Nicholas Charles Jacques passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 5th, 2024. He passed surrounded in the loving company of his son, Ryan, daughter-in-law, Andrea and his good friend and caregiver Jacquie Bennet.
Nicholas, (Nick) was born on March 14, 1950, in Helena, Montana to Ernest (Ernie) and Ruth (Weisner) Jacques. Nick has two siblings, an older brother Dan Jacques and a younger sister Liane Jacques. Nick attended Catholic schools in Helena, Bishop Gilmore grade school and Helena Catholic Central High school. He then went on to attain his bachelor’s degree in business finance at the University of Montana and subsequently attained his law degree at the University of Montana Law school graduating in 1975. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart Renee Steckler and had two sons, Kenneth, and Ryan Jacques. The family moved back to Helena after law school.
Nick practiced law in Helena for several decades and was also a long-time public defender. Over the years his clients would often give gifts of appreciation. Nick’s home still has a picture of the Queen of England hanging in the dining room and a claw foot tub in one of the bathrooms. “I’ve received haircuts, and a guy gave me some goat meat” for some legal advice after being charged with cruelty to animals. This particular story made it all the way around the world and into a “Ripleys’ Believe it or Not” feature in an Arabian paper.
In the early 1990s Nick phased out of his legal practice and purchased a large Queen Anne style house on Ewing Street. After restoring the property, he opened it as The Barrister Bed and Breakfast in 1993. The Barrister also provided a beautiful space for weddings (which Nick often officiated), reunions, special events and work functions.
Nick had a talent for making people feel special and enjoyed good company over a cup of coffee and a treat. His witty sense of humor brought smiles and laughter all around him. Nick loved to be outdoors and would boat, golf and hike whenever he got the chance. His favorite place to vacation was Maui where he actually operated a Bed and Breakfast near Lahaina for a year.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Ruth Jacques and his son Ken Jacques. He is survived by his son, Ryan Jacques (Andrea); grandchildren Joshua and Nathan Jacques, Nicole Maldonado (Dani), Matthew Jacques (Laura) and Annie Wahl (Scott); great grandchildren Ender Klepzig and Beatrix Wahl; his brother Dan Jacques (Patti), and his sister Liane Jacques (Jason).
Funeral services will be held on March 2, 2024, at 1:00pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home. After burial at Resurrection Cemetery, a reception will be held at The Barrister, 416 N Ewing St, Helena, MT. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Nick, the family suggests God’s Love or The Alzheimer’s’ Foundation.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 2, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday March 2, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 2, 2024
The Barrister Bed and Breakfast
416 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 2, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Rite of Committal
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday March 2, 2024
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 2, 2024
The Barrister Bed and Breakfast
416 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jeff Sherlock says
Nick was a great lawyer and an even better guy. Peace to his family.
Steve Christiaens says
Nick and I played in a little combo together with 2 other classmates when we were about 14. He was by far the star of the show!
Michelle Haley says
Im so sorry for your loss,Nick was an amazing guy.I took care of him at Touchmark he always had a smile and was just the sweetest.
kay wygal says
So sorry to hear about Nick. He was a great man! I know he will be missed. He will be in a wonderful place to carry on his new adventure!
Rebecca Reber says
Nick was one of a kind. Growing up, he was a friend of my brother’s, Mike Reber. He was handsome, smart and a great athlete. I lost track of him until I would come home to visit both Mike and my Mom Velma, who were both struggling from illnesses. Nick opened his doors at The Barrister to our family. This became our respite and home away from home. He was the host with the most. His stories were endless. We laughed about our families and growing up in Helena. Our parents knew each other. We shared history. I am saddened that Nick has passed. He was a character and all around good guy. RIP Nick and safe travels. I’m sure there’s a party going on right now on the other side. My condolences to the Jacques family.
Cathy Anderson says
We were so sorry to hear this sad news. Nick will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the Jacques family.
Jock and Cathy Anderson.
Lisa Jacques says
Nick was a great father and grandfather. I will miss him and his jokes…he taught me how to ski and how to play hearts. He always made me smile.
Kathy Dreyer says
Oh, so many great memories of Nick picking up Clarinet player Bob Draga in amazing ways from the Helena Airport. He used everything from motorcycles, to hay wagons! The pre-and post jazz festival parties were legendary! We’ll never forget Nick!
Amy Merrill (Wheeler) says
So many great memories of Nick. As a teen I spent more time at Nicks than at my own house. He was a major role model and like a second Father. Later in life, his legal expertise helped me navigate some tough times. Nicks generosity and compassion for people will be greatly missed. Nick will be forever in my memories! RIP my friend!
Liz Lair says
Liane & Dan— I was sorry to hear about Nick’s passing. I spent much of my childhood in the Jacques house, our two families did lots of activities together. Liane and I were best friends growing up and I have very fond memories from those years. On occasion of my return to Helena we would stay at the Barrister and reminisce with Nick about family outings and just the fun of growing up in Helena.
Condolences to the Jacques family— Liz Dolan Lair
Bill Price says
To Nick’s family and friends, my deepest sympathy. I am a singer-songwriter from Indiana. I stayed at The Barrister Bed and Breakfast multiple times when I played music in Helena, which is where I met Nick.
When I first met him, I immediately liked him. I knew right away that there was something about Nick that was different. It seemed to me, that for such a clearly intelligent man, he also had a little sparkle of good-natured, mischief in his eye somehow, which was such a wonderful combination. Brains and humor.
Nick would come to hear me play music every time I played in Helena. Even in 2022, when I know it must’ve been a struggle for him, he and Andrea stopped by to listen. That is something I will never forget and be forever grateful for. I’ve told so many people about how the owner of the BnB where I stayed, would come to listen to me play my songs. I’d say, “He didn’t have to do that, but he always did. How nice is that?!” He surely had a big, compassionate heart.
So, I guess brains, humor and compassion were what I saw in Nick and why I admired him so much. We should all aspire to be a bit more like him. May he rest in peace.
Jane LaMoure says
Rest in peace, buddy. Lots of good, fun memories with you.
Glen J Cuchine says
I have a wonderful memory of Nick visiting our home on Ewing when he asked if we had any objections to opening The Barrister B&B. My spouse, Sharon Robinson, knew him well and his folks were friends with Sharon’s parents. He, of course, sold his idea and the B&B became a wonderful addition to this historic neighborhood. Rest in peace, Nick and deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Roy moreno says
I met Nick when The Florence Crittinton home had Christmas Parties for the girls At the Banister Bed & Breakfast he was a very nice gentleman and will be missed my deepest condolences to his family RIP Nick
Julie Massaro says
Mr. Jacques performed out wedding ceremony 25 years ago this year at the Barrister Bed and Breakfast. He took the time to visit with us to learn about our blended family and incorporated our children from previous marriages into our ceremony which made it so special.
Our sincere condolences to his entire family. What a great man.
Mike and Diane Langenfus says
Danny and Liane,
Please accept our deepest condolences, Nick was an acceptional supporter of the Helena Community, a good friend, great skier, and could blow a mean saxophone in his younger days.
RIP Nicky you will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Truscott says
I first met Nick when I launched “Yellow Balloon Parties” with my friend Ruth of “Tea and Comfort” where we were blessed to host tea parties at the Barrister for a short time. Nick was the gentleman host and would gladly share the Barrister’s story with our tea party guests. Gifted with the gene of hospitality and Blue Ribbon attention to detail, Nick accommodated us in every way possible to create the elegant, authentic fun ambience we offered our tea partiers. He eagerly enjoyed the tea food and sweets we shared with him.
Thank you Nick for sharing the Barrister with us and for giving us the opportunity to showcase our love of tea!
Karen Malebranche says
Nick was an interesting guy and fun to talk to, we watched
Super Bowl last year together with my husband and other residents at Touchmark. I remember he said he would kill for a good cup of coffee and luckily we did have an espresso machine that fit the bill! Good conversationalist and nice guy!
Barb Barnes says
Nick was a perfect host for many family gatherings, making sure visiting relatives’ needs were met and celebrations were seamless. His humor, ability to listen and tell a good story made everyone feel truly welcomed. I know of folks who merited from his unfailing service to those in need of help. May he be free forever and may his family and community be held with compassion and tender care.
Colleen Murphy Towe says
I am so sad for Nick’s family. ❤️🩹
I remember Nick from our days at Central High. He was so nice to everyone. Seemed to always have a smile on his face. I remember the “band” he played in. How very much he enjoyed playing that saxophone!
I stayed at the B&B several times. He was always very welcoming.
R.I.P.
chad says
Nick was a great guy! He was the best landlord I ever had. Always friendly and welcoming. We had many cups of coffee together and even traveled together. Dear God bless Nick as he was a great soul and generous man.
Jules Harrell says
Nick’s energy and keen intellect brought life to the projects and activities of the class of 1968 at Helena Central. I remember him as an outstanding musician (sax and guitar), athlete, and thinker. He was a man of multiple talents and he made sure that each one blossomed in service to others. Young people will do well to pay close attention to the stories you will hear about this outstanding member of our Ewing Street group.
Margie Mitchke Murry says
I am so sorry I wasn’t able to come to the Memorial Service. I was so happy it was live-streamed. It was comforting to hear everyone’s memories of and honor of Nick. As our friend Phil Grainey said, “He was truly a Renaissance man”. As a member of the Ewing group, Nick invited me to join his gang in early grade school and remarked about it at our twenty-year HS reunion. Like so many others, we were hosted at the Barrister at our reunions, and enjoyed his hospitality. My condolences to Jackie, Ryan and all the Jacques family. He may have joked that he was a recovering Catholic, but he lived up to the teachings of Jesus to “Love One Another”! May he rest in peace!
Claudia E. Thomas says
Such a wonderful man who I had the pleasure to know and who helped me at times that I needed his kindness and expertise. Be at peace old friend and may your family be comforted during these times of sadness. A local judge once told me that if s/he ever needed a lawyer, Nick would be the first one they would call 🙂 Now that speaks volumes too.
A Visiting Buddy says
I recently was telling my wife about my trips, prior to meeting her, to Helena Montana. I found myself in this ‘tiny’ town from the west coast as I was pursuing treatment for a long-term health condition. Helena has a specialist who really sounded like they could help.
Fast forward, 5+ trips later, and every single time I was at the Barrister – not because of the distance to town or the general beauty of the place – but because of Nick. Nick would drive me early AMs to the doctor, to the airport, everywhere. He had the best dry humor, always had a twinkle in his eye.
I will miss you Nick – you were a special man. Thanks for being an ally to me.