Jon “Jerry” Jerome Eaton passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020. A Catholic Graveside Committal will be held at Resurrection Cemetery on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Military Honors being performed following interment in the columbarium. Everyone is welcome to attend, but please wear a mask if in attendance.
Jon was born in Helena, MT on April 4, 1937 to Marylynn (Taylor) and Roy Eaton. His parents met while his father was playing in a band at the old Broadwater Hotel and Natatorium. After his parents’ separation, he was lovingly raised by his maternal grandparents, Gertrude and Ben McKinney.
He attended grade school in Helena and graduated from High School in 1956. He enlisted in the US Navy in January 1958 and served on active duty for four and a half years as a Radarman followed by 26 years in the Navy Reserve. He returned to Helena after his discharge from active duty. He worked for Liberty Loan Corp. and Anderson Motors before beginning employment with Montana Unemployment Compensation Commission, later to become the Department of Labor where he supervised their supply room, print shop, desktop publishing and internal building maintenance. He also worked evenings in the Capitol print shop for two sessions of the Legislature. He retired from the State in 1993.
While stationed in San Diego with the Navy he learned to SCUBA dive. After his return to Helena, he worked with then – Sheriff, Dave Middlemas, to add diving capabilities to the Lewis & Clark Search and Rescue. In 1968, following additional training at the Simon Frazer College in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada, he was certified as a S.C.U.B.A instructor by NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors, #1240). He taught SCUBA Diving for over 12 years. He dove for over ten years when he started logging his dives and had over twenty-five hundred hours underwater in areas including the entire west coast from British Columbia, Washington, California, Mexico, Hawaii, and the Philippines. In 1970 he organized the Montana State Dive Council including divers from Great Falls, Billings, and Helena and served as the Council’s first president. Jerry was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #193 in Helena.
He married Joan Piersky in May 1973. Together they enjoyed snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, boating, and traveling in their motorhome. They have traveled in all 50 states, and most of the Provinces of Canada, in Mexico, and England.
He enjoyed woodworking and made many projects as gifts and for the home.
In 2001, Jerry began volunteering at the Chancery Office for the Diocese of Helena digitizing all the old photographs for their archives which he enjoyed very much. He was an active member of the Cathedral of St. Helena parish.
After moving to Fox Ridge, Joan and Jerry learned to play golf and enjoyed golfing at various courses around the country and in Canada.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Marylynn and Roy Eaton; maternal grandparents, Gertrude and Ben McKinney; half-brother, Mike; and a stepson, Rick Piersky.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; step-daughter, Bertie Piersky; step-grandchildren, Danic Lamphere of New York City and Ian Lamphere of Chico, California; and a half-sister, Jeanne Cormier and her husband PJ of Jackson, MO.
Memorials in Jerry’s name may be made to the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 No. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Interment
11:00 to 11:30
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Interment
11:00 to 11:30
Wednesday December 2, 2020
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
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Mary Kay Bennett says
Jerry & Joan were part of my tribe at St. Helena Cathedral.
Even though I didn’t know them very well, I always had a nod or a grin from them during Mass.
And, Jerry was my husband’s Scuba diving teacher.
We both thought very highly of him. RIP
Mary Kay & George Bennett
Mary Phelps says
Dear Joan
We are very sorry to learn of Jerrys passing. Had missed seeing both of you since your move.
Mike Griffith says
To Joan, who pulled my little red wagon: it saddened me to learn of your soul mate’s passing. Jerry, like you, was a good friend, dating back to Helena High School and the many years since. He always wore that meaningful and trusting smile…which matched his hair color! My heartfelt condolences.
Paul Maloy says
Dear Joan,
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. You were such great neighbors to Kathy , me & our kids and we greatly appreciated it. May God comfort you at this time with the memories the two of you made over the years. Paul Maloy
Carol Bridge says
Jerry was a wonderful man and an honor and pleasure to be of service to him while he was undergoing cancer treatment. Such a quiet, gentle soul. I will miss seeing him but wish his wife and children blessings of all kinds as they continue with life. God Bless Carol Bridge, Volunteer Cancer Treatment Center
Pat Reicher says
Joan, So very sorry for your loss. I remember you guys from so many years ago working at the “Unemployment Compensation Commission,” and over the years running into you occasionally. You made such a handsome couple. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God bless.
Larry & Beverly Roberts says
Joan. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go to you. It seems like yesterday that we all were working at the same location. We will always miss our casual meetings in some store and reminisce about the “good” old days. Bev & Larry
Kristina Blomquist says
Joan,
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. Much love thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
🙏♥️🙏
jeanne cormier says
Joan, I am so sorry for your loss and so glad to have had known Jerry as my big brother and you as my sister. I know this is difficult for you and you have my support and love. God Bless you and Jerry!
Rudy J Tomich says
I had the pleasure of working with both Jerry and Joan at the Department of Labor and Industry. Jerry would always get any requests completed in a timely manner sometimes after some grumbling. He would acknowledge me in every encounter. After he retired I met him out shopping. He told me he was into electronics after retirement. After a short pause he referred to hearing aids and pacemakers. Not what I expected. My condolences to Joan and family. May God bless a good man
Donna Link says
My sweet Joan,
With great sadness, I must express my sorrow in seeing that Jerry passed away. You both meant a lot to me and over the years we got to know each other so much better. Working at the diocese and seeing Jerry there when he came in to work with Sr. Delores was always a treat. What a kind, respectful, honest and sincere person. We always had a lot to talk about. He was one of my favorite people.
I pray that you will be surrounded by good friends during this time and I want you to know that I will pray for his holy soul in my daily prayers. He was truly an individual who I greatly admired. Bless your heart, Joan.
Drea says
Joan,
So sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. I enjoyed working with you and Jerry at DLI. In talking with Jerry I was always surprised by his interests and new projects. Take care. Drea
Sandy says
Dear Joan, I was saddened to read of Jerry’s passing. I always enjoyed working with Jerry at DLI and appreciated his help on our printing projects. So sorry for your loss. Take care.
Sandy Bay
Steve Behlmer says
I am so very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He always had such a positive spirit. We had much in common. He and Joan were such a fine couple, sharing life as they did.