After 92 and a half years the Grim Reaper finally caught up with Jack Harris. He died peacefully at St. Peter’s Hospital on May 26, 2014 from cancer. He was born in Billings, Montana on September 28, 1921 to Richard and Maude Harris. He grew up during the depression, which left an indelible mark on his family and him. He talked frequently of those years and how his family moved from town to town around Billings to “make a living.” He talked about being a teenager and competing with grown men to find and hold a job. He never borrowed money, and, even in later years, looked to the future as if times were still hard.
Jack enlisted in the Army on the December 11, 1940, at Fort Lewis. In July 1942, he volunteered for the First Special Service Force and had orders to report to Fort Harrison, MT. Due to poor eyesight, he was unable to join the force, but was stationed at Fort Harrison, where he met his future wife, Eleanor Petek. They were married on October 24, 1943. Jack was deployed to the Pacific (Okinawa) from October 1944 to January 1945. Jack also served in the Montana National Guard and the Army Reserves from 1950 to 1976. In May of 1962, he was the USAR 10th Army Core Enlisted Soldier of the year. Jack retired at the rank of Sergeant Major.
Jack and Eleanor had three ambitious boys: Corky, Tim, and Don. After returning from his war service, he worked for 37 years for the Anaconda Company and then ASARCO, as a welder/mechanic. During this time, he was active in the labor movement and was passionate about the rights of the “working man.” He was recording secretary and vice president of Local 72 of the American Steelworkers of America for many years. Jack was commander of VFW Post 10010 in 1955. He was instrumental in building the Crystal Creek Campground.
Jack enjoyed various hobbies, including hunting, fishing, trapping, rock-hunting, jewelry-making, and faceting sapphires. He taught himself these things, along with blacksmithing, heat-treating sapphires and various forms of art. He was very well read and would often read a book in a day. In addition, he was very proud of his Irish heritage.
Those around him, especially his children, learned many lessons by example: hard work, frugality, and trusting that you can learn, build, accomplish or fix anything you put your mind to. We also learned the art of telling a story and learned a saying for any occasion.
In his younger years, he served as a Sergeant Major to his soldiers, coworkers and family. As kids we often underwent “military tribunals,” “court martials” and spent plenty of time in “the brig.” He had strong convictions and opinions about things he cared about, especially about the welfare of “the working stiff.” He mellowed out in his later years.
Jack was preceded in death by parents Richard and Maude Harris, spouse Eleanor Harris, brother and sister-in-law Donald (Alice) Harris, brother-in-law John Riley and daughter Cheryl Harris. He is survived by sister Nancy Riley of Ione, WA, brother and sister-in-law Richard (Jeanne) Harris, of Billings, MT, children Corky (Judy) Harris, Tim (Gail) Harris, and Don (Barb) Harris, grandchildren Kelly (Jenny) Harris , Erin (Nate) Church, Casey (Lyndsey) Harris, Samuel and Colin Harris, and great- grandchildren Alauna Harris, McKenzie and Lauren Betz, and Keilah, Ezra, and Elijah Church. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Bonnie (Jack) Jones and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend special thanks for the outstanding care Jack received from Dale Boyce, Dr. Batey, his nurse Sue, and the staff at St. Peter’s, especially, Catie. Memorials may be sent to the donor’s charity of choice. To celebrate Jack’s life, a mass will be held at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, East Helena, on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 10 a.m., followed by burial with military honors at St. Ann’s Cemetery, East Helena. A reception will follow at the East Helena VFW Club. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m
Friday May 30, 2014
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Immediately following the Mass
Friday May 30, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following
Friday May 30, 2014
V.F.W
117 West Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m
Friday May 30, 2014
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 West Riggs
East Helena, Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Immediately following the Mass
Friday May 30, 2014
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Immediately following
Friday May 30, 2014
V.F.W
117 West Main St
East Helena, Montana 59635
Clara & Art Gilreath says
We offer our condolences to the family of Jack Harris.
Our prayers go out to all.
God Bless
Hank adams says
Sorry for your loss
Sandi Coyle Benson says
I was saddened to read about your dad. Know you are all in my prayers and may the days ahead bring you all peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Glen Cuchine says
Corky, Tim, Don and families…you all are in my thoughts and prayers. So many memories of your dad and his quiet strength make me smile. Growing up on W. Riggs; I was happy to know their was an “Army guy” close by who would protect us from “those Russians”. Who can forget your mother’s beautiful iris garden and other flowers and her frequent trips to look in on Grandma Petek. All the best to you.