John C. “Jack” Vaughn passed away April 19th in Arizona, in the arms of his loving wife, from complications of a fall due to his Parkinson’s Disease, which he battled since 2009. Jack was born in Butte, Montana on September 6th, 1935 to Charles Vaughn and Margarite (Lohman) Davies. He was born on the Old Anaconda Rd and was proud to grow up in Walkerville, Mt with his sister, Sharon Vaughn Lester (John Lester). He loved to reminisce about special times with his relatives, including the McLean family and time spent at his Uncle Jack’s ranch, in Brown’s Gulch.
Jack proudly served in the Navy from 1953 to 1961. He attended the School of Mines in Butte, graduated Montana State University in 1962 and furthered his education with a master’s in criminology. He also attended National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. He worked multiple positions for the State of Montana, retiring in 1990. After retiring, he continued his working endeavor’s as a private investigator, managing a casino, marshalling at Bill Roberts Golf course, amongst many other ventures.
Jack married the love of his life and soulmate, Sherryl, and they shared the next 42 years of his life living, laughing, and loving every moment together. Amongst these years you could find them on an adventure with their dogs, Klooso and Cagney, camping with friends, traveling the state watching Jack play sports, and going on trips in their motorhome. Sherryl adored Jack and lived her life for him. She was so proud to be called his “Duckette”. If it could be done, they did it together. He loved showing Sherryl and all the family his beautiful state of Montana, being the perfect tour guide, for anyone along for the ride.
Jack was a family man. He cherished his time with his daughter, Roxi, who he was incredibly proud of and looked forward to every memory they made together, especially cheering each other up, if having a “blue day”. Jack loved that he was able to make memories with his grandchildren, Eric and Ashley, while they lived in Helena and valued seeing them blossom into their adult lives, with beautiful families of their own.
Jack was a wonderful stepfather to Kim and Tom, always being a part of their lives. He was always on the lookout for another car for Kim and taught her everything she would need to know about tools. Jack was always there for Tom, teaching him to play pool, sharing time spent playing softball and even introducing him to his first motorcycles. Jack prided himself in being a father figure to his granddaughter, Tiffany. He adored anything that involved her and her children, David & Keaton Pouliot. Especially enjoying birthday parties, barbeques on the patio, watching his great-grandsons play football and wrestle for the Capital High Bruins and watching their life unfold. One of his greatest joys was being able to introduce them to the game of golf.
When it came to Jack’s athletic skills, he excelled and became a student in each sport he participated in, becoming the best at everything he did. Jack played softball for over 20 years traveling the state with his lifelong friends and teammates, collecting an abundance of trophy’s and titles. A great memory was ending his softball career with his team winning the State Championship, at 55 years old. He bowled three 300 games and scored three hole-in-ones. Jack was a top ranked pool player, competing in Las Vegas several times. You could always count on his closest friends Don Bentson and Corky Hull to be enjoying these adventures with him along the way. Up until the last 5 years, Jack continued to routinely shoot pool, bowl, and golf. He truly was one of the most gifted men in Montana.
In his later years, Jack enjoyed many “happy hours” with friends at the VFW in East Helena. As well as their winter months, spent in Yuma, AZ, and golfing with his buddy Floyd Hoff. Jack will forever be remembered by his sense of humor, his coaching abilities, his kind and caring ways, and his love for all animals. He was an honorable friend, making friendships that lasted his lifetime. His legacy will never be forgotten, let us all remember him through the times we shared together.
May he eternally feel “like a doe in the park”.
Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Margarite (Lohman) Davies; his father, Charles Vaughn; and his sister Sharon Vaughn Lester (John Lester). He is survived by his wife, Sherryl Vaughn; daughter’s Roxi Vaughn (Kevin Church), Kim Pouliot (Annette); son Tom Pouliot; his grandchildren Eric Isola (Carrie), Ashley Palomera (Carlos), Tiffany Pouliot-Harris (Justin), and Samantha Lacey; 14 great grandchildren; sister-in-law’s Carmen Woods and Jackie Thompson (Glen); and niece Terry Rharbi and nephew Steve Lester.
A memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday June 3, 2022 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, Mt, followed by a Burial with Military Honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. A Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at the VFW Post #10010 in East Helena after the burial.
In honor of Jack, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Imperial County, 1575 Pico Ave, El Centro, CA 92243.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday June 3, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
Following the burial
Friday June 3, 2022
VFW Post #10010
117 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 3, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday June 3, 2022
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
1900 Williams Ave.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
Following the burial
Friday June 3, 2022
VFW Post #10010
117 W Main St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Charlie Mueller says
Great guy! Always enjoyed golfing with him! Always reminded you if he was keeping score that if you didn’t give him your score he would give you a double bogey! He is now back on the course with his friend Corky! Rest in peace and God Bless!
Dennis Sheehy says
It was great honor to know Jack. I was able to compete with him in various sports. He was a solid leader, intense competitor and good friend. Jack had a wonderful sense of humor and spending time with him was a pleasure.
He was one of the best softball pitchers and golfers in Montana. Jack will be missed by all those who knew him.
Best wishes to Jack’s friends and family
Jim Haynes says
Well Jack life will be rather dull without you around. God knows your a good man, heavens gain our loss.
Nancy and Aaron says
Jack will truly be missed. He was such a great guy and always fun to be around . We will miss you Jack and all of our great times at the lake!! Hugs and prayers to Sheryl
Geoffrey L Birnbaum says
Six months after I moved to Montana and Helena I met Jack Vaughn and went to work for him as a Community Organizer in his hometown of Butte. There couldn’t have been a better place to live to become a Montanann. Many things I could count on was Jack’s interest in our work, his energy to do the work and his imagination as to what we could accomplish. Jack was a force, passionate, articulate, strong and active. He was instrumental in my progression in the field of youth work which led me, eventually, to a position I would hold at Youth Homes in Missoula for the 42 years until my retirement. Jack was funny, loud, loving, caring and interested. I will always have found his impact as critical for me and, with all of his human faults (like all of us) I miss him!
Lynn Staley says
Sheryl & family. Special thoughts & prayers to you as you grieve the loss of Jack. Jack was one of the kindest men and he so cared about people. His loss will be felt by so many. Blessings to you, Sheryl🙏🙏
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Sherryl and family,
I’m so sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. Enjoyed all the time spent at the bowling alley with you and Jack, quite sure it was Jacks’ under garment placed on my ball during city tournament. May your hearts fill with joy when thinking of Jack. Love Kathy
John Cherie Dahl says
Sheryl and family thoughts and prayers go out to you 🙏. Jack was a friend from bowling and also Friday morning coffee for awhile along with Corky Hull. Rest In Peace Jack.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Sherl,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and jJck my friend and fellow turrfer for many good times . R I P friend
Allen/Glenda
Leon Belville says
Jack a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Sally Nyland says
My sincere condolences to Jack’s family. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. I met Jack many years ago when he was employed by the State. Jack was a very compassionate and also “tough as nails” guy, but also had a great sense of humor. I remember Jack and his co-worker Jerry Banzet. Jack was like the bad cop and Jerry was the good cop. Jack always referred to Jerry as “Preacher Banzet”. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jan and Bob Vogel says
Sheryl and family, we were so sad to hear about Jack’s passing. He was such a kind and handsome man and we’ll cherish the memories.
Jan and Bob Vogel says
Sheryl and family, we were so sad to hear about Jack’s passing. He was such a kind and handsome man and so devoted to you. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bruce Mihelish says
Jackson! You were a gamer who could play any game well. It was an honor to be your teammate on the diamond. Your laid back way of living life always amazed. RIP my friend.
Rosemarie Pouliot says
Dearest Sheryl and Family I am sending prayers and heartfelt thoughts about your Jack. He was a wonderful person and I remember him as always smiling. He had a great smile. I shall keep you all in my prayers with love.
Paul Martello says
Sheryl, so sorry to here of the loss of Jack. I was honored to has been a teammate of Jackson. He was one of the best teammates and pitcher a person could have on there team. I will cherish all the time I got to visit with him over the last few years. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Jackson!!!!🙏🙏🙏
Kally Tripp says
Papa was the best!!! I have so many childhood memories of our sleepovers at the Benton house. Amazing Man indeed! He will be greatly missed. Love & Hugs to you all.
Patti Scott (Pouliot) says
Sherryl and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Jack was a great friend to me. He was one of my first softball coaches, a bowling mentor, and always ready to offer a good golf tip. His zest for life was contagious. He will truly be missed. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏
Julie (Stinchfield) & Jim DeMars says
I remember hearing stories of shenanigans involving my dad, Jack, Corky, etc… I’m sure heaven is a little more lively with them all back together. We are keeping Jack’s family in our thoughts and prayers.
John Brodersen says
Sheryl and all family members. Michele and I are both saddened to have learned of Jack’s passing. As a young man, Jack was influential in my life as I’m sure he was for many others. He will be missed. God Bless.
John & Michele Brodersen
Cathy Hellwitz says
To all Jack’s family, keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I knew Jack from playing pool in leagues many, many years ago. He was a wonderful man. May he rest in peace and may the Lord comfort you all in this time of sorrow and loss.
Steve and Jeri Mosby says
Sheryl and family Jack was/is one of the great ones. We are so saddened by his passing. Jeri and I thought the world of Jack he will always be remembered as a great person who made a big impact on many lives over the years. What a great competitor and teammate. And his pitching was amazing……..
Bob & Janice Parsley says
Our most sincere condolences to Sheryl and Jack’s family. So sad to lose such a great man! He was like a Father to me when Sheryl and Jack took me in after my divorce. I will always remember his generosity, his awesome sense of humor, his athletic abilities, and his love of family and friends! I have so many great memories of Jack related to golf, pool, softball, parties, and just living and having fun! There was never a dull moment when Jack and Sheryl were around! I have so much respect for this man and his life long accomplishments. Proud to be a member of his softball teams and a friend! RIP Dad Love you!