Family. Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of Bing. Please know that we are thinking of you at this time and hoping that the good memories and realization of what Bing did each day to make the world a little better might help put a smile on your faces.
George and Janice Hunter says
We will miss you Bing. Our daughter Connie couldn’t have had a more loving father in law and we thank you for that. Marlene we love you and the rest of your family and are proud to be apart of it .. God Bless!
Dan Cloninger says
Bing was one of the greats, a person of many talents but none more important as being a friend. He will be sorely missed.
walt whitman says
I will always remember the great weekends at the cabin, before the house, Bings awsome bbq’ed roast beef, and he and Jans hospitality to one dumb kid. Bing was a good man, and influenced me in ways he never knew thanks and God Speed!
Nancy and Ron Berry says
Lacey and Todd and Tate–so sorry to hear of your grampa’s passing. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Aunt Nancy and Ron
Deb Hendrix says
To the Gleason Family…Today and always, may loving memories bring you strength, comfort and peace. Rich and Deb Hendrix
Shelly Stevens says
Marlene and Family: Bing was such a kind and gentle soul. He was a wonderful man and I will miss seeing and talking to him. Thinking of you and your family. Shelly
Robert and Kathy Farrar says
Very sorry to hear of Bing’s passing. I have a memory of Bing singing Ole Lang Sine on our way back from a Christmas party in Lincoln. I remember how powerful and beautiful his voice was, much like the man we grew to know and love. To Marlene and your family Bing had many friends, please count my wife Kathy and me among them.
Robert
Stacy Morrison says
Bing ( Jerry to me when I was a kid ) was one of the nicest most caring person you would ever want to know. My family grew up next door to the Gleason’s on 5th Ave. I loved all the fun snowmobiling trips, the campfires in the back yard and his delicious hamburgers he fed all of us neighbor kids weather we were invited or not! Bing and the Gleason family are my childhood memories. We all grow up and lose touch, but those fantastic memories live on. Thank you Bing for being the man you were.
Gary Bell says
My condolences to the Gleason family! I always thought Bing was such a kind gentleman! He always had time to greet me with his great smile and carry on a conversation. It was an honor to know him!
Mike Bates says
Sorry to hear of this. Bing was always a joy to talk with. I haven’t spoken to him in years, but I always remembered him. My Dad sends his prayers as well; he always admired him. He says he always remembered that Bing never said a bad word toward everyone. We were neighbors on the Blackfoot years ago. Prayers and condolences to his family.
Kay Williams says
Marlene and family,
We just heard of Jerry’s passing. I have such wonderful memories of our dear cousin. I remember when he would come to visit Bid and Axel. We would all get so excited when we knew he was coming. I always loved coming to Helena to spend time with your family. I wish I could be there on Tuesday, but be assured I will be there in spirit. May God shine many Blessings on all of you during this most difficult time.
Much love and many prayers are coming your way.
Todd McKeever says
Marline, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your whole family. I am saddened to learn of Bing’s passing. Bing was always so nice to us kids and on many occasions, we were fed hamburgers and or hotdogs on summer nights while all us neighbor kids were out playing. There are many memories I have. Bing always had a smile on his face and I’ll always remember his big booming voice that would ring out a ‘hello’ every time he saw me. He will always have a special place in the catalog of my childhood memories.
My deepest condolences to you, Marline, as well as to Jim, Tim, Jan, Pat, and Jeff.
Robert & Shelly Eppe says
Marlene and family
We join you in your loss of Bing. While working in Helena in the Beer and Wine business – Bing exemplified so many positive attributes for others to follow. Shelly and I will always remember how comfortable we felt whenever we talked to Bing. We moved away in 1989 but frequently thought about Bing and some of the memories he made for us. Please accept our prayers and sympathy – he was a wonderful man.
Tim McKeever says
I was fortunate enough to be able to share the following memory with Bing in person at my dad’s memorial.
It was in March 1966. Me dad, and my brother Doug were moving some things into the house dad had just bought at 830 5th Ave. It was very dark and a strong Chinook wind was blowing. The shadows from all of the bushes around the house and the big white Birch out front added to a task that was to me becoming scarier by the moment. My dad had injured his back and was in so much pain he could hardly walk, leaving the moving of boxes and small furniture to Doug and I. The combination of wind, darkness, unfamiliarity with the area, and my dad being in severe pain, began to seem larger than life to my young mind. It was at the point where I felt the most hopeless, that a larger than life man stepped out of the shadows, and asked if we needed help. That was the first time I ever met Bing Gleason. Words can barely describe the sense of relief I felt when he stood in front of us! A gentle giant had come to our rescue. I have never forgotten that, and was so pleased to be able to relate that to Bing in person. Be was a man among men, and a person I always admired the whole time we lived on 5th, and throughout the subsequent years. We learned that night was the close of the dark day that Blair Morrison suffered his stroke. Over the years I have thought about both Bing and Blair. We were so fortunate to have such examples of goodness and fairness to grow up with. The world is darker for the loss of Bing, but I am a very sky- oriented person and I will always see his spirit embodied in the sublime light that is so often visible against the clouds. My deepest condolences to all of the Gleason family at this time. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim and Jodie Branson says
Marlene and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Bing was a wonderful man and we will miss our visits with him. Our condolences to you and your family.
Vicki (DeYoung) Bartel says
Jan and the entire Gleason family. My deepest sympathies during this time. It’s always difficult to let go of the ones we love and I pray the memories of your father, grandfather, husband will provide comfort now and everyday until you see him again in Heaven. God Bless.
Stan Morrison says
Bing, simply, was one of the best. Growing up next door to the Gleason’s on 5th Ave., Bing became a second father to us after our Dad’s stroke. Both Bing and Marlene were a great comfort to us during those times and even beyond. I’ll never forget the kindness and patience that Bing showed to all the kids from the neighborhood, even though many times he should have told us to get lost and go home. He always had a smile and a big “hello”, no matter the situation. Even though most of us lost touch with each other over the years, as happens when everyone gets older, I’ll never forget the wonderful memories and great times we all had growing up next to each other. Bing will be greatly missed, but will never be forgotten by any of us who grew up around him. My deepest condolences to all the Gleason family.