Jack Allen Nesbit was born on March 27, 1945, in Choteau, MT to David James Nesbit and Ellen Pauleen (Nordhagen) Nesbit. Jack was the youngest of four boys: John, Jim, and Kenneth. He also had two sisters: Dorothy and Joanne. He attended Elementary School and High School in Choteau and graduated from Choteau High School in 1963. Jack enjoyed all sports, but football and basketball were his favorites. After high school he attended one quarter in MSU Billings and then transferred to Northern Montana College in Havre where he graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. While attending college he met and married Jeri Ann Nepil (Jan) on June 11, 1966.
The couple graduated from college one quarter early and took jobs teaching Headstart on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.
In the fall of 1967, Jack and Jan moved to Hungry Horse, MT where they accepted teaching positions in the Columbia Falls school system. Jack enjoyed his years there in his teaching/principal position and coaching 5th and 6th grade basketball and football. He was very proud of his football team taking first place. He also loved hunting, fishing, bowling and golfing.
On January 14, 1969, a winter well-known in MT because of its record cold and snowfall amounts, a daughter, Annette Leigh Nesbit Gorton, was born to them in Kalispell, MT.
They taught in the Columbia Falls school system until 1970 when they moved to Great Falls, MT to teach. Jack taught 5th and 6th grades at Skyline School which was an Elementary School at that time. During his years in Great Falls he attended Montana State University-Havre where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education. He also studied at UM-Missoula and MSU-Bozeman where he earned his Principal and Superintendent Endorsements.
On October 25, 1974, a son, Jerry Allen Nesbit, was born to Jack and Jan at the Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls.
Jack and Jan and their two children moved to Miles City, MT in the fall of 1980 where Jack began his long career as Principal of Lincoln School for 31 years, three of which, he was Principal at both Lincoln and Jefferson Schools.
Jack was always a hard worker and was never without a job. During his grade school years he delivered the daily Great Falls newspaper and washed milk bottles for a local dairy. While in high school he worked at the Choteau Acantha for his uncle by running the printing press after school and on weekends he helped his dad operate a dragline business. During his college years Jack worked at a grocery store stocking shelves and in the meat department boning out the meat and grinding hamburger. Summers during his principalship in Miles City Jack started an underground sprinkling business (Miles City Sprinklers) which he owned and operated for 18 years. His son and son-in-law worked by his side and coined the phrase, the “Jack Factor,” to describe Jack’s zeal for doing better than “good enough” in all things he did.
Jack and Jan retired from education in 2001 with the intent to travel with Jan’s parents who had moved in with them. However in 2004 he was approached by several businessmen in Miles City and urged to run for Custer County Commissioner. Jack served in that capacity from 2004 – 2012 and at Jan’s urging didn’t run for a third term to finally retire and travel. The couple enjoyed RVing for a few years with Jan’s mom before buying a home in Lake Havasu City, AZ. They spent three winters there before selling that home to move to Henderson, NV. Jack never got to live in their new home in Henderson as Alzheimer’s claimed his life and he went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 14th.
Jack is survived by his wife Jeri Ann (Jan) of 52 years, daughter Annette and John Gorton and their three sons Matthew, Michael, and Mitchell all of Miles City. He is also survived by his son Jerry and his two sons Blake and Jayce of Henderson, NV. He also leaves behind Jan’s mom, Ann Nepil, whom he called Mom who has lived with them for 18 years. Two brothers John and Jim of Choteau, MT are his only remaining siblings.
Jack was very proud of his children and his grandsons! He was excited that he was able to take all three of the oldest grandsons to Disney World in Orlando, Florida and both Annette and Jerry, their spouses and the grandsons, to Hawaii for a week to celebrate he and Jan’s 50th wedding anniversary.
Jack always enjoyed life and was widely known for his great sense of humor. Jack will be greatly missed by his family, his extended family members, and his many friends and neighbors.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 23, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 24, 2018
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 23, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 24, 2018
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Jack’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So sorry for your loss.
Lorrie Clemons says
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time.
Garth Sleight says
I opened up the S&S page for a different purpose and was utterly shocked when I saw this notice. I am so sorry for this terrible loss. My most sincere condolences go out to the entire family. Jack was an excellent educator, administrator, and family man.
Morris and Evelyn Vancampen says
So many wonderful, wonderful memories of the good times with Jack, Jan and their family. We are so shocked and saddened to hear this. We will treasure this friendship and talk of the fun and companionship we shared. May your faith help to comfort you in the coming days.
Melody and Ron Nansel says
Many prayers for your entire family. It’s hard to believe that just 6 months ago we were all together in Israel. He is being well taken care of in God’s home now. May the Lord grant you peace.
Bob and Lynn Lunde says
Jan and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You have always been a wonderful family, and we have been in awe of your love and care for Jack. He was a well respected man, a great principal, and a well loved man. How happy he must be now! Love and peace to you all.
Daniel Boone says
I am so sorry to hear your loss. He was a very good man and he touched many people in a positive way. Remember, it isn’t the beginning and ending dates of a persons life that mean the most, but the dash in between. Now is the time to remember all the good times, laugh at all the fun times, and smile at the love that was shared. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. –
Becky & Ron Stanton says
Jan & family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jack. I am so thankful that we were able to share our trip to Israel with you both. Now he gets to enjoy Jesus firsthand. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam Rogge says
Jan and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers – now and in the days ahead. Cherish those wonderful memories, they will be heaven sent!
Jim Liles says
Dear Jan and family, Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Jack. He was a great guy and we enjoyed our visits with him. God Bless. We will keep your family in our prayers. Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Donna Waddell says
Jan and family, Just found out Jack passed away, so sorry for your loss. Jack’s quiet sense of humor will be missed. I pray God will give you all peace in this time of loss. Know your friends are lifting you all up in prayer. God bless you all. Donna Waddell
Darbie Karch and family says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He will be missed by all. Always enjoyed visiting with him when he came to the pharmacy. Keeping all of your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
martha crandall says
So sorry. My sympathy
Dawn Marie Kellmer-Anderson says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jack. He was my grade school principal and he was an awesome man. Always make sure that I was never getting in any trouble and when I did get in trouble I was got sent to his office and got a pink slip LOL. He will be gone but he will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences go to his family. May he rest in peace and he will be missed by many but he is loved by all.
Jack Regan says
Jan and family. So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I have many fond memories we shared together. I really enjoyed working with Jack as he was a true professional and always did what was best for his students. He left a mark on the school district and set an example for others to follow. We will miss him and keep him in our prayers. May God bless and keep him always.
Arden & Sheila Schwartz says
Dear Jan and family,
Jack was always a caring man. Our daughters both enjoyed him at jr high, as a kind thoughtful supportive, principal. We appreciated his strong family values, and the caring love he expressed to Jan, and his kids. We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Ava Boschee says
So many fond Southgate Meadows memories–from a time when the Hathaway Hillbillies (the Boschees) moved in next door to the wonderful Nesbit family. So sorry and sad to learn of Jack’s passing. Please know you are in our hearts tonight.
Chuck Strand says
This past week, Life Touch Studios, Morris V., Don G., Nolan M., Jack R., Casey S., Ted S., Mike K., and myself lost a good friend and fellow school administrator, Jack Nesbit (AKA) “Radar”. He will be remembered for one of his administrative assignments of scheduling dates and a vendor for student pictures. There was never a question of who would land that contract….MIke Sheffield, Ginger and crew from Life Touch! It might have had something to do with the free cocktail bar hosted by Life Touch at the yearly Montana Principal’s Convention! Jack always took full advantage of that and we elementary principals from Miles City, thanks to Jack being our cocktail waiter……had several trays of Black Russians down the hatch! Jack also loved to hide the “Mountain Cat’s” (Morris) hoard of goodies he collected or won at the various vendors at those conventions. I’m not sure how jack got the nickname “Radar” but he did come up with Morris’ nickname of “Mountain Cat”. I’m not sure if he had nicknames for the other guys as well as myself!
I first knew Jack from Gt. Falls as we both taught the same elementary grades at different schools, but met through our grade level meetings. He replaced me at Lincoln School when I was transferred to Jefferson in the early 80’s. We worked closely together on various projects. He was always smiling and laughing about the problems faced especially when it came to drawing school attendance boundaries each year. What a pain!
Jack loved his students and was well respected by his entire staff. You will be missed by all of us, Jack. Hopefully, Life Touch has a cocktail bar up there that you can periodically visit.
It was a good ride. God speed and rest in peace, my friend. Chuck
Dr. Frank von Bannisseht says
Dear Jan and Family,
As a good friend I am sending you my most sincere condolences and prayers. Like you are Jan, Jack was a dear and respected friend to me! May the Lord protect you! Frank
Shirley Lund says
Jan and family,
My sincere sympathy to each of you. Jack was a well respected administrator and friend to many. May your memories bring you comfort and peace as you remember and honor his life. Blessings, Shirley
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
All of Jack’s family are in our thoughts and prayers. May all the good laugh’s and memories help you in the days ahead. He always had that twinkle in his eye . He will be missed by many.
Kim Stanton says
Dear Jan and family,
So saddended to read Jack had passed. You are all being specially cared for and ministered to by His angels as you grieve the passing of your beloved husband and father. May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with today and in the coming days.
With sympathy,
Kim Stanton
Maureen Larson says
Dear Jan and family,
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. How happy he must be now in the presence of our Lord. May you all find comfort in your memories and in the loving arms of Jesus.
Erik Heen says
So very very sorry to hear about this. I’ll never forget all those days on the Nepil farm when Jack’s presence always brightened the day. He had a truly special personality and character that lifted up and inspired others all around him. A wonderful man.
Pam & Bob Holland says
Dear Jan & family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. We have fond memories of working at Lincoln with you and Jack. He had a way of seeing a bright side in any situation. Jack always had a smile and a story to share. May you take comfort in the memories you have. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Pam & Bob Holland
Jane Viall says
Jan and family,
I’m so sorry for you all as go through this loss. Jack has gained, but you will certainly miss him. I’m so glad we had opportunity to spend time together by sharing the trip to Israel. Jack still had his sense of humor! I know your hearts are breaking, and I just wish I could stop the pain for you. I will pray God’s comfort and the Holy Spirit’s presence be with you.
Sherry Oster says
To all of Jack’s family;
I was fortunate to have Jack as a boss while I was teaching in District 1. He was awesome evev though I can honestly say I couldn’t always tell if he was serious or teasing most of the time. I had a pretty difficult parent one year that gave me a two page legal sized paper letter letter that worked me over pretty good. I took the letter to Jack and he calmly said, “This might be a time when you want to pick your battle, sometimes no response is the best response.” I took that advice to heart and tossed that letter. I continue to use that advice to this day! It was an honor to know him and all of you! Thinking of and praying for you all.
Sherry
James L Arneson says
Jan and Family, I find myself at a loss for words about Jack’s passing. I have so much respect for you and him as we all three worked side by side in the school district. Jack was always fair, spoke words of kindness and was supportive of me. I will miss seeing him and even answering his cell phone while he chuckled as I tried to convince you that you called me. His smile, his soft giggle and sparkle in his eye, I will miss. May God comfort you now and always, May God bless and keep Jack in his arms.
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so, so sorry to learn of Jack’s passing. He was such a great man who touched so many kids’ lives and will be missed by so many people. Please know you are all in our hearts and thoughts!!
Dave & Wendy Shreeve says
Jan, Annette, John and all of Jack’s family,
I can only think of the thousands of lives Jack brought education to over the many years he served as teacher and administrator. He certainly had all the characteristics to be a quality leader and the type of man God put on earth for others to learn from.
I know how much you will miss him, but as the pain of loss lessons and the joy of the many memories come back, you can be sure he has gone to prepare a special place for when all of his loved ones gather with him again for eternity.
Jan Warn says
I will be forever grateful to Jack for having confidence in me and giving me my first “town” job at Lincoln School. I was so nervous to teach 5th grade when all my experience had been K-2. He checked in daily to make sure things were running smoothly and had great suggestions to improve areas of need or someone to help you out. He had faith in me when my faith in myself faltered. His sense of humor was sometimes difficult to interpret, but you couldn’t help but know that he cared for his staff and students and offered his support to both. He is free of the dreaded Alzheimer’s, may he enjoy his many activities and projects again.
Jill Bemis says
I am greatly saddened to hear of Mr. Nesbit’s passing. He took a chance on hiring this Iowa girl and I am a better teacher and person for having worked for him. He was the best principal that I ever worked with during my career. His pride in putting learning first, assisting teachers to grow as educators and patience when it came to difficult situations still inspires me. I came across my old evaluations from when I worked at Lincoln this past summer. His words were kind, firm and encouraging. He is the only principal that I have worked with that made the time to not only edit the teacher’s comments on report cards but to also add his only words for EVERY student. From insisting your classroom shades be closed each night to picking up every staple from your walls and carpet before signing you out for the summer, he was a class act. He is in a better place, but will be greatly missed by all.
Ed and Janet Young says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He always took good care of our girls at Lincoln. Always loved to visit with him. Our thoughts are with you.
Julie Emmons says
So sorry to hear this. I worked with Jack while he served as a Commissioner of Custer County and enjoyed him immensely. Condolences to the family!
Nikki Flotkoetter says
Oh my sweet Jan, I’m so very sorry about jack. He was such a wonderful man who always helped me out. He will be very truly missed.
Lynn and Roger Seeley says
We were so surprised to hear about Jack , and our thoughts and many prayers go out for all of you, Jan, Annette, Jerry and your families. I have such fond memories of Jack since, as the school counselor, I worked closely with him at Lincoln for eight years. He was truly a special person who was very kind, always had a positive attitude, and sincerely cared about others (both staff and students).
Sandi Updyke says
Jan ,my heart breaks for you today. You and Jack were so wonderful to me when I was at Lincoln. I’ll never forget your kindness. You also went above and beyond for all the kids that had the privilege of being taught and nurtured by both of you. Jack always had advise and a kind word whenever I saw him and I’ll always be grateful for that. Jack was a kind and loving man who never met a stranger and gave his all in everything he did. Also thank you both for always being there for Nikki. God bless you all at this most difficult time.
Julie and Butch Krutzfeldt says
Our deepest sympathy, Jan, for you and your wonderful family. Onc off my fondest memories was watching Jack coach Tyler and Jerry in basketball. He was so proud of them and they had a great time. He will be missed by many.
Brian & Wendy Ballance says
Jan & family,
We’re so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was always so pleasant. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wyatt Glade says
Jan and family,
I really enjoyed my time with Jack. He was a good commissioner, and a good friend. I am sorry for your lost.
Wyatt Glade says
*loss. Darned autocorrect!
Deb Brown says
Jan, Jerry, Annette and family,
I have so many fond memories of working for Jack as we both started at Lincoln the same year. He was an incredible boss, very supportive of the elementary art program, always available for any of us…students, teachers, office help, custodians, lunch help, everyone who walked through the school doors. He had no problem pitching in and helping; such as transforming the art room into a lunchroom and then back to an art room. He created a welcoming atmosphere for all of us at Lincoln, so kind, so helpful, so good, so dedicated, and a whole lot of fun too! I’m very thankful for all of Jack’s help, support and encouragement….truly an amazing principal of a great elementary school.
May cherished memories be with you all and help you through this difficult time.
Scott Jens says
Jan and Jerry, and Annette
We were so saddened to hear this terrible news, just found out tonight. I was always a big fan of Jack’s, he was so good to both of my boys as they attended school in Miles City, we will miss his him as will many others will who came into contact with him. He had a great sense of humor about him as I remember. I am in total shock to hear about this. We are sending our prayers to all of you in this time of need. May God look over all of you.
Cindy Radue says
Sorry for your loss. He was always so supportive of Occupational Therapy services for his students. He listened to both sides of any issues!!
Vaughna Anderson Frye says
Jan and family,
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working for Jack, he always inspired me to be the best I could be,
Fred Anderson says
Jan and family,
We were shocked to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a good friend and an outstanding school administrator. The years we spent together working for the school district Miles City are very special memories. We also fondly remember the times together at the Miles City Club back in the days when it was flourishing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family in this time of sorrow. It is tough but your faith will get you through this tough time.
Fred and Vicky Anderson
Jimmy and Connie Nesbit says
We are saddened to learn of Jack’s passing. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Kenneth &Agnes Drane says
So sorry for your loss,he was a great friend to all you are in our thoughts and prayers
Mike Coryell says
Dear Jan and Family, I just learned of Jack’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. Jack served on the Economic development coucil board for several years while I was Executive Director and while she was Custer County Commissioner. We worked often and became good friends. I had great respect for his forsight, leadership, and direction. We became good friends and I will always cherish his friendship, sense of humor and his compassion. He was a good man and friend. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tim Frandsen says
Dear Jan, Annette, Jerry & family,
We were so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. What a great man to have for my boss at Lincoln Elementary School and a wonderful principal for our two older children! We’ve got many wonderful and humorous memories of Jack. When I think of him, it immediately brings a smile. You are in our prayers as you adjust to a life without him. Take care and God bless!
Tim & DeEtta Frandsen
Sue Jens says
Dear Jan & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was always my favorite principal & our kids too, he truly cared about all his students & staff. He always had a smile on his face & a joke or funny story to tell. I always enjoyed our Title 1 trips & both of your company, you two were an awesome couple!! You are in our thoughts & prayers
Dennis and Susan Bakken says
We are so very sorry for your loss
Nora Drew says
DearAll: I am so speechless. God’s grace.
Cynthia Nordhagen Johnson says
My sympathy to you and your family. I am the daughter of Bob Nordhagen a brother to Ellen who resided in Iowa. When coming to Montana to visit Grandma N. We enjoyed spending time with all of the family. One year I brought a friend so one night we went to Great Falls with Jack and a friend of his. We went to a drive-in movie and got home when the sun was coming up! We really got in trouble with Grandma N. He covered a car with newspaper and my friend and I sat on the hood for the 4th of July parade, the hood of the car got very hot! Good memories when coming to Choteau.
stephanie smith says
We were shocked to hear of Jackies passing. Our family is getting smaller fast on the Nesbit side, he will be with mom and the others. Dad (Fred Smith) and i would like to send our sympathy, you were all a very big part of our lives.
rick ottoy says
sorry for your loss.I worked for Jack for 5 years in the 1980s. I would rate him as the best boss i ever had. He treated everyone with respect. He knew how to get the best out of all the people that worked for him. When you worked for Jack you felt good about yourself and your job! . My sympathy to all of Jacks family. May you rest in peace with our lord Jesus.
Barb Asleson says
I am so sorry for the loss of Jack. I taught 3 years at Lincoln School. He was my first principal and was a wonderful man to work for. He was always so caring and helpful even though he knew I wanted to return home to Billings to teach (which I did for another 34 years). I am thankful he had faith in me gave me the opportunity to teach in Miles City. May he rest in peace.
Patricia Arcoren says
We were the only kids of color at the time who attended Skyline elementary school. I was the second to the youngest in my family. I always wondered why my oldest siblings liked him so much. My mother was born and raised on the Fort Belknap reservation. We faced soooo much racism in those years..ESPECIALLY my older siblings.Jack was ALWAYS kind to them.Amazing how someone can impact your life all of these years later. I remember him and Mrs. Robinson always sharing information about the students together. So sad to hear of his loss. Wish I could have thanked him myself.