John L. (Jack) Bailey, Méstahke (Little Owl) passed away in Billings on October 7, 2019 after a short illness. Jack was born to John and Helen Bailey in Miles City, Montana, on December 5, 1930.
Tragically, Jack’s father, John, passed away from typhoid fever prior to his birth. Jack was to become a fourth generation rancher in Rosebud County where his family started ranching in 1883.
Jack’s first school was a log cabin. He occasionally had to ride horseback to the McKay School to get his education. He shared a plank-sided bus ride with students from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation once he started high school in Colstrip.
Jack started going on roundups with his grandfather at age eight, staying in his own teepee while moving around with the cowboys. Once work was done on their place, they rode all through the country in southeastern Montana and helped others. During World War II, there was a great shortage of men so he and his grandfather went where needed on the area farms and ranches working cattle and doing custom combining.
The first paying job he landed was working for his Uncle Jim Bailey putting up hay, leading an old stacker horse that pulled the hay up a boom pole. They pitched the hay by hand onto slips, and it was lifted up, then the boom pole swung around and piled up the hay. He worked 13 days and made $1.30.
Jack left college at the age of 19 to take over the operation of his granddad’s ranch. They raised big steers, hay and alfalfa seed and used a lot of Northern Cheyenne day labor for help. They shipped the steers either at Benteen, Montana near Custer Battlefield or at Colstrip, and from there they went to Saint Paul, Minnesota. This took three days on the train. The cattle needed to be watered regularly on a train, so a crew had to go with them. Jack was able to take that trip twice so he could see what the crew’s job would be.
In 1956, he met his wife and lifelong partner, Carol Palmer, at a dance. They were married in 1957 and raised their own 5 children along with children that belonged to other people. they took in good kids, challenging kids, in-between kids, and others. Jack had a great sense of humor, and was well-known for being a prankster.
Jack bought his own ranch in 1963 and moved his growing family there to expand the ranching operation. He would work all day long, and then in the evening he changed the cowboy shirt for a Rosebud County Deputy Shirt and rode all night with Tom Skinner and other deputies chasing and arresting bad guys! He truly was a man of many hats.
Jack was many things and loved many by many people. He had a deep love for his family, his ranch, his horses and his cattle. It bordered the Northern Cheyenne Reservation and he had great respect for the Cheyenne people and their history. He recognized the necessity of protecting a site sacred to the Native Americans located on the ranch, the Deer Medicine Rocks, and was integral in gaining its recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 2012. He loved giving tours to people from all over the world and sharing their stories.
In 1996, Jack’s eldest son, John, along with his wife, Dianna, and family, came back to the family ranch to help with management of the operation.
Jack has been given two awards in recent years that he and his family are very proud of. He was given the Heritage Keeper Award in 2012 from the Montana Historical Society for his work preserving Montana’s historical and cultural heritage. He was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2017 for his notable contributions that have shaped Montana’s western heritage.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Carol; sons and daughters Jean (Jeff) Bendewald, John (Dianna) Bailey, Diana Bailey, Bart (Holly) Bailey and Molly (Shane) Barta; twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by parents, Jack and Helen; brothers Leo Schmaus and Donlin Many Bad Horses; and sisters Sharon Schmaus and Dorothy Songer.
Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Lame Deer followed by a luncheon. Burial will be in the family cemetery at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren, Cameron Bendewald, Adam Bailey, Tell Bailey, Spencer Bailey, Brennan Barta, Mandy Fallou, Ashley Fetzer, Tiffany Brake, Sheena Schiffer, Trudy Weaver, Chari Hustis and Kinzie Bailey. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family asks in lieu of flowers that friends consider making a memorial donation to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or call 800-822-6344
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Saturday October 12, 2019
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Saturday October 12, 2019
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
630 Cheyenne Ave
Lame Deer, MT 59043
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TJ Cape says
Dear Bailey Family, We are so saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a true gentleman. He will certainly be missed. Sending deepest condolences your way. Gillin Family.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
Carol and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. He will always be with you in your hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Byron says
The world lost a giant today. So sad to lose this pillar of history – of Rosebud County, of his Cheyenne neighbors and friends, and of the Lynch line. You are his living legacy – one that he was so proud of. He set the bar high as an example for all of us. My heart and prayers are with each of you.
Arlene Aberle says
I am truly sorry for your loss .He was a great man and you all will miss him everyday.my prayers and condolences go out to you and your family..God Bless you all today and always .
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
So sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Stephanie Fisher says
Condolences! A very good friend of my dad Steve Brady❤️
Becky & Tam Bailey says
Carol & Family, We are heart broken over the passing of “Uncle Jack”. He is a true legend & will be missed dearly. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Tam has told me endless stories & I’m so happy I got to meet him & tour the ranch.
Love, Tam & Becky Bailey
Judy Ross says
I am so sorry for your loss, sending prayers to you all.
Heidi McClain says
Dear Carol and family,
Our hearts are heavy, as we know your grief. It is painful. We hope that you are remembering all the wonderful moments and hold them close to your heart during this difficult time.
Jack was the true family man that adored you and your children. He exemplified what it takes to stand up and represent his family no matter what obstacles could occur. He was a pillar on the Rosebud, much admired and will be missed.
On a side note, I remember the night that I stayed at your ranch with Shirley and Valerie in the little house….what a wonderful host you and Jack were to such silly teenagers!
Again, Jack was a great example of a husband, father and grandfather and we know you are remembering him as the wonderful family man he was! If you shut your eyes, we’re sure that you can feel a hug from him right now!
With deepest sympathy,
Debby, Wendy, Heidi and Mark Beals
Annette Willis DeLattre says
Carol and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jack will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Julian says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.
Harry and Diana Goodwin says
Sending Hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
Mark & Heidi Jacobsen says
Carol and family— so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Fond memories of our visits and discussions on history and hunting. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Renee Becker Kalfell says
Dear Carol and Family,
My deepest prayers and condolences for you all! Cherish all of your loving memories! I pray for GOD to help you find peace at this difficult time of loss…
Renee Becker Kalfell and Randy Kalfell
Carl and Janet Krob says
Prayers and hugs to the Bailey family. We share great memories.
Dwaine & Cathy Morris says
So very sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
William Wilson III says
Condolences to Carol and the children William Wilson III & Fiance
Vonnie Becker says
To the family of Jack Bailey:
I was saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. Wonderful obituary, Carol, great tribute to one of the “true cowboys.” My uncles, Joe and George Kurkowski, also extend their sincere condolences to their cousin and close friend. He will be greatly missed by all.
Donna McAllister Deisher says
Carol and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I never met Jack but always felt he was a man among men and bigger than life itself. From my vantage point, it appears you two had a marriage like non other which speaks to your individual strength!! Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. There has to be a very special place in Heaven for Jack. Take care of yourself.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Carol and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. Jack was a really great man. You are in our thoughts. All our Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Debra Nolan says
Carol & family,
Condolences and prayers to you and your family! Debra & Peter Nolan
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this sorrowful time. Jack will always hold a special spot in our hearts. God be with you all.
Lieutenant Colonel and Mrs. J. T. Cummins, Jr. USMC (RET) says
Carol, Please accept Janet and my most sincere condolences to you and the whole family. We were honored to know Jack. He was a remarkable man who lived an amazing life.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
Bart and family. We are so very very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We hope that in time you will know that he is in a wonderful place. May your memories and love for him bring you comfort. Buggs and Loni Hartman
Bernie Smith says
Great man. Will be missed.
Jeannie Bradshaw says
Bart and family. I am so sorry for your loss what a great legacy. No wonder you are the man you are. Love, hugs and prayers your way💕🙏🏽
John and Barb Groom says
Carol and Bailey Family I am So Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was an Icon of Rosebud Creek and the surrounding Area. He will be missed by All of the people’s lives he touched. Prayers for you All and May Jack Rest in Peace. God Bless!!
Andrita Harris says
Carol, John, Diana, Bart, Molly and Jean Bailey Family.
I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences, sympathy to all of you. Jack was a great cowboy. Heaven has gained another outstanding cowboy. RIP JACK.
Prayers to the family.
Dorothy, Andrita, Dylan, Billy, Tegan (late) Lee Harris
Jack will be visiting with my Dad.
Rick Freeman says
I drove out to the Bailey’s this past July without any phone reception. With a lot of trepidation, I stopped at their son’s house inquiring if I was in the right place. Yes, they told but his parents were not home. They told me come back later in the day. Just as I started to leave, Jack and Carol pulled in the drive way and invited me to their house. Jack took out me out for a tour of the property. I was so fascinated by the stories he told me I did not even ask a question and I had many. When we returned he invited me back in. While showing me his relics, he told me he was sorry but he had to sit down. I am not as young as I use to be he said. At 88 I was amazed by his enthusiasm and his stanima. His and Carol’s hospitality to an unannounced visitor was and is deeply appreciated. I was looking forward to a return visit next year. Just glad I took a chance and stopped that day. I can only imagine the pain Carol feels. Married for 63 years. What an incredible journey they have had together. Carol is surrounded by family and friends. One last thing. I was impressed by their dogs. As a dog lover I love to hear he will be buried next to his. Thanks for a great day Jack. You will be missed by many. Jack Bailey is one of the last of the true Cowboys.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
Bailey family, we were so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He lives on in all of your wonderful memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ann (Strange Owl) Knows His Gun says
Deepest Condolences to the entire family of this great loss. Prayers from my family to yours.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
NORTHERN CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JOHN L. BAILEY AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Sharon and Duane Wetsch says
Bailey Family. Our deepest condolences for your loss. Jack was truly a legacy. Thoughts and prayers.
John Youngberg says
I only met Jack briefly but felt I knew him from Diana’s stories and the tales from the ranch that Carol wrote. I am sorry for your loss. His memory will endure.
Ada & Mac Graham says
Our condolences to the Bailey family. Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and says
To all the Bailey family, so sorry to hear of Jack’s death. My sincere condolences and sympathies to each of you. May peace come to you each one, as you grieve Jack, he was such an inspiration to all that had the privilege to know him. He’s in a better place now. Praying for your family. Linda Gibson-Hiebert, from our Colstrip days in the past.
Robin Zephier says
May Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, continue to watch over and guide you now, Jack, to the sacred and beautiful place of your ancestors and ours….a place that you have envisioned and dreamed about in your physical life is now at hand for you and your spirit to know and feel, a place where the journey is comforting and exhilarating, where there are no bounds or fences, a place that you and your spirit were always destined to come to know. For Carol and the family, I and my family pray for and ask that Wakan Tanka comfort you and protect you all and that the good memories and proud moments that you shared with your beloved Jack will always remain…..always at the tip of your tongue, on the edge of your mind, in the sparkle in your eyes, and in the beating energy of your heart and your spirit. Jack had the heart of a lion and the generosity of the world. He protected something special for Unci Maka (Grandmother Earth) and used his experience, skill, knowledge, and love for Unci Maka, to know how to do it, and to do it in a loving, generous, and caring manner. He welcomed strangers into his home and onto the sacred places, and always had a story and a loving smile for all. It has been an honor and a gift to know Jack and to meet Carol and some of the family when we were there to visit the sacred Deer Medicine Rock. We know that Jack will now know the things that we all one day hope to know and see for ourselves, when we too, are asked to cross the threshold into the spirit world. Jack will find the welcoming arms and smiles of the ancestors, inviting him to have a seat by the campfire, and to share…..share his stories, his memories, his fondest thoughts and dreams, and to see them realized all at the same time. Thank you, Jack. You deserve the good and loving energy that awaits you on your journey. We are with you in spirit, and hope that you will always be there to protect your loved ones, and your love for the Earth and all Creation. We know that you will be there to fulfill your honor and your destiny. Thank you my Friend. Toksa ake. Until we meet again. Mitakuye Oyasin.
Susan Swanz says
Dear Carol &family,
Jack was a great man with a giving heart! May peace be with you all for the days ahead. He was a true friend of my family and a great friend to my Dad (Nick Parker). I often wondered what mischief the two of them could get into next! 😉
Most Sincerely
Susan Parker Swanz
Sharon Lincoln says
Jack was indeed, a wonderful man, kind and caring to all. It was my great pleasure to know him and have the opportunity to visit with you and your family some many years ago. One could feel the love and happiness in your home. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sandra J. Smith says
So sorry about Johns’ passing. Didnt know him very well but enjoyed visiting with him and his family when we were living down on the Rosebud. George and Sandy Smith
Janelle Beartusk says
Carol & Family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a kind gentle man who will be greatly missed by so many. May Maheo lift you up at this difficult time, and guide Jack as he journeys on to the next camp. Fly high, Jack.
Janelle
jackson says
Carol and the Family
Sorry to hear of Jack passing that he was wonderful and honored gentle man and heart of cowboy and for the land he respected. He has touched and left so many precious memories and moments of enrichment, encouragement and the passion strength with love to family and friends as came in contact over the years. May comfort and peace be yours today and always in celebration of his life in knowing that others are holding you close in their hearts during this difficult time.
Father Peter J. Powell says
John “Jack” Bailey, a guardian of the Sacred Deer Rocks, has been called home above, blessed by the holiness of the shrine he loved so deeply and guarded so well.
We became friends in 1955, when John Stands In Timber, the father who adopted me, shared with us both his knowledge of the living, spirt filled rocks rising before us on the Cheyenne Lands that had become part of the Bailey ranch.
Jack Bailey was…and is in eternity…the epitome of a great rancher, a great man: strong, gracious, generous, wise, delightful, his heart centered upon matters spiritual. He was the epitome of a man who loved the Creator’s presence in His creation.
His love for the Cheyenne People and his gratitude for their friendship and trust was endless and profound and of greatest joy to him.
I join my Northern Cheyenne relatives in expressing deepest gratitude for Jack Bailey’s life. And I beg Ma’heo’o to bless his dear soul endlessly and gloriously, granting Jack an eternal home in His Prairie Paradise Above.
And to Carol, his deeply loved wife and their family: may Ma’heo’o quickly lift all sorrow from your hearts, blessing you with his peace that surpasses all understanding.
Jack Francis says
I have many great memories of riding shotgun with Jack in the hills
Jack Francis says
Our life on the Jack Bailey Ranch from 1981-84 is still unforgettable. Thank you Carol for all the great meals. We will come visit again
TIM C. DOWNEY says
Dear Carol and the whole Bailey family:
I just got word today that Jack passed away in October, and had no idea. Just sent you guys a Christmas card last week too. Anyway, I’m so sorry for your loss. Jack was such an incredible, amazing man. He was so great to my friends and I in leading adventures every summer to the Deer Medicine Rocks, for which I’m so grateful. As you know since 2015 I have been working on an article about the Battle of the Little Bighorn for National Geographic magazine (my Uncle knows somebody there, and this is a free lance article), which may be turned into a book someday. Now with Jack gone I will be working even harder to get this out. Jack was such a sincere and kind man, know that he’s in Heaven shining down on you guys. He must be marveling at the wonders of Heaven, and knows the answers to all of the mysteries behind the Deer Medicine Rocks and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In closing you are all in my prayers, and may God bless you all. God Bless Jack for all of the wonderful things he did for people like me on his Ranch. Take care and I hope to see you again someday.
TIM C. DOWNEY says
Carol: I also wanted to thank you for all the meals and hospitality you and Jack gave my friends and I each summer. Paul Nardi, who is very sick with brain cancer now, sends his condolences and best wishes to you as well. God Bless you and Take care.
Alea Dutchuk says
Hello Carol,
I just got word about Jack. I know the last time I saw you was when Grandma passed. And well, I didn’t get to see much of grandpa this last year, so I hadn’t heard much from you. I am sorry I just found out about Jack. Grandpa passed in March and we are just getting to have his memorial. I will never forget the few summers I got to spend on your ranch and the times we spent having you along with us on the boat. Thank you for the childhood memories. I will dearly miss my grandparents and Jack. And Carol, I truly hope we get to cross paths someday again. God bless.