John (Jack) Edward Roberts, 94 was welcomed to the Lord and his family on January 17, 2017.
Jack was born in Miles City, Montana to Sam and Gracia Roberts on June 10, 1922. He grew up in Helena with his two brothers, Sam, Raynor and a sister Phyllis.
He graduated from Helena High School in 1940. He enlisted in the Army Air Forces, on October 27, 1942 as an aviation cadet. When enlisted he was 20 years old. He served 2 years and had flown in P-51’s, P-40’s and the Stearman airplane while in training at Luke Airforce Base. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1945 at Luke Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
On November 11, 1945 he married the love of his life, Faye Alice Rivett. They were together 43 years. Dianne was born in 1946 and Johnny in 1948.
Jack, as most called him, worked for the Montana State Labor and Industry Department close to 40 years. He was a toastmaster member. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, bike riding, snowmobiling and, in his early years, he was a boxer.
He had an impeccable memory for detail of people, places and events. He would sit for hours telling stories of landmarks and people he met in Helena and during his travels.
After Jack’s wife died in 1988, Jack rekindled a friendship with Effie Bradford in 1992 and moved to Lincoln, where they lived for the next 17 years.
Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife Faye, daughter Dianne and son Johnny within three years of each other, his brothers Sam, Raynor and Sister Phyllis.
Jack is survived by his nephew Ray Roberts who lives in Helena, Gary, Kent, Doug, Randal, Trey and Robert. Nieces are Kris, Shawn and Linda along with grandchildren.
Jack had many great friends throughout his life, many who passed before him. The children of his friends would still visit Jack to hear the stories of their own loved ones.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to You’re Home, Frontier Hospice and the staff at Renaissance Senior Care.
A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home 3750 N. Montana Ave. Helena, MT. 59602. A reception will immediately follow in the social hall of the funeral home. A committal service with military honors will follow the reception in the committal shelter at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Jack’s name are suggested to the Montana POW/MIA Awareness Association, P.O. Box 7693, Helena, MT 59601 or to an organization of your choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Liturgy
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Wednesday February 1, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Raod
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Maureen Dineen Fisher & family says
In Memory and in Celebration of Jack’s life that was of a many, many years relationship. A friend of the family. His children Dianne, and John Jr. were my little charges when he and Faye were going out on the town. The loss of Dianne, John and Faye were a terrible loss for Jack and their friends. Rest in Peace Jack and once again join your family and sing and dance once again together. With Love and Prayers……
Evelyn Sass says
My Sincere condolences to the family & loved ones. I remember seeing the Roberts family in the 60’s – 70’s & 80’s. What a very handsome family. Faye was a Elizabeth Taylor look-alike, Jack was a very handsome fella & the children very beautiful too. Even though I didn’t know them personally, I wanted to certainly acknowledge my memory of the family. Rest In Peace.
Debbie Littell Dodge says
My condolences to Jack’s family – I worked with Jack’s wife Faye Roberts in the 80’s and loved her so much which is how I came to know Jack. The love those two had for each other was enormous~ I remember Jack fondly and just know that he was greeted in heaven by his “Fayzie” and kids. RIP dear man <3
Hazel Halsey (Effie's sister) says
GOD bless!
Carol buerman says
My heart is saddened with the news of Jack’s death. He, along with Faye, Diane, and John, introduced me to a memorable family of beautiful men and women. My life was blessed having known all the Roberts family and for that I am grateful. May all God’s blessings comfort you in you’re loss. My regrets for not being able to attend Jack’s service as I am out if state . My condolences to all. Sincerely.
Christine Hanson Figueroa says
I lived next to the Roberts family for several years on Prospect and Johnny was a good friend. The whole Roberts family included me in their family activities and I learned so much from them. Loved their dog Tippy and had many fun meals in their backyard. Sorry that those I knew best are gone, but my life was blessed to have known them and their extended family.
Kathleen Stevens says
OurDear friend, Jack! We were as close as family could be! Mom & Faye were best of friends & Jack and my dad and my stepdad, later we’re all close! As a little girl, Jack bounced me on his knee and I sang “Cruising Down The River”to him! He was my Elvis! I wanted to someday find someone just like Jack! I’ll never forget when I & my friend were waiting for a light to change,@ 6th& Main Street, when suddenly, Jack walked up, picked me up & planted a big kiss on my cheek,then stated,” There, you can’t say you’ve never,been kissed on the corner of 6th&Main” What a character, Jack was!
Johnny & Diane were our playmates thru the years. “Fayzie” was so beautiful, inside& out! I admire Jack&his wonderful family greatly! It was absolutely devastating to Jack to loose his entire family within three years! Yet, he had a deep faith in the Lord,that kept him going! I was happy that Jack found happiness with Effie! Jack was a very intelligent man, charming & witty, with a wonderful sense of humor! I cherish the many visits we had thru the years! My husband Jim, played the guitar & we would sing to Jack & have a good time reminicing! I will miss him dearly! He holds a place in my heart !!❤