Funeral services for Joe Johnson, age 77, of Terry, Montana, will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Terry Community Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, in Terry from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mr. Johnson died, Thursday, December 24, 2015 at the Glendive Medical Center as a result of multiple health complications.
Jose Leon Johnson, the youngest of three children, was born January 7, 1938 in Terry, Montana, the son of Bill and Blanche ( Kountz ) Johnson. He was raised and educated in Prairie County Schools with the exception of the 8th grade (which he took it upon his self to enroll in, skipping the 7th in Comanche OK. Joe returned to Terry High School completing his sophomore year and later earning his GED. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Jean White, December 28, 1956. After years of living and working in the oilfields of Wyoming and Montana, the couple started Joe Johnson Drilling in 1965. A water well drilling company that they built into a successful business together. In the 1970’s Joe and Jean owned and operated the Turnbull Chevrolet Garage. Joe was an incredibly hard worker. A character he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Joe was always up for a game of cards. Particularly, daily games of cribbage with Jean and whom ever may have stopped by that day. Joe and Jean’s love for card games led them to share in seasonal poker parties with good friends. He also enjoyed watching Terrier football games, whether it be his son’s or grandson’s playing. He truly enjoyed watching and following his grandkids compete in their most recent sporting endeavors. Joe was an accomplished pilot; he, his Cessna 150, and a few lucky passengers, have seen some interesting times.
Joe will be remembered most by his charismatic personality and spirited temperament. He did not shy away from a challenge or an opportunity to stand up for what he thought was right. The Johnson home was a welcoming place where you could expect a hot cup of coffee or a cold drink, along with good conversation. Joe was a kind man, not overlooking the opportunity to help someone out when he could. Terry was a better community because of him.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years; parents; and brother, Knute Johnson.
Joe will be sorely missed by his four children: Don (Lea) Johnson of Las Vegas, NV, Renee Pirtz of Terry, MT, Cole (Nikki ) Johnson of Johnstown, CO and Kay (Ross) Hoffer of Fallon, MT; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Roycee Lumsden of Janesville, WI and several nieces and nephews
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 27, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 28, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave. S.
Terry, MT 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday December 27, 2015
Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, MT 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 28, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
317 Logan Ave. S.
Terry, MT 59349
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Dennis Cl;arke Haughian says
You will be missed Old Friend — I remember well the time you drove up on your motorcycle and run the big kids off who had us little kids cornered and were “rocking” us. When you joined our side, those big kids had to retreat.
Kathy Johnson says
I guess about now dad and Uncle Joe are probably talking about that water well that went bad, both thinking they have the best idea what to do to fix it and arguing over who is right!
Mom and I have a wealth of memories of Joe and Jean. Our sincerest condolences to all the family.
Kathy and Mae Johnson
Darlene L. Strtobel says
To the Johnson Kids,
My thoughts and prayers go to each of you. I remember visits with Jean and Joe when I delivered their Johnson Drilling printed office supplies. We enjoyed a drink, visiting and laughs and I got home ‘late from the office!’. My sympathies,
Christine W. Keltner says
My prayers and love to you all———I am betting Chris has met up with both Jean and Joe and they are reliving out football trips and they might even have talked St Peter into a game of poker, 21 or even a new one!!
Theresa Bradshaw says
He will be greatly missed he brought lots of good times and smiles to the pharmacy i used to work in miles city. He had one of the greatest sense of humor he could always brighten up a place with that smile and his jokes
Tom & Darlene Hess says
Sorry for your loss, Joe always had a smile and a story to tell.
Michelle Hubbert Gamble says
I just loved Joe! So many fun memories of him. Some I’d rather not repeat here and so many that it would fill up this page. He was truly a huge impact in my life. You will be missed Joe. And to the family, hugs to you all!
Elmer Spidel says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Joe , He and I grew up togeather , and I considered Him a friend , may the Lord stegthen all of you in this time of sorrow .
nancy & Duane Morast says
Duane and I have many special memories of Joe & Jean!
Our prayers are with you today.
MaryAnn Vester says
Cole, Renee, Kay and Don,
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a great guy…I remember playing poker in high school with your parents and Joe was so funny and such a great host. He will be missed greatly.
Dennis young says
The Joe Johnson family,
I am so sorry to here of joe’s passing. I grew up with Joe in Terry and started the first grade with him. We were the very best of friends, I did not know of his passing until I saw it in the paper Monday evening after the funeral was over. He was always my friend , and I will miss him.
Dennis young
Sharon L Volkman says
Joe was such a fun person. I’m glad to have known him. We rented a trailer house parking spot from him in our early days in Terry.