Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Russ J. Jacoby, age 58, of Helena

March 3, 1959 – January 19, 2018

Russell (Russ) James Jacoby

March 3, 1959-January 19, 2018

Russ was born on March 3, 1959 to Gloria and Raymond Jacoby in Great Falls, Montana. He passed away on January 19, 2018, of natural causes. Russ was part of a large and loving family being the ninth of ten children. Growing up in Great Falls, he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and Great Falls High School. In 1976 he joined the Montana Air National Guard, where he served until retiring after twenty years in 1996. Russ was affectionately known in his family and to his M.A.N.G. friends as “Woodja.”

In his younger years, Russ enjoyed trips to Minnesota to visit family, camping at Bean Lake, and spending time at the Golie Family cabin. Growing up on the Southside of Great Falls, Russ spent plenty of time with his neighborhood friends and going to the many corner grocery stores to buy penny candy, which developed his lifelong obsession with sweets. While living in Great Falls, Russell had two sons Justin and Travis.

In May of 1983 Russ moved to Helena to work at Eagle Tire. In Helena he was known as the best damn tire man Helena has ever seen and was a jokester through and through. In the 35 years he was at Eagle Tire, he developed many relationships and made lifelong friends. He truly cared about every one of his customers. If you wanted a good deal and someone you could trust, you went to Russ. At Eagle Tire, Russ met his soulmate, Lisa, whom he married on August 26, 1989. Russ and Lisa were blessed with two daughters Kelci Jo and Sydne Rae. In the Spring of 2013, Russ started to work for SkyWest Airlines, which afforded the opportunity to take many adventures and spend quality time with his wife and children. He truly enjoyed his SkyWest family.

Russell was a loving father to his children and a father figure to many, including his nieces, nephews and Carroll College host children. You couldn’t have a conversation with Russ without him mentioning how proud he was of his children. Russ was an avid supporter of those he loved and always put his family first. He enjoyed nothing more than watching his children, nieces and nephews in all of the activities they participated in. Some of his favorite times were birthdays and holidays spent with family. These celebrations will never be the same without his twinkling eyes, mischievous grin, and unique sense of humor.

In life Russ enjoyed plenty of hobbies including: hunting, fishing, playing (and cheating) at family card games, listening to classic rock and going to concerts. His favorite activities encompassed attempting to golf, spending time with his family and friends, and watching sports, including: the Washington Redskins, which was his favorite NFL team, Carroll College Football, Texas A&M Football, and the University of Portland Rowing team.

Russ is survived by his loving wife Lisa, sons Justin of Spokane, WA, Travis (Alicia) of Vancouver, WA, daughters Kelci Jo of College Station, TX and Sydne Rae (boyfriend Philip Sanfilippo) of Portland, OR. Mother Gloria Jacoby-Moore of Great Falls. In-Law’s, Bob and Shirley Rossman of Butte. Brother, Rodger Jacoby (Darla) of Great Falls. Sisters Doreen (Jim) Hooson of Billings, and Dawn Wrigg of Helena. Brother-In-Law, Joe (Angel) Rossman of Belgrade. Nieces and Nephews, Dan (Kim) Holland, Ron Jacoby, Tammy (Pete) Townsend, Liz (Jeff) Herzog, Naomi (Matt) Franchetti, Heather (Mike) Irvine, Nicole (Chris) Sutor, Adam (Melissa) Jacoby, Megan (Derick) Ruby, Sam Hooson, Zac Rossman and Nick and Lexi Wrigg. Grandchildren, Ryland and Nina Jacoby. He is survived by special friends Russ Wattnem, Kam Wrigg, Dorothy Thiede, the McMillan’s, the Cicero’s, the Sloan’s, the Porrini’s, the Thomas’, and too many others to mention. Lastly, he is survived by his two furbabies, Max and Georgie, who are lost without him.

Russ is preceded in death by his father Raymond Jacoby, sisters Diane Holland, Glorine, Sandra and Mary Jacoby, and brothers Richard and Ron Jacoby. He is also preceded in death by his special friend Randy Thiede and Gloria’s husband, Sam Moore.

Rest easy, Captain. May you sail on and guide us as you always have. Dilly Dilly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: University of Portland Women’s Rowing program. By mail: University of Portland Rowing, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland OR 97203 or by web: www.giving.up.edu, or the Montana Wildlife Federation by web at https://montanawildlife.org/donate/ and by mail: Montana Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1175, Helena, MT 59624.

Service Schedule

Vigil

6:00 p.m.

Wednesday January 24, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.

3750 North Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Thursday January 25, 2018

Cathedral of Saint Helena

530 N. Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the Mass

Thursday January 25, 2018

Cathedral of Saint Helena

530 N. Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Burial with Military Honors

3:00 p.m.

Thursday January 25, 2018

Montana State Veteran's Cemetery

Hero's Road

Fort Harrison, Montana 59602

View map

Service Schedule

Vigil

6:00 p.m.

Wednesday January 24, 2018

Anderson Stevenson Wilke F.H.

3750 North Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Thursday January 25, 2018

Cathedral of Saint Helena

530 N. Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the Mass

Thursday January 25, 2018

Cathedral of Saint Helena

530 N. Ewing St.

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Burial with Military Honors

3:00 p.m.

Thursday January 25, 2018

Montana State Veteran's Cemetery

Hero's Road

Fort Harrison, Montana 59602

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. It is with a heavy heart that I write this as I am deeply saddened with the passing of Russ. He was a genuine good guy that I am happy to call my friend. To Lisa and the girls, Bob and Shirley and Dawn I am so very sorry. Something I have found comfort in with the passing of my dad is to cherish all the good you had with Russ when you are feeling down. Your time with him will be something you can always cherish. God bless all of you – Steve Austin

  2. Omg prayers to family and eagle tire family. He’s fixing tires in heaven. Love you Russ. Dave and PeggyFline

  3. Lisa, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Russ. I worked many a car deal with him while at Grimes Motors. He always treated Jerry and I with the best of service and always with no delays! My prayers are with and for you and your family for peace and now the ability to focus on all your wonderful memories!

  4. Lisa, John and I were shocked to hear of Russ passing. He was such a kind and friendly man. We always loved to visit with him. He loved to talk about his girls. He was so very proud of them. Our deepest sympathy. John and Julie Blacker

  5. To Russ’s Family I’m so sorry to hear of his passing, a long time good friend, damm I’m truly going to miss him…..R.I.P. Russ……

  6. Lisa and girls – devasted to hear of your loss .. we have heavy hearts. Russ was a great guy who will be missed dearly by many. He was an awesome man. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  7. We were so sorry to hear of Russ’s sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We met him through our son at the tire shop. He was a great guy and Glenn says sure going to miss my hunting partner.

  8. We are heartsick for your family. Russ was such a good person. So proud of his girls; always had a story to share on family trips and fun, their academics and plans. It was obvious how he loved and treasured his family. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
    Susan C. Witte and the Lund family

  9. I always enjoyed working with Russ to purchase tires while he was with Eagle Tires. He always had a smile when I said, is that the best you can do? As always, it was a fair price.. God bless you, Lisa & Family.
    Larry Petty

  10. Lisa, Kelc, and Syd – I’m still reeling from this as is everyone. Russ was a great man, friend, father and husband. It just won’t be the same without him around to keep us on our toes and safe on the roads. What a complete bummer. All my love to you all! Rest easy my friend.

  11. Russ was truly on of the “good guys”. Whether it was selling you tires, celebrating the Saints football games or any other local team sport, Russ was a joy to deal with and be around. He leaves a big hole, our condolences to his family.

  12. Thoughts, and prayers to the family, heaven got a good man on our team, rest in peace my friend, till we meet again

  13. Lisa, and family, we are so sorry to hear about Russ. What an exceptional man he was, always teasing and “ pulling your leg”. I was first introduced to him through my dad, Bing Gleason who told me you won’t find a better, more honest man to sell you “ good” tires. He was right! He will be missed, and we send you our prayers.

  15. Lisa I am so sorry for you and your families loss .My families prayers are with you and kids

  16. Dear Lisa, I have no words . The loss of a loved one that is so close to you like Russ , there are no words. I do believe we will see them again. My heart and prayers are with you and you’re family

  17. We were shocked and saddened to hear of Russ passing.We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Niel Becky and Justin Helena Farm Supply

  18. I was shocked to hear the very sad news of Russ’s passing. I enjoyed the years of knowing him and seeing him at work, around town and Carroll events and visiting with him. He was a great guy and will truly be missed. Condolences and prayers to the family.

  19. I am shocked and saddened to hear about Russ. I am proud to call him a friend. I learned a lot from Russ, not only about tires, but about customer service, honesty, and life in general. My condolences to Lisa and the rest of the family. Russ will be missed dearly.

  20. Lisa and Family, we are holding you in thought and prayer during this difficult time. So sorry for your lliss❤️. Those we hold closest, never leave us, they live on in the kindness they shared, and the love they brought into our lives.

  21. I met Russ when I first moved to Helena and was looking for Bridgestone tires for my truck. He just seemed so honest and forthright that I couldn’t help but like the guy. Over the years of having my tires rotated/balanced/aligned and in buying new tires AND alloy wheels, Russ took great care of me. I work now at Lewis & Clark Taproom right across the street from Eagle Tire, and I’d see Russ outside of the building about 7:15 many Spring/Summer/Fall mornings. We would flip s**t at each other for a few minutes and always wind up laughing together. What kind of worth does a guy like that represent in your life? I’m just glad that I was lucky enough to meet and get to know him just a little. Russ Jacoby… you will be missed.

  22. I was shocked and truly saddened by this news. Russ was truly a noble, honest and fair business man. I trusted him with the care and keeping of my personal vehicles and of the Last Chance Tour Train. He will be missed by many. May comfort be with his family. This will leave a vacancy unfulfilled in our community.

  23. Lisa and family, Robin and I were so shocked to hear about Russ. He is a great friend and mentor and I will miss just stopping by the shop to BS. Russ always filled me in on how your family was doing from Lisa to his Mom and kids. Even keeping tabs on Rodger. He is forever part of the MANG family! God bless during this difficult time.

  24. Lisa no words can express properly our feeling of sadness for you and your families loss. I recall company outings in Helena and getting to know Russ and have fond memories of those encounters. On behalf of all of us here at the Billings Special Contracts Division our sincerest condolences.

  25. Lisa and Family, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. Russ was a great guy always willing to serve and make sure his customers were satisfied, he will be missed by so many. My Prayers are with you all. May God give you all Peace and Comfort during these hard times. Love and Blessings to you all.

  26. Jacoby Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time. I knew Russ from the MANG side and then, when I moved to Helena, he became our ‘tire guy’. His coy smile always left me wondering what he was up to! A good friend, a trusted tire guy, and a fine man. He will be missed. God be with you.

  27. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa, Sydne and Kelci. We will treasure the time spent talking about Carroll football and University of Portland rowing + baseball. We so appreciate the love and support Russ (and Lisa) provided Marcus and Kate all these years. May God’s grace and love provide comfort during these difficult times.

  28. Lisa and family my heart and thoughts go out to you in this time of grief. Again the Lord proves to us that not a moment goes by that we should neglect to say I love you to our loved ones. You just never know when God will call him home. I didn’t know Russ well but I knew that big smile, the pride he had in the family he loved. If flowers were any indication of his love for you Lisa well he surpassed the test by the looks of the beautiful bouquets he would send to the office. Although he made the world a brighter place here on earth he’ll be even a brighter star in heaven. Thinking of you.

  30. We have known Russ since high school days. He We had lots of fun back in Great Falls. He will truly be missed. One fantastic man!

  31. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for Russ family and friends. We met him 20 years ago thru Russ wattnem. He came to our house in Alaska with Russ had some great times and Gary enjoyed their hunting together in Montana every year. He was a great man with a wonderful sense of humor . He will be missed.

  32. It’s so unreal. I’m so sorry for your loss! Please know we are here and sending you our love! May the love of your Family and friends help you all thru this time! Hugs to you three!

  33. To the Entire Jacoby family. May the Lord provide you with Loving and Happy Memories during this time of personal loss. I knew Russ through the Air National Guard. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. My Deepest Sympathy and Thoughts and Prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

  34. We knew most of the Jacoby family through the Air National Guard and family events. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Jacoby Family during this difficult time. God Bless everyone in the Jacoby Family.

  35. My deepest sympathy. Russell will be missed so much by so many. What a fine man he was.

  36. Deepest sympathy to your family. Russ was a terrific man who always took great care of me & my family at Eagle with a wonderful sense of humor. So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you.

  37. Russ, you will truly be missed. I got to know you when I first move to Helena. Not only did we visit about hunting, but you have virtually sold me every set of tires for my vehicles. Thanks for all the lasting memories and smiles while we visited. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  38. Sydne-
    So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Mrs. Terri Norman

  39. Lisa. I am so sorry to hear about Russ. My sincerest condolences to you and family.I know what you. are going through. Dudley

  40. We were loyal and appreciative customers of Russ’s for decades. When we first came to Helena as state workers without 2 nickels to rub together, Russ helped us by retreads that would keep us on the road and as safe as possible. As the years passed, he continued to guide us to the best values for the tires we needed. In addition, we shared favorite hunting areas in common and could always count on a minute of Russ’s time to share news of the latest elk activities. it was always a pleasure to deal with him in whatever capacity – customer or friend. Our deepest condolences to his family. Connie and Dave Cole

  41. Lisa,I am so sorry for you loss. We will all miss him. I will cherish the memories of my 2 boys hanging out in the tire shop when they were 3 and 5 . And now I have a picture of my 2 grandsons at the shop at 3 and 5 with Russ. And all the beers and good times we shared. May God hold you in his hand and guide you through this trying time.

  42. Lisa we were so shocked and saddened to hear about Russ. He was a great dad, husband , father, brother, Uncle….He was loved by many people and made a remarkable difference in so many people’s life just by knowing him. He will truly be missed. Please accept our condolences Lisa and please know we are thinking of you at this time and hope your family and friendships will be a huge comfort for your tremendous loss.

  43. Lon and I are so very sorry for your loss. We wish you peace and comfort during this most difficult time. God be with all of you.

  44. Our deepest Condolences from the Stocker Family, Russ was such a wonderful caring man and will be missed by all who knew him. We will pray for comfort for your family during this difficult time.

  45. Hello Lisa and family. My deepest condolences at this time of loss. Being one of Russ’s airport friends,airport associates and a tire buyer, He will deeply missed by many. “Farkle On” and remember don’t touch those “F n” dice you will be remembered always!

  46. Lisa, Kelci and Syd, I am thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Russ was so proud of his family and every time I took my car in to Eagle Tire, he would fill me know how you all were. May your memories comfort you.

  47. Jacoby Family(s) – Southside
    From our hearts to yours…. prayers, healing and love.
    The Keller Family(s) -Northside

  48. Lisa, I was so saddened to read in the newspaper of Russ’s passing. My prayers are with you and your daughters at this terrible time. I know how close you all were to each other. So sorry for your loss. ❤️

  49. Sending the most sincere condolences to the loving family of Russ Jacoby. Death is so difficult to accept. May you find comfort in the memories you have of Russ and in God’s Word. Loving and soothing words of comfort can be found at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials…” We look forward to the time when God’s Kingdom replaces funerals with happy reunions; a time when tears of joy will replace tears of sorrow.

  50. Lisa, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Russ’s children and all of the people he touched. He will be missed in so many ways. It was a horrible shock as I had just talked to him and he seemed so good. Steve and Jeri Mosby and Family……

  51. Lisa and family, I am so sorry for our loss. No words seem enough. I am praying for you and the girl’s that’s God’s peace and comfort would cover you and sustain you through this time. Russ was a great guy and he will be missed.

  52. So stunned and saddened at this great loss to the Helena community. We have know Russ at Eagle Tire for many many years and he was always the greatest guy abdbalwaus food. The best price on anything we needed and always got us in right away. We have refrrred so many people there based in the fact Russ was such an upstanding and awesome man. Our heartfelt condolences to Russ family and the Eagle Tire family and our community. He will be greatly missed. Just know that even thought he will no longer walk this earth he will remain in all of our hearts and will always be close to you. I pray that Jesus holds you all right in his healing and loving arms and grants you complete comfort and peace. May the Angels always hind each of you so tight that you feel his arms around you always. We are so sorry for this horrible loss of such a great man but k ow we will see him again in Heaven. Sending healing hugs and prayers to all. John & Betty Brewer

  53. Lisa and Family – Wow. What a shock. We both really liked Russ. He will not be forgotten, as is evident from all the previous postings. We hope time will ease the void you all must feel.
    Lee and Patti Scott

  54. Lisa and family,
    Please know that our prayers are with you from the McWilliams family and the Entire Elk Mountain Motors employees and families. There was never a more helpful person when needed then Russ. His help to us and Carroll College Athletics will always be remembered. I will miss seeing him at the games. Bob

  55. RIP Russ. You were one special guy! Always a big grin and hug. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa and the girls plus his sons.

  56. Our trips to Eagle Tire will never be the same. We’ll miss Russ’s smiling face as we come through the door. Shocked best describes our reaction when we read I’d Russ’s passing. Our condolences to his family.

Add your thoughts and memories.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *