John “Jack” David Myles left this earth to join his savior on December 12, 2018. Our hearts break as heaven gained an amazing man this day.
He graduated from Helena High School in 1946. Part of his education was in a box car after the earthquake in the 30’s. He attended college in the field of mechanics to ensure he could repair the farm equipment on the ranch. From the time he was just a young man he knew he would work the land. While working the ranch full-time, he also worked for the Montana Meat Company, Cotton’s House Moving and was the Fire Chief for Lakeside Volunteer Fire Department for 10 plus years.
He married Ann Elizabeth (Betty) Schmith on June 6, 1953. They both loved and treasured their life on the ranch, which started immediately after marriage. It wasn’t unusual to have a calf or two warming in the kitchen under the table and a few lambs in the shower during the cold winter months.
During his 90 years on this earth he devoted his life to his precious family. At the age of eight he began his lifelong career that has continued through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a devoted rancher and dedicated to the land and passed his love of the land, knowledge and experience on to those that will follow in the family. Next to family, his most treasured possession was his brand-new John Deere Tractor, which had a cab, heat, air-conditioning and even a radio (not that he could hear it).
If you remember Jack, some of these things will be very familiar: He loved to dance and play his harmonica; wrestle with the kids and grandkids on the floor; rubber band fights; the Sunday morning breakfasts where he would make pancakes in the shapes of the first letter of the grandkids names and Christmas Eve with all the family and close family friends (this meant the world to him). His hobbies included horseback riding, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and volleyball.
Jack is preceded in death by: his parents David Valentine Myles and Ann Elizabeth Hazelton; and his brother Joseph Myles. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Betty Myles; children RoseAnn Drake (Bob), Judy Balcerzak (Jim), Tim Myles (Elaine), and Connie Johnson (Julie); grandchildren Jason Crawford (Brenda), Jen Hamilton (Justin), Bryan Smith, Justin Myles (Marci), Jacob Myles (Aimee), and Jennaya Spence; and sixteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; special nieces and nephews, cousins and one very special adopted friend, Terry Isles.
We know Jack is in heaven happily feeding the cows on his John Deere Tractor with his faithful companion Skip.
A memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery following the reception. Donations may be made to Tri Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, 3200 Spokane Creek Road East Helena, MT 59635, or to a charity of your choice in honor of Jack Myles. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jack.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday December 19, 2018
ASW Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Wednesday December 19, 2018
ASW Social Hall
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday December 19, 2018
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena, Montana
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libby Olsen says
Uncle Jack, you will be missed by so many. Aunt Betty, Judy, Tim, Connie and Roseann and families know that you are all in our thoughts during this time. If you need anything don’t hesistate to call.
Bradford F. Newcomb, DVM says
It was a privilege to be a neighbor, friend and fellow fireman, with Jack. Jo and I treasured our time in that neighborhood, and the friends we had. jack and Betty were close, and great people.
Rest in Peace, Jack. You certainly deserve it.
Mike & Felicity McFerrin says
So sorry for your loss, RoseAnn and family.
What a beautiful tribute for a very special man.
Gary Blom says
What a great American we have lost. He leaves behind a legacy and won’t be forgotten. Our deep condolences to the family.
Gary and Meg Blom
Nancy & Glenn Henderson says
Sorry for the loss of your dad RoseAnn (and family). Love the tribute. Let us know if you need anything.
Steve and Karen Moore says
We value our relationships with all the Myles family over a span of nearly 40 years and offer our deepest sympathies to all at this difficult time. We especially remember very pleasant past times around the kitchen table with Jack and Betty. Steve frequently stopped by near noon and never turned down an invitation for a meal, often getting useful answers to not-so-smart questions about farm/ranch-related issues. I still apply some of what I learned!!!
Rest peacefully, Jack…
Mike Ottman says
Jack, you will truly be missed. Thank you for all the great memories visiting at the kitchen table with Betty. Also, thank you for allowing my kids to participate in branding in the spring. Betty, the meals were fabulous. Jack, your legacy will live forever. Mike Ottman Family
Kryss Kuntz says
To the Myles family,
So very sorry for the loss of your Pa! May your memories, and love of this great man, live in your hearts forever. He will be shining down on you all, on those days when you need his strength the most. Prayers and love and hugs to you all.
Kryss
Deb redmond says
Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful memories of your dad make your pain and sarrow a little less. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marci Turney says
Dear friends, sending love, hugs and sympathy during this time. It is so hard to lose loved ones. Know my heart is with you all during this time.
Carol Williams says
Judy, so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of the family at this time of sorrow. You will always have your fun memories of the time spent with him.
Bridger Veterinary Hospital says
To the Myles family,
We were sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Jack and Betty were good to us as a young business as well as neighbors.
He was the epitome of the phase ‘salt of the earth’.
With thoughts and prayers,
Keith and Sharlene Stav
Chickie Lietzow says
Judy, I am very sorry for you and your families loss. You are now, more than ever in my thoughts.
Tom Moore says
To all the Myles family. (Roseann, Judy, Tim & Connie)
My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of your dad. He was a very special person to me and my dad (Harry Moore). The memories of spending time with your family on the ranch is forever etched in my mind. Your dad was a great person and a great role model.