John Curtis Potts died August 22, 2025, in Billings, Montana. He was born on October 15, 1940, to Arza and Mabel Potts. He grew up in Shelby, Montana, and graduated from Shelby High School in 1958. He attended Northern Montana College, graduating with a degree in chemistry and physics in 1963. Later, he received his master’s degree in chemistry and physics from the University of Idaho.
On August 2, 1963, John married Jonette Mozer in Great Falls, Montana. They moved to Jordan, Montana, where he taught at the high school for 3 years. They then moved to Miles City, where he lived until his death. He taught science and social studies at Custer County High School, retiring in 2003.
Scouting played a big part in John’s life. He was an Eagle Scout and spent many years as a boy scout leader. Both of his sons were Eagle Scouts, as well as many other boys he mentored. After retirement he built and flew radio-controlled airplanes. He also quilted all of Jonette’s quilts on a computerized quilt machine. Gardening was a lifelong interest and pole beans were his specialty.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Mike Mozer.
Surviving are his wife and two sons, Willis of Baton Rouge, LA, and Robert of Cottonwood, MN. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Megan, Morgan, Joshua, and Aimee.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Burial will take place at a later date.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 3, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 3, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Denise and Jay Harvey says
I am so sorry to hear this! Such a wonderful man who loved science and teaching!
Hugs and prayers to his family!
He taught me both social studies and science and he taught both my children – now both science teachers.
He and Mr Lund are now chatting in the stars!
Joe says
John was the teacher that got into science. He was a great teacher and a great man. He will be missed. Prayers to his family
Mary Partridge says
Jonette, I am shocked and so sorry! Call me if you need anything. Mary P
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Verne Schlepp says
So sorry to hear of the passing of John! We had many discussions about science, math and model airplanes! An awesome educator for sure! He was a great friend and colleague.
Heid Currey Harbaugh says
To the family,
I was a neighbor to Mr. Potts almost my whole life. First as a child and then raising my own children. His Halloween display is still talked about in our home and will be a cherished memory. I never had the pleasure of having him as a teacher but the 30 years of having him as neighbor more then makes up for it.
Mollie Phipps says
If there is a lot of thunder it would be Mr. Potts jumping off tables! He was so awesome!
Xina says
I am sorry for you loss.
Tracy Wamsley says
Mr. Potts was my first science teacher in high school, physics. He was animated when he lectured and truly enjoyed science. I remember taking my son trick or treating and Mr. Potts house was always decorated and fun. He will be missed greatly. His family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Irene Trogden says
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you Jonette and family.
Pam Rogge says
Jonette and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. Cherish the many special memories!
Charles Harvey says
“O, 1, 2, 3 – S, P, D, F, SPDF!” Electron orbitals chant as he strode into the chemistry room one day. That little chant stuck with me and helped me survive college chemistry. Mr. Potts was also, in my opinion, a trailblazer with “Ed Tech Integration” as he tinkered with video lessons and computers for quick assessments and photogate timing, etc. A good man with a big heart – my sympathy and thoughts of peace and cherished memories to his family and friends at this time of loss.
Janet Klein says
So very sorry for your loss…may he rest in peace.
Jack Murnion says
Mr and Mrs Potts taught in Jordan first! They were both good teachers and moved on to Miles City and stayed! John’s science classes helped get me through a year of chemistry at MSU. Prayers.
Jack Murnion, GCHS class of 66.
Garth Sleight says
Ooooooh no! I was so stunned and sad to see this. John was a devoted family man and educator–and pretty darn smart. I enjoyed seeing him around town and at the college when Jonette was working here. Jonette and family, my sincerest condolences go to all of you at this sad time.
Joan Gruba says
our prayers to you and your family, Joan and Larry Gruba
Myrna Stone says
Jonette and family. I was saddened to hear of John’s passing. I understand the decisions that were made as I had to do the same. Please know that I am saying prayers for you and your family. I always enjoyed visiting with John when I was at your house getting advice about quilting. Take care my friend.
Kim Smarsh says
Jonette, my sincere sympathy to you. I am sorry to hear this.
Joyce and Ken Holmlund says
Jonette and family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. Hold onto the memories and God Bless!
Jan Munroe says
My sincere sympathies for your loss of John. He dedicated many years of his life to the kids of Miles City and it is appreciated!
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
Mr Potts was such an inspiration to our three children, Raymond, Muffy and Brianne. When they learned of his passing, they were sad and all three said what an amazing teacher he was. Raymond said Mr Potts is who got him interested in science and Muffy said she was just telling her daughter a story about Mr Potts last weekend. And the trip to DC that Brianne’s class took was very memorable. He touched so many kids’ lives. He will be missed and remembered very fondly.
Mary Ann Phipps says
Mr. Potts was my teacher for both chemistry and physics in high school. Gave me an edge, for sure, when I went to college. I will always remember what he told us the first day of chemistry – “Hot glass looks a lot like cold glass. Some of you will only learn that after being burned.” I have used that phrase many times with my own kids when placing hot items on the table from the oven. Other fun memory was the classroom rubber chicken, the chicken-napping and its return. He was a great teacher with a passion for science. So sorry for your loss. He had many friends and students who were better for having known him.
The Ratliff Family says
So sorry to see this. We loved his Halloween decor and having them interact with Kathleen when she was little. God’s blessings on you all in the days ahead.
Sandi Bruce says
Robert and family I’m so sorry for your loss .
Scott Jens says
John and I taught school together for 30 years, he was always ready to help, ex to especially when I had questions dealing with Chemistry or Physics. Not only an exceptional teacher, but the kids loved his classes, he always had a mixture of humor to go along with his science classes. When his students hit science classes in college they were well prepared. He would rank right up there with some of the smartest people I’ve ever met. I remember baby sitting for John and Jonette, loved it. My sympathies to Robby, Willis, and Jonette, and all their grandkids. We lost a good one here, and the Lord Jesus gained a good one. Rest in Peace my friend.
Shirley Lund says
Jonette, Willis & Robbie, Remembering the trips Frank & John took to fly John’s planes & the many meals & conversations we four shared. May God grant comfort & peace with loved memories of John.
Christopher Taylor says
Mr. Potts was one of my favorite teachers in Highschool. He made physics fun to learn freshman year. RIP Mr. Potts.