Julia Ann Jackson (“Julie”)
During the afternoon of March 1, 2023, following a short illness, Julie passed away at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Montana, from acute myeloblastic leukemia at the age of 84. She spent her final weeks with family, friends, and her newly befriended hospital staff, laughing, crying, with all those around her enjoying her final smiles and spirited comments as she fought the cancer. Julie’s courage and strength during her battle only added to her legacy of “other’s first” with her greatest concern being the effect of her passing on her family. Dignity never left this wonderful woman.
Julie was born in Cambridge, Maryland, on August 27, 1938, the eldest and only daughter of Frances Aurethia Harris and Laverne Vincent Harris. Julie attended elementary and middle school in Cambridge, and in 1951 moved with her mother, father, grandmother, and younger brother, Bob, from Maryland to Helena, Montana.
Julie entered Helena High School that fall, where she often told the story of her introduction to her new classmates, as on the first day of school her type of dress was much different than that worn by her new classmates. In Maryland, a white blouse, black pencil skirt, with saddle shoes and white stockings, which were rolled down exactly 1/2 inch and held up by a rubber band was the fashion of the day. This costume caused quite a stir amongst her new classmates and left Julie wondering where she had landed. However, this concern faded quickly as she immediately became acquainted with 12 very special girls, all of whom remained lifelong friends and formed a group known as HAPS. This group enjoyed a close friendship and gathered every few years to meet in many places throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Upon graduation from Helena High School in 1956, Julie enrolled at Montana State College in the nursing program where she met her future husband Dave in chemistry lab. Julie continued nurses training until she and Dave were married in Helena on June 14,1958. Shortly thereafter they left Montana for Waco, Texas, where Dave trained for the Air Force. While in Waco they became parents to Don, the first of two children, and Julie spent her time raising her son and playing bridge with other wives on the base. In 1960, the family returned to Montana to finish college classes at Montana State College. In the fall of 1962, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, so Dave could attend law school. It was in Des Moines that Julie truly discovered her passion for helping others as she worked with autistic and impaired children of lower economic status to give them a better chance to succeed in life.
In 1964 Julie and Dave made their final move back to Montana and settled in Helena to be near their families. Julie began her career in banking at First National Bank and continued to work until 1967 when Doug was born. Raising two boys became Julie’s fulltime job, but she continued to work parttime over the years in banking, the Montana Legislature and later as a librarian for the U.S. District Court. Julie was also an active member of Daughters of the Nile, P.E.O. International and Sweet Adeline’s International.
Traveling was her passion. She was always up for a family trip to Maui or Canada but was equally excited to travel with her husband of 64 years to a great variety of destinations. Julie and Dave bought one of the original condos in Big Sky, and when Big Sky became too crowded, they built a cabin in Gallatin Canyon, on the river under Storm Castle Peak, from which the family spent many happy days fishing the river, hiking the hills, skiing Big Sky and Bridger and traveling into Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole to watch the animals. The wintertime trips on snowmobile to these wonderful places gave her great joy. Julie proclaimed many times that her most favorite place on earth was the cabin in Gallatin Canyon.
Julie was an avid sports fan and loved watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchild compete at their various sporting events. She was a caring soul, but equally spirited. She could be heard yelling her support or displeasure for any player who thought the name on the back was more important than the one on the front. Being small in stature did not quell her ability to be heard over most during a game. Her biggest passion was MSU Bobcat football and as a season ticket holder she hated to miss a game. Julie’s love for the blue and gold was clear to anyone who sat within earshot, and an inspiration to anyone who met her. She tolerated her Griz friends, but with a mischievous smile on her face, made sure they knew how she really felt.
Our Julie was one of the most gentle, caring and generous persons we’ve ever known. One of Julie’s outstanding traits was a fierce loyalty to her family and friends, acting as a formidable advocate for anyone needing her help. Also, before considering her own needs or wants, she had an irresistible need to take care of anyone and everyone who needed assistance, be they walking on two legs or four. Julie’s deep love for children and animals and consistent support of organizations which improved the lives of those groups will be dearly missed.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Verne and Aurethia “Pete” Harris, her son, Don, and numerous cats and dogs, having acquired one dog on purpose, with the others being “repurposed” from her kids, adopted or rescued. Julie is survived by her spouse, Dave, her son Doug (Mary Jo), her brother, Bob (Linda), her grandchildren, Beau (Danielle), Mandy, Kyle and Daniel and great-grandson, Ryder.
Come join family and friends at a memorial service to celebrate Julie’s life 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow in the social center of the funeral home. Friends are then invited to the graveside service following the reception at Forestvale Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to donate in Julie’s name can donate to either of the following charities:
Farm in the Dell, 6080 Gin Dale Rd, East Helena, MT 59635 or to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P O Box 4455, Helena Montana 59604
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 1, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 1, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday April 1, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 1, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday April 1, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday April 1, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Steve and Jackie sampson says
She will be missed by all that knew her. She was definitely a shining light in our lives.
Love and prayers to the family.
Sara Hayter says
I am so sorry for you loss Dave and family. My thoughts and prayers are will you all.
Sara Hayter
Mary Kay Bennett says
Dave, Doug and family:
In the silence of my heart, I pray for all of the family and your friends. George and I have been reminiscing about all the good times..I met Julie in the early 60’s at the First National Bank; and Doug your mom was pregnant with you at that time. We took golf lessons (I was terrible), bowled together, partied with lots of friends & shared our cabin stories.
I always liked Julie..smart, witty, engaging and fun.
She will not be forgotten. Mary Kay & George
Marlene Murdo says
What a beautiful lady and friend. I will miss you and will continue our visits ,as I know you will be listening. I love you Dave, Doug, Mary Jo and family😘.
Mick Waterman says
Dave and family,
I always enjoyed having a chat with Julie. She was so smart and wise and had a great sense of humor.
I will miss seeing her.
Carol Jacobsen says
Dear Dave, Doug, Mary Jo and family and Beau and family. Julie will be sorely missed by all who loved her. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and in my heart.
With Love. Carol
Kathleen Broussard says
Dave and Family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Tom Naegele says
Jackson Family, Prayers of Care & Support to you as you celebrate a life well lived and morn the loss of a Loved Wife & Mom. ❤️🙏 Peace to her memory.
Julie Ludtke says
Dear David and family. I am so sorry for your profound loss. I loved Julie and am so fortunate to have met her and to have spent so much time with her. My sadness for you is overwhelming. Julie Ludtke
Charlene says
Dave and family..
In times like these, words couldn’t possibly be enough. I wanted however to let you know I’m thinking about all of you and holding you in my heart during this sad time. Wishing you comfort. Charlene Mayala
Pat Murdo says
Dave, Doug, and family – such a loss is so hard, but know that she lives on in you, your memories, and in all the family and friends to whom she brought light.
Bill Coddington says
A warm woman, filled with grace and a love for life. So very sorry Dave for your loss.
Bill $ Judy Coddington
Barbara A Baum says
Dave
Sorry for your loss What a sweet lady ..
We have been thinking of you and your family
Dave and Barb Baum
Sandee Olson says
Dave sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gail Kriskovich says
Dear Dave and family,
My heart reaches out to you and yours with love, sympathy, and caring at this difficult time and the loss of your loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gail Kriskovich
Dave Kettman says
Dave and family,
Sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We so enjoyed our visits with you and Julia at the Ghost Art Gallery.
Dave &Jerri Kettman
Barb Banks
Linda Braun says
Dave… it goes without saying how close we were.
Our high school days were memorable! Julie drove a bunch of us up and down Last Chance Gulch when we were in high school many times. So many good memories. Take comfort in knowing how much Julie was loved by so many.
Our love to you and your family,
Linda and Bob Braun
Darien G Scott says
Dear Dave,
So sorry to read about Julie. You are in my thoughts and prayers
DeAnn Beauchamp Mathews says
I am sending love & prayers to you, David.
Gino Dunfee says
Dave and family,
My condolences on the loss of Julie.
Brittany Hogan says
Dave and family, My sincerest condolences go out to all of you. I have lovely memories of Julie during the years I worked with you, Dave. She was loved by so many.
Gerry Walter says
Dear David –No words can possibly say what I am thinking. The obit said so much about Julie, but it could never tell about all the goofy times we shared through the years nor about the support she gave me when life was not so good! She will be missed by the HAPS —A classy lady even when we were driving around Helena smoking cigarettes!!
Remember “I am but waiting for you for an interval –somewhere very near just around a corner. All is well!’
Nury Day says
Dear, beloved Dave, how devastating to lose your beautiful, funny, complicated, classy life partner, wife, confidant and friend. Julie was a class act, and I was the recipient of her support, guidance and kindness many times as a newcomer to the firm…..will forever remember her as a most wonderful human being! Heaven is better because she is there.
Bob & Merle Korizek says
Dave,
We were so sorry to hear about Julie. Our sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Bob and Merle Korizek
Margaret Corcoran says
Dear Dave and family
I was so sorry to read if Julie’s passing. It was such a pleasure for years to serve you both at Benny’s. You became much more than customers. The world will feel her loss. Please take care.