John R. Coleman

John R. “Jack” Coleman most recently of Helena, Montana, passed away on Friday, the 13th of August at the age of 70.

Born April 9, 1940, in Townsend, Montana, John grew up on his family’s ranch near White Sulphur Springs. After graduation from high school he attended the University of Montana where he met his wife (Paula Simmons) and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Archival Management. After serving in the army, John and Paula were married and they had two sons: Jeff and Brian “Brij” Coleman. During his working life, John was an archivist for the Montana Historical Society, a building contractor, a rancher and a logger.

John’s legacy includes his sons: Jeff and his wife Kirstin and their children (Titus, Melia, Justus, Brice and Bo) and Brij and his wife Kim and their children (Dominic and Michael.)

His life was tragically tormented by alcoholism and bipolar disorder, but we take hope that he is at his final rest in the loving arms of Jesus.

An interment ceremony with Military Honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday the 23rd of August at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. To offer a condolence to John’s family or to share a memory of John, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.