Jerald, known to all as JR, was born April 24, 1958 in Rochester, MN, to Charolette and Jerald Nordhus, Sr. The family moved to Montana when he was a child, where JR delighted in long hours spent along the Blackfoot River in Missoula. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, passions he maintained throughout his life. JR was the oldest of three siblings, the late Greg Nordhus, sister Allison Nordhus, and Randy Nordhus. He grew up in a warm, loving family, and graduated from Sentinel High School in Missoula. Upon graduation, he joined the Marine Corps, proudly serving a four-year term. He was married to Mary Martin in April of 1986 and, prior to the couple´s divorce, had three sons, Nicholas Nordhus, 25, Jacob Nordhus, 23, and Tanner Nordhus, 18, who were each a source of joy to him.
He met the love of his life, Christine Migneault Nordhus, in 2006, and the couple wed on Aug. 29 2008, happily interweaving their two families together. Her two children, Travis and Tyler, and daughter-in-law Toni, affectionately referred to JR as "Pops." The couple lived for a short time in Missoula before relocating to Jordan. JR possessed a number of skills, and during his adult life was a cabinet maker, a ranch hand, and worked for Smurfitt-Stone Container Group for 16 years. He was the company´s lead maintenance man.
JR is described as generous, funny, sympathetic, energetic, empathetic, as well as handsome and giving. A legendary prankster with a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes, he was known for playing tricks on friends and family members alike, and wasn´t shy about "dropping his drawers." He was rarely without a smile.
His favorite time of the year was hunting season. He was especially proud of his 11-point bull elk, which was one of many elk he slayed. He also hunted deer and antelope, and fished passionately along the Blackfoot River, and in Fort Peck Lake, where he reeled in countless Northerns and Walleyes. He also enjoyed bird hunting, and his favorite hunting companions were his brothers, Randy, Greg and Kyle. His most recent fishing trip took place less than two weeks before his death.
JR also loved taking his children hunting and teaching them what he knew, cherishing time spent with each while passing along skills developed during a lifetime in the wilderness. He also delighted in dressing up as Santa for family, friends, and neighbors, and took great pride in wife Christine´s jewelry-making talents. He often wrote his wife quirky, sweet love poems. In his spare time, when not enjoying the outdoors, he was a creator of unique handmade birdhouses into which he incorporated elements of everyday life. He was a fan of Words With Friends, the Montana Grizzlies, and The Rolling Stone's. His favorite quotations were, "If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it´s yours. If it doesn´t, it never was," and "To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world."
Along with his wife, Christine, he is survived by his mother Charolette, his children, Nicholas, Jacob, and Tanner Nordhus, as well as Travis and Tyler Migneault, and Tyler´s wife, Toni. He is also survived by sister Allison Nordhus, brother Randy Nordhus, and cousins Pam and Kyle, as well as a list of countless others who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his father Jerald Nordhus, Sr., and brother Greg Nordhus.
A Celebration of Life for JR will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan with full military honors, with another to follow in Missoula, with a date to be announced. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Donations in his name may be made to the Jordan Fire Hall in Jordan.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Debbie Weyer says
Kristine, I am so sorry for your loss. JR was a great guy. You have my deepest condolences.
Dan and Kellie Ensey says
We are so sorry for your loss. If you need anything be sure to call us.
Angie Bomstad-Twitchell says
So sorry for your loss. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa Jewell says
Tanner, Christine and Family
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sara Tate says
Move Like Jagger JR,you will be missed greatly,Love to you and lots of love to Christine (my big sister).
"sis" says
you will be missed
Cindy Stanton says
Charlee, Christine & family,
My sincerest condolences to you all. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May peace be with you.
Cindy Stanton
Lori Jacobson says
I’m sadden today to hear of JR’s passing. When I think of JR, I think of a nice friendly smile and a kind heart. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of loss.
Lori Jacobson – Mill HR
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Charlee and Family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you…
Troy McLean says
Sad to hear, one of the few in the Missoula mill with a sense of urgency, made my job easy when he was around. Rest in peace buddy.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our very deepset sympathy to all the family. God Bless.
Sonja Turner says
JR was a great person and a joy to be around. I will miss him in the hardware store and he will also be greatly missed in the community. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Doug and Brenda Gibbs says
We will miss you JR.
Donna Bomstad-Reed says
I will always cherish the memories I have of JR and his whole family. They were a wonderful part of my life for a time and made my teenage years more fun an memorable than they would have otherwise been. I thank Jerry for his humor and his pranks. It has been fun catching up on old times on facebook playing words with friends. I will miss JR and will never forget what a good friend he once was. I look forward to seeing him and Greg when one day we get to do the “Blanchard Run” in heaven. Cuz I am certain there is beer in heaven!
Darrell & Judy Grenfell says
To the Nordhus family:
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about JR’s death. We are here to support you in your grieving process.
With sincere sympathy,
Darrell & Judy
Gary Adams says
I am so sorry for the loss of JR. He was a great person and will be missed.
Bonnie Holland says
JR what a joy you were to so many people who touched your life and you theirs.
My condolences to your family and friends.
May God bless and comfort them.
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are so sorry for your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always.God Bless You!
If we can do anything to help you out at this time please let us know.
Glenn H, Gabel says
My sincere condolenses to the Nordhus family. Jr. will be missed. As are Greg and their Dad, Jerry.
Glenn H. Gabel
Christina says
My deepest sympathys to the Nordhus Family. Jerry was great guy his humor will be missed. Thoughts & Prayers to the whole family.
Dale and Trudy Evenson says
To the NORDHUS FAMILY we send prayers and know that you are in our thoughts and JR will forever remain in our hearts. Such a great guy,
Lisa McFarlane says
Dear Christine, Charolette, Nicholas, Jacob, Tanner, Travis, Tyler and Toni~
Thank you for sharing JR with his other family at the Frenchtown mill. He was loved and respected by all who with him. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Christine Nordhus says
I miss you everyday!!!!! Every hour…every minute!!!!