On July 26, 2014, Jesse William Long, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep in Helena, Montana. He was born in Laurel, Montana on February 16, 1925 to Jesse William and Lassara Ruth Hartman Long. He attended the Northside Elementary School graduating from Laurel High School in 1943.
Jesse grew up in the railroad town of Laurel, during the depression years. He was fortunate because his father was a railroader with a seven-day a week job during the bad years. Going to his uncle’s farm for milk, eggs, and wheat for bread was a special memory. Occasionally, the family was able to travel by train to visit relatives. The best times were the vacations to the Hells Canyon Ranch on the Boulder River for a fishing trip. Pheasant hunting with his father, going to baseball, and basketball games were special to him. High school was a grind until a teacher, Miss Schofield, got him interested in Chemistry.
During part of Jesse’s senior year in high school, he worked a night shift as a “hostler helper” for the Northern Pacific Railroad. In June 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was sent to Fort Knox, KY for basic training and testing an experimental new tank. Jesse was shipped overseas shortly after the D-Day invasion, joining the 2nd Armored Division, pushing through France and engaging the German army at the Battle of the Bulge. On March 3, 1945, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and later the Belgian Fourragere.
Upon his discharge in December 1945, Jesse enrolled at Montana State College at Bozeman. He graduated in June 1950 with a B.S. degree. In September 1947, he was raised as a Master Mason in Corinthian Lodge #32, Laurel, MT. In August 1950, he was hired to teach Science, Chemistry and Math at Twin Bridges High School in Twin Bridges, MT. Among many things that happened there, he was introduced to a first year Home Economics teacher named Ruth Croskrey. On their first date, Jesse ran a stop sign and was picked up by the Highway Patrol – so much for paying attention to driving. Jesse and Ruth were married in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Missoula, MT on August 19, 1951. To their delight, two children were born, Laurie Ann on April 28, 1954 and Marc Alan on August 25, 1955. In 1953, he and Ruth built a log home from the ground up with little or no experience, and hired no one to work on the house, except for a few wiring connections. Summer jobs included painting houses, pulling green chain at a lumber mill, roofing houses, carrying hod, managing and working at the Madison County Fair. In addition, Jesse enrolled and received a M.S. degree in School Administration from what was then Montana State University in Missoula, in 1960. He also served as part-time High School Principal at Twin Bridges High School. During the Twin Bridges years, he enjoyed the deer and elk hunting in the surrounding mountains and the tremendous fishing in the Big Hole, Jefferson and Beaverhead Rivers. He served as President of the Twin Bridges Rotary, Chair of the Board of Church of the Valley and moved through the chairs of Masonic Lodge Westgate #27, serving as Senior Warden in 1964.
Jesse was hired as the first full-time high school principal in Soda Springs, Idaho in 1964. Under his watch, the high school enrollment rose from 130 to just over 400 in two years. On August 4, 1965, Jesse and Ruth were blessed with a second son, Gary Jonathan. Jesse worked part time, night shifts and weekends, as a chemist at the Kerr-McGee Vanadium plant and as a crop hail adjuster, during the summers. While in Soda Springs, he served as Secretary and President of the Lions Club and was an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
In 1968, Jesse was hired as the Assistant Principal, and later as Principal at Park High School in Livingston, MT. During the years in Livingston, he was a member of Holbrook United Methodist Church, where he served as Chair of the Board. He was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Livingston Memorial Hospital. In 1978 he retired, after 30 and 1/2 years. He advanced into the Livingston Scottish Rite and joined the Algeria Shrine. In Livingston Lodge #32, Jesse advanced through the chairs serving as Senior Warden that year.
Not yet ready to settle into a rocking chair, he was selected as the Executive Director for the School Administrators of Montana in 1979. The position required a move to Helena, MT, where the Jesse and Ruth built an envelope solar home. He served as manager, lobbyist, newsletter editor, convention planner, and professional development program director. Jesse always took advantage of the many opportunities to visit the great schools in Montana, and attend the national conventions of NASSP and AASA. He served as President of the Association of State Executives for AASA in1988. He retired from the Executive Director position in 1991.
Jesse and Ruth were passionate about the Friendship Force and participated in exchanges to Germany, Ireland, England, Switzerland, Australia, Sweden, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Japan, and acted as hosts for friends from many different countries. Jesse served as President of Friendship Force of Helena, and as the Newsletter Editor. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, pinochle, and participation in the Lewis and Clark County Genealogy Society as Newsletter Editor and President. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. One of his pleasures was the annual family reunion fishing trip to the Methodist Camp on the Boulder River south of Big Timber. He loved the mountains and the stream fishing.
Jesse is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Laurie (Lyle) Howell, son Marc (Tracy) Long, son Gary (Maggie) Long, granddaughter Cheridy (Amas) Aduviri and great-granddaughter Brooke, grandson Corey (Heather) Long and great-granddaughters Lauren and Ali, and great-grandson Levi, grandson Ryan (Lisa) Howell and great-grandson Sawyer, granddaughter Lacy (Ty) Clark and great-grandsons Ryersen and Soren. His parents and a brother Leroy Wallace preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jesse’s name to Camp on the Boulder, P.O. Box 47, McLeod, MT 59052; St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street, Helena, Montana 59601, a school scholarship or the charity of your choice. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memoy of Jesse please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 8, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Friday August 8, 2014
Social Center of the church
,
Burial with Military Honors
Appx 1:45 p.m.
Friday August 8, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday August 8, 2014
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Logan Street
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Friday August 8, 2014
Social Center of the church
,
Burial with Military Honors
Appx 1:45 p.m.
Friday August 8, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Rita & Harvey DeMars says
So sorry to hear of Jesse’s passing. He was the glue that held our Friendship Organization together. Both he and Ruth were ardent members and did all they could to keep it going.
We were able to accompany them on only one trip but were pleased with him as president we were able to host people from many countries in our home and make friends we cherish to this day. God bless you, Ruth and family.
Maxine & Tom Ferguson says
Our hearts are saddened by learning of Jesse’s passing. His commitment to Friendship Force was legend, and we will miss his energy, historical perspective, and stories. Our friendship with folks from many states and countries will be a constant reminder of Jesse and Ruth’s dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ruth, and your family. God Bless.
Tom Naegele says
Ruth, Gary and Family,
My supportive prayers are with you all. Jesse was a fine man whom I initially knew in business and the Helena Lions Club. I got to know him more at St Paul’s and found his laughter and humor a Joy . I thank the Good Lord for Jesse in my life.
Tom
Eugene Koch says
My sincere condolences to the Long family. I first got to know Jesse and Ruth through the photo business. Jesse was a great guy and always wanted to know how things were going. Many times we discussed photography. Whenever I would see Jesse somewhere, he would always say hi and ask how I was. Just a super nice guy. Go with God my friend.
George Lane says
Jesse was a good man and a great Mason who was always there to help with ritual work at Boulder-Basin Masonic Lodge #41. We enjoyed watching him do the work as well as enjoying his good nature. We will miss him as a Brother and good friend.
Tan Nguyen says
Ruth, Gary and family,
My deepest sympathy toward your family. I will miss Jesse, his good nature and his dedication to the craft. Jesse was a good man and a great Mason who was always there to help out with the Bikes 4 Books program. I enjoyed his teaching by examples, He showed me what it is to be a good Mason and a great brother to the fraternity. I will miss him greatly as a Brother and good friend.
Kevin, Gwen & Eva Phillips says
Ruth, Gary and Family, Jesse was a good husband, father and citizen. He served his country during our largest war. Upon return from that war, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and bettered himself by getting a college education. He actively served in his community through various organizations. One reaps what they sow, and he sowed a good crop. The world is better place because of his involvement.
Dan and Julie Sykes says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We have MANY memories of Jesse in so many different settings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Kyle McIntyre says
To Jesse: Thanks for the inspiration and friendship. I’ve saved your obituary for when I need a lesson on work ethic and being a strong man.
To Ruth, Gary & Family: Our prayers are with you during this sad time. May God sustain and comfort you.
Bro. Kyle McIntyre
Les Saisbury says
Ruth, Gary and family,
I so enjoyed the years that were availed to me to get to know Jesse and his wonderful family. Jesse was always the stalwart gentleman, friend and caring family man, as well as the epitome of a strong and true brother Mason. His kind counsel and contributions to those around him are immeasurable, and his presence in this worldly realm will be deeply missed. May God Bless and console you all.
Brian J. Murphy says
What a marvelous man. I greatly admired him as a friend and Brother. Leaves a huge hole in the world, but set such a fine example. God Bless you, Brother Jesse Long.
Brian J. Murphy says
Will there be Masonic last rites?
Boulder-Basin Lodge No 41 says
Our thanks for the many dedicated hours of service Jesse gave to Boulder-Basin Lodge No. 41 and the friendship to the Brothers. Our sincerest condolences to his family.
From the Officers & Members of No. 41.
Kirk Miller says
My thoughts and prayers are with you! Jesse was a fine educator and great leader of the SAM organization and I wanted you to know of his great impact on me as a new administrator in Montana. Blessings to the family.
Kirk Miller
SAM Executive Director, 2012-present
Ron & Lois Lyford says
Cousin Ruth – what a shock to read about Jesse’s death, we had no idea he wouldn’t
be around to share that ever present grin the next time you “dropped in” when up our way. Your whole family is in our prayers. As the shock wears off, just think of the many wonderful memories you have locked safely in your heart and know his love will be forever within your reach. May God’s Spirit be with you all to guide and to heal. Lois & Ron Lyford
Martha Kohl says
There are people you meet whose stories and warmth stay with you, even if you don’t have the opportunity to know them very well. Jesse Long was one of those people. His memory still warms me. I am so glad our paths crossed, even if only briefly.
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann says
Ruth and Family,
You were wonderful neighbors with a great deal of enthusiasm. I recall the great neighbor party you had at your house one summer, the way you made addresses and family names available when we first moved in and the neighborhood was new. We were grateful. We missed you when you moved but wished you well. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Laurie and Dennis Wiedmann
Savannah McCormack says
I never had the chance to meet Jesse, but I was fortunate enough to have his son, Gary, as a teacher during my high school years. Gary Long has been such an incredibly positive presence in my own life, and I can only imagine that part of his shine came from his father.
My deepest condolences to the family. May you all find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
David & Josephine Dale says
We were honoured and blessed to be hosted by Jesse and Ruth when we visited as part of the Bristol Friendship Force. Jesse as Exchange Director arranged a full and varied week for us all including a very memorable trip to Yellowstone – Jesse certainly enjoyed his spare ribs!. We were also pleased to be able to return the visit when J & R came to the UK and stayed with us.
A very special person who will be missed by all who knew him
Carroll and Diana Harris says
Dear Ruth and all of your family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were one of the couples that were fortunate to have both of you as our Friendship Force guests here in Baton Rouge. We have many happy memories of those days and what great representatives you were of what Friendship Force represents. You are in our prayers. Diana and Carroll Harris
Susan Near says
Just to let you know my thoughts are with you Ruth. Jesse was a stalwart supporter of great and worthy causes – I especially remember the AAUW days and of course, as a great MHS volunteer! I so admired that you always were a team. The best way to be. My sincere condolences. Sue Near
Jay Partridge says
I was very fortunate that Jesse and Ruth spoke to my American History classes about their experiences during World War II many times over the last ten years. Anyone who says that teenagers aren’t interested in the past has never witnessed Jesse and Ruth’s day in my class. This past May, Gary told me his Dad wasn’t feeling well, but he darn well was going to talk to my class. On May 21, Jesse and Ruth were there, and as usual it was one of the highlights of the year for me and my students. Now that day is even more special. Thank you again Jesse, you made a real difference.
Lorna Milne-Motl says
In attending the concert for all souls yesterday at St. Paul’s, I heard Jesse’s name sung. I was so sorry to learn of his passing. We loved having you as neighbors on South California, Ruth. You gave us Shylo, a dog who was a wonderful pet for Ryann and Shauna. Our thoughts are with all of you. What a remarkable man Jesse was.
Lorna, Ryann, and Shauna