Jess Holly Poor, 87, loving father and devoted husband, was called home to his Lord on Monday, May 29, 2017. Jess was born on July 1, 1929 in Sandpoint, ID to Clifford and Frances (Holly) Poor. He grew up in Butte, MT with his brother Clifford and graduated from Butte High School in 1947. He worked in the mines in Butte off and on after high school, and also attended the Montana School of Mines and Butte Business College, and later attended Montana State University and took correspondence courses on electronics.
Jess was drafted in 1951, and served in the Army stationed in Germany until January 1953. He was proud of his military service and recounted remembrances of his efforts to rebuild the telephone system in Germany.
Jess initially worked as an apprentice lineman for REA line-building contractors throughout Montana. He met his life-long love, Margaret Sloan, in Helena. They were married on October 20, 1951 in Redlands, CA, and enjoyed over 65 years of marriage. Jess started work for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Co in 1953 as a lineman, traveling all over Montana with his growing family. Every few months, they’d pack up and move their trailer to a new location. Through his career with the company, he worked as a construction foreman, a combination field technician, an assistant manager, then as a manager for Mountain Bell and US West. Jess worked in Bozeman beginning in 1962, and also served as president, business agent, and instructor for apprentice electricians for IBEW local 416. He was promoted to a manager position in Helena in 1978. He retired in 1990 with 40 years of service.
Jess and Margaret had four children, Susan Frances, Anne Holly, Rosemary Ruth, and Kevin Jess. Jess was an active father as his children were growing up in Bozeman, participating in all their many activities, and staying involved by asking many questions. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and enthusiastically took up both snow and water skiing. Jess and Margaret enjoyed living on Magpie Bay at Canyon Ferry Lake from 1979-2001, and were happy to host many visitors. They were also snowbirds, spending winters golfing in Yuma, AZ for over 20 years. Jess was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Telephone Pioneers, Bridger Bowl Association, Custer Battlefield Museum Association, Yellowstone Institute, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish.
Jess is survived by his: wife, Margaret, of Helena; children, Susan (Dave) Casey of Sun City West, AZ, Anne (Erich) Weber of East Helena, Rosemary Keller of Bozeman, and Kevin (Rachel) Poor of Idaho Falls, ID; ten grandchildren, Troy (Charon) Casey of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Torey Casey of Montesano, WA, Holly Weber of Missoula, Jeff Weber of Brooklyn, NY, Kerri (Buddy) Clement of Boulder, CO, Jenny (Mark) Yesilevskiy of Buffalo, NY, Sarah Keller and Emily Keller of Bozeman, Jesse Poor of Idaho Falls and Erin Poor of Moscow, ID; great granddaughters, Madeline and Mahina Casey. Jess is also survived by several treasured nieces and nephews. Jess was predeceased by his parents and brother.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 5nd at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street, East Helena. A luncheon reception will immediately follow the Mass. Burial with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward a charity of the giver’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jess.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
SS Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday June 5, 2017
SS Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heros Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
SS Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday June 5, 2017
SS Cyril and Methodious Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs Street
East Helena , Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday June 5, 2017
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heros Road
Fort Harrison , Montana 59636
Carl Herzog says
It has been many years Margaret, but neither Terry Hocking or I (Carl Herzog) have forgotten Jess or you. Our prayers are with you.
drew and shawna adams says
It reflects well on you and jesse, that you raised good kids. We are friends with Kevin and Rachel, love them. If Kevin is a reflection of his parents you guys are awesome! our thoughts and prayers with your family.
Retz Funeral Home says
Margaret & Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with you and Jess at Mountain Bell. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Kolman
Henri Snell says
Margaret & Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Jess’ passing. Jess was always a lot of fun to work with throughout the years at good old Ma Bell…Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Robin & Henri Snell