John Robert “J.R.” Grierson M.D., 80, of Hysham, MT, formerly of Miles City, MT passed away on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with kidney disease.
Born on June 29, 1944, in Miles City, J.R. was the son of the late John and Marjorie (Neil) Grierson. Affectionately known as “Bob” to his friends, J.R. was raised in Hysham and worked on the family JB Grierson Ranch, riding the Froze-to-Death and Fort Pease pastures and rangeland with the ranch cowboys. After finishing high school in Hysham, he went on to graduate with Honors from the University of Utah with a degree in Entomology, and Oregon Health Sciences University with a Doctorate of Medicine. After completing his medical internship at Hennepin County Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, J.R. was commissioned as an officer in the Public Health Service. He was stationed in Zuni, NM where he received the Public Health Service Commendation Medal for exemplary performance of duty. J.R. completed a General Surgery Residency in Phoenix, AZ and then returned to Miles City where he practiced general surgery and medicine at the Miles City Clinic, Garberson Clinic, and Holy Rosary Hospital. During his career, he was Chief of Staff, a hospital board member, and a founding member and director of Hospice. Additionally, he traveled the state teaching Advanced Trauma Life Support classes to first responders and was on the board of the Range Riders Museum. In 2001, J.R. retired from his surgical practice and moved with his wife Diann to their cabin near Hysham.
J.R. was well known for his quick-wit, generosity, hard-working nature, and intelligence. He was an avid reader and enjoyed managing animal health at the family ranch, woodworking, and collecting antiques. Trips to Iowa for the Waverly Midwest Draft Horse Sale and to Denver for the National Western Stock show were annual favorites. Many fond memories were made on wagon trains through the ranch, local parades, county fairs, and on trips to the Circus Parade in Wisconsin with the Eastern Montana Clydesdales.
Together J.R. and Diann renovated the historic Rancher School House into a local antique store and community gathering place. They also ran Cat Coulee Beds n’ Birds – a bed and breakfast for hunters. In his later years J.R. served as the Treasure County Public Health Director in Hysham, where he also operated a weekly medical clinic up until his death.
J.R. had a deep love for his animals. His couch, lap, and front car seat were always occupied by one or more of his Springer Spaniels. If you stopped by for a visit, you could stand or share a seat with them.
Spending time with his family was the most important thing in J.R.’s life. He loved his kids and grandkids. Snuggling new grandbabies and teasing the teenage grandkids were some of his favorite pastimes. Countless memories were made driving through the JB Grierson ranch land for picnic lunches “checking cows”, on family vacations and fishing trips, playing board games and hands of canasta, and tinkering around the cabin.
As a dedicated husband, dad, grandfather, brother-in-law, doctor, rancher, and friend J.R. left a legacy that will endure for generations. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
J.R. is survived by Diann (Rasmussen) Grierson, his wife of 43 years; his children Jimmy (Linda) Grierson, Krista (Tim) Hart, and Dana (Kory) Leininger; his grandchildren Hannah (Noah) Good, Jonah Grierson, Micah Grierson, Jessy Hart, Kami Hart, Bode Hart, Olivia Leininger, Liam Leininger, Isaac Leininger, Charlotte Leininger; and his Springer Spaniels, Archie and Tilly. He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin James Almond.
The family extends gratitude to the staff at Holy Rosary Hospital, Holy Rosary Infusion Center, Home Health, and Hospice for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 with the family receiving friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301. Visitation will also be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday February 22, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 245 Westwind Ln, Forsyth, MT 59327. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 245 Westwind Ln, Forsyth, MT 59327 with luncheon to follow. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 21, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
11:00 am. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth , MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Will follow the Funeral Service
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday February 21, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Visitation
11:00 am. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth , MT 59327
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
Will follow the Funeral Service
Saturday February 22, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Jim and Annalise Willson says
So sorry to hear about DR. Grierson He was such a great Doctor, and a long time friend. He was the only Doctor I let Operate on me. REST IN PEACE DOC. you deserve it.
Jim and Annalise Willson
Daniel and Theresa Brooke says
Dr JR Grierson was a wonderful man, great Surgeon ,valued friend and colleague. None of these words or phrases come close to describing this one of kind human being.
Dr. Grierson was the leader of this medical community for many years as Chief Surgeon, president of the medical staff and respected board member at Holy Rosary HealthCare
Bob: Thank you for all you have done for thousands of patients the medical staff and eastern Montana.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to our great friend Diane and the Grierson family.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Best doctor I ever met. A good and generous man. He will be missed.
Ina Haines says
Sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. Send sincere condolences. Hold tight to your memories of Doc and the life you’ve had together. May God hold you tight during this time. Sincerely, Ina Haines
Denise Harvey says
Great man and physician! He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
So sorry to hear of DR Griersons passing. He was a wonderful surgeon, doctor and person. He helped so many people both professionally and personally. He helped me many years ago. Thank you and God bless you. Our prayers are with the entire family.
Jack Fleming says
Doc Grierson performed my wife’s mastectomy in 1996. After surgery usually the surgeon is done but during the 2 1/2 years of chemo after surgery and before her passing Doctor Grierson would often “pop in” to the chemo room just to check in with her just because. Enjoy your reward in heaven Doc, you deserve it
James Arneson says
So sorry to hear Doctor Grierson passed away. The first surgery I ever had he preformed. What a wonderful man. May God bless you all with the best of memories now and always
Guy Lund says
Diann, so sorry to hear of Doc’s passing. He was not only a great surgeon but a fantastic guy. He will be missed by many. May He Rest in Peace .
Lyle & Kay Maasch says
We are so sorry to hear that Bob has passed. We have lots of good memories of time spent together through our school years in Hysham. He will be missed.
Dave and Lavonne Ewalt says
Dear Diane and family.Fave and Ibare so sorry for your loss, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was the best Dr.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Our lives were blessed to have JR in them. Prayers for his family at this time of grief and as u learn to navigate life without his physical presence. Know his always with u
Linda Hodgson says
Diane I’m so sorry for your loss
Dr Grierson was my dr for several years. He will be missed. What a great man.
Deb White says
My heart sank when I heard of the passing of Dr
Grierson. He was the first doctor I ever saw. Many years down the road and a couple other jobs, he became my boss along with Dr Beeson. Started out as receptonist, then moved into the role of patient accounts. He always was fair & caring. If someone else didn’t want to pay their bill after several attempts for payment, he would ask if he needed to send a Grierson gram. He was a caring man & doctor. He was dedicated to his patients and his community.
My condolences to Diane & the family as you walk through this time of loss.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
One of my favorite doctors! He was so kind and caring. I felt a great loss when he retired. Deepest sympathy to all of his family!
Dianne Webster says
Diann, I am so sorry to hear of JR’S passing; he was such a wonderful man & physician who taught me so much. My heart goes out to you, he will be missed by all who knew him.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Diann and family,
I am so sorry to see that J.R. has passed. I have only good memories of him as a coworker, Dr., and friend. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Diane (Rath) Hewett
Mary Ann Murray says
I always treasured my memories of Dr Grierson as a doctor. He always knew you no matter where you would see him. He would always stop and chat with you, usually about ranching. He was a wonderful and trusted doctor. RIP Dr Grierson.
Robert Mysse says
Bob was a good friend in grade school and high school. He was an excellent student. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I am sure he had many friends who will miss him. Best wishes to everyone.
BONNIE CURRAN says
WHAT A NICE MAN HE WAS, ALSO A GOOD DOCTOR. HE WILL B E MISSED.
Diane Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers–He helped so many, and will be missed.
Paul & LynneRae Hazelton says
Diane-Sorry to hear about JR’s passing. When I was on the Highway Patrol and had to go into the emergency room with crash victims, he was very helpful. I really enjoyed our visits. Our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Belva Arvik says
Harold and Bob met one summer day when they were both 19 years old, trailing thirsty PV cows to water. They worked together alot that summer stacking hay and trailing cows. And so began their friendship of 60+ years. Originally Bob was the boss’ son, then the boss, and then the former ranch owner. But always the greatest friend! Bob had nicknames for most people and Harold’s was Al (something from a Barney Fife joke many years ago.) He still called Harold Al 2 weeks ago when we visited. Through the years Harold always thought he needed to call Bob and “see what he thinks” re. medical advice or ranch problems. We will miss him in so many ways. He was a good man and a treasured friend. Love and hugs to Di, Jimmy, Krista, Dana and families, Harold & Belva
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Sending our sincere condolences to all of Dr. Grierson’s family. We are praying and sending hugs of strength and peace during this difficult time. He was a wonderful, caring physician and I have many good memories of him and the student nurses at the old Holy Rosary Hospital.
Dixie L Rieger says
I absolutely loved Doctor Grierson. I had the pleasure of working with him at the hospital. His skills and sense if humor were top notch. What a man. What a legacy. Sorry for your loss Diane.
Ellen Hart says
Diane and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Dr. Grierson as the medical director for hospice during the many years I worked there. He was always very helpful and kept the needs of the patient a top priority, and so friendly to all.
Suzy Musser says
What a wonderful, kind and great physician the Doctor was..
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Tawny Nelson says
Diane and Family;
Bless your hearts ❤️ on Doc’s Homecoming!! He was an awesome doctor and man!! May you be comforted.today and all your days to follow! Love, Gary & Tawny Nelson
Cinda Paynter says
I am saddened to see this. Dr Bob played a significant roll in my younger years and made going through cancer much easier. I will never forget his compassion, grace and bed side manner. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Mary Luhr says
So many years of memories working with him at the hospital. He always made every person feel seen, had a smile for them and a joke. What a footprint he left at Holy Rosary and in so many peoples lives. So sorry for your loss, Diane!
Lynn Praetorius says
Quick witted, fun loving, hard working and wonderful to work with. A man to look up to and a wonderful surgeon. OR could be tough but he made it easier with his fun and caring ways. My deepest sympathies to Diane, and the entire Grierson family. He will be deeply missed. The Empire, of the OR. What a life, he lived, enjoyed everything.
Vikki Bradley says
He was a wonderful man and surgeon. He always called you by name if he saw you on the street. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to all of his family at this difficult time. RIP
Teal Dobie says
Di, I’m so sorry. You guys have been on my mind a lot lately. Doc will forever hold a special place in my heart. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. Hugs
Joanne Richardson says
Diane and family,, So sorry to hear about Dr. Grierson. He was such a compassionate, kind, and joyful doctor to work with for many years. All the communities of people he served are really missing this great man. He left so many cherished memories. May your family heal from this loss and Dr. Grierson rest in peace.
Susan Gallo says
Dr. Grierson was a part of nearly every facet of my life…as a young girl growing up on the Grierson Ranch, to my journey thru medical school and then when I came to Miles City to practice. We used to joke that we grew up under the same sage brush. He was all the things that others have said about him. He loved a good joke and loved the people he worked with. He was a saged leader of the medical staff who lead from the front never expecting anyone to work longer or harder than he did. Di, Jimmy, Krista and Dana- thank you for sharing him with all of us. He made a different in so many of the lives in Miles City and Eastern Montana. Hugs to you all. Sue
Shannon Holmen RN says
Although he was my boss and mentor he seemed more like a friend. His easy conversation with patients and quick wit with the staff made working with him a delight. Because of his eagerness to learn, he knew things of medicine than most surgeons wouldn’t have. His giant sized hands didn’t keep him from doing the most delicate of suturing. His giant sized heart made him a favorite in the community and in the hospital. He was well respected for his common sense and fearlessness for providing excellent patient care. I am forever thankful for having known him. I thank his dedicated wife Diann for the outstanding care she provided for him.
Jan. Champion says
DIANN Dr. Was a great man. And always a friend. Remember we’re at your side if you need me
Muriel Selk says
Dr Grierson was our family Dr when we lived in Miles City. He sewed up our kids so often he knew when they graduated. When we would run into him outside of the hospital he would always ask about them. He ended up treating our married daughter when she lived in Idaho. We loved him. Sorry for your loss. May your memories help fill the hole in your heart. JR is already making heaven a better place.
Melody Haynes says
Dear Diann & Family
I’m very saddened to hear of Docs passing. He & Dr. Rauh did emergency surgery on me and saved my life.
Then, while I taught in Hysham, he was my doctor there. What a wonderful doctor and friend. I will miss him very much. My prayers and thought are with you all! God Bless!
Lisa Blunt says
Dr. Grierson’s family
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Grierson was a wonderful surgeon and a very nice gentleman. He was so good with me when I was very sick and needed surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Lourdes Reynolds says
I cannot add much to these wonderful tributes. Dr Grierson was someone I always looked up to. I can see him right now walking down the hospital hallway with a big smile on his face and his head tilted ever so slightly. We were blessed to have known him🙏🏼. Hugs to Di, Dana and rest of the family. ♥️
MaryAnn Stoltz says
Sorry, hear about loss! He was a great doctor to my folks, so kind and will miss from community in miles city. Diane he with god and if there was surgery places in heaven, we know, what he be doing! God help through hard time!
Pam Rogge says
Diann and family, my prayers and condolences to you at this time and in the days ahead. I know Karl considered him not only a client but a friend. May good memories comfort you.
Jane dighans says
Dr. Grierson was an icon, There are only a few left like him. When we moved here I had emergency surgery 1 year of f/ u. I thought who is Dr . Grierson? Many years working with him I learned who and what kind of man he was. Diane what a wonderful helpmate. Jim and Jane dighans
Bev and Joe Murnion says
I will never forget the night he saved my life. He was a great doctor and guy The medical field lost one of the very best. He will be missed
Rhonda and Jeff Erlenbusch says
Diane and family, so sorry to hear about Dr. passing. He was such a kind and hilarious man. Plus, what a great doctor he was! It was a pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jane dighans says
Dr Grierson was an icon. Thru. Our business and working with working Dr Grierson, he and Diane we were so fortunate to get to know them. There are not many left like him.jane and Jim dighans
Pam Rogge says
Diann and family, my prayers and condolences at this time and in the days ahead. Cherish the memories!
Cynthia Gregg says
Dr Grierson saved my life. The doctor I had that operated on me and left me in the dark of night to abscond off to Samoa. I was in ICU in horrid pain and no doctor on my case. Dr Grierson stepped in and made the next month in the hospital bearable. I have always believed if not for him, I would have died. He has been remembered all these years with true fondness.
Barb Allard says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Dr. Griersons family. He was one of the most intelligent, sweetest, funny, caring people I had ever met. He was never to busy to stop and wish you a good day, give a hug, or tell a joke. God claimed one of the best! Rest in peace doc.
Deb Wetherelt says
My deepest sympathies, Diann and family.
Sharon Clarke says
I was saddened to hear of Dr Grierson’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you, Diann, and your family. Dr. Grierson was a kind and generous man.
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Grierson family…we are saddened to hear JR passed. He was an excellent Dr. And so personable also. We had many a great conversation, mostly about agriculture stories!
He will be missed.
Gail and Ron Kolb says
To The Grierson Family- our thoughts and prayers have been with you these difficult days. Doc was such a great community member, leader, caregiver, and inspiration. He is deeply missed.
Dennis & Sheri Wyatt says
I have so many great memories of Bob being my roommate at University of Utah and also being my fraternity brother. Bob, Sheri (my wife) and I had fun times with an X small TV we would gather around and watch whatever would entertain us
We saw this Sympathy card that stated how so many thought of Bob and wanted to share it .
As some people journey through life, they leave footprints of kindness and love, courage and compassion, joy and faith. Even when they’re gone, the trail they’ve left behind continues to inspire us. This was Bob! We are praying for the family and friends that while all of us celebrate his death his legacy will live on!
Dennis & Sheri Wyatt
Evelyn Vancampen Miller says
I was privileged to work with Dr. Grierson for many years at Holy Rosary hospital . These were great times. He always treated we RN’s with kindness and respect. I learned a lot from him. He was always a professional and we and his patients were lucky to have him there. Bless his family and friends as we integrate this into our
Richard Cunningham DVM says
Dr Bob was the standard I measure doctors by . He embodied all the values that a good physician, father, husband and friend should have. He is missed by all who have known him and his legacy from his infuence will continue on. Dana and I express our condolences to Diann and family. God bless Dr Bob! God bless Diann in all her supportive care and now in her loss.
Tom & Nena Saunders says
Legend! The only word for this wonderful man of character, kindness, compassion, intelligence and wisdom! Long may his memory live! Sending our deepest sympathy to Diann-and the “kids”. Rest in Peace JR and enjoy your well deserved heavenly reward!