“Little Eagle,” Netse OxhaahKeta” John Joseph Wooden Legs was born 2-13-1948 in Crow Agency, to John and Cecilia Wooden Legs, the youngest of 9 children.
He is a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He served 3 terms, 67-68-69-70’. He was honorably discharged September 1970. He was part of 577th Engineering Battalion, United States army-engineering/Mac-V, Special Forces. He was close to the men in his company, they were life- long friends, Pancake, Toni, Bob Ward, Cunningham & Pete. John earned 3 Bronze Stars. His record still stands as posting the highest score ever recorded in basic training combat proficiency in Company E, 4th Battalion, 3rd Brigade at Ft. Lewis, he ran the mile in full uniform and combat gear in 5:34. He earned National Defense Service Medal, Honorable Discharge Medal and Vietnam Service
John Joseph Wooden Legs, Chief Descendent age 72 passed away in his sleep on April 24th, 2020
He grew up in Lame Deer Montana, As a child, he rode horses, attended school in St. Labre and then Billings Senior High School, where he was known for his basketball skills. He was active in the Native American Church, which he was able to use his whole life, eventually his faith in Maheo helped him stop drinking and that decision led his life in a different direction. He turned his life over and did to the best of his abilities to help his people in all aspects. He worked in many fields, truck driving, running his own business, Wooden Legs Construction. He is one of the founders of the Morning Star Chapter of Vietnam Veterans, He always had time to visit with the military men of the tribe. Then he turned his vision to Tribal Government and Education. He served from 1982 to 2004, in the capacities of Council Member, Acting President, and Vice-President. He served on Chief Dull Knife Memorial college board for 24 years, he received his Honorary Associates Degree from there also. He worked with many different people and organizations from all over the world. He was really involved with Lion Eye Bank. He always took the time out, day or night to speak and help people. He took this to be his duties as a leader and Chief. His people were important. He loved to drive to Bear Butte and visit one of his favorite places, Deadwood. He listened to Peyote music and visited with various people, always laughing and sharing stories with his brothers and friends. He was known to many as simply ‘Uncle Johnny”.
After the war, he returned home, met and married Janet, whom Jacque and Jona were born, he worked in Cody Wy, that marriage soon dissolved and he returned to Montana where he then met and married Abby, whom Darlene, JoVon, Terri, Jennifer were born of this union. This marriage dissolved also, and he met and married Judy, whom Shawna and Josette were born. They were together for 15 years and that marriage ended. His saving grace were all his grandchildren whom he devoted all his attention to. He especially enjoyed time with Ransom, Katelynn, John-John, Baby Willie, Mosiah SG, Darryl MB, Michael W.W and George WL. The 2 he doted on were Shawna and Jesse’s daughters, Kira and Scarlett Joe, whom he adopted as his daughters.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents, John and Cecelia, His sisters, Therese, Darlene, Zethel, His brothers, Patrick, Harvey, John JR., Max, Russell De Venerio, His daughter Terri Rose, and his grandson, James Richard
John is survived by his 7 children, Jacque, Jona, Darlene, JoVon (Clare), Jennifer, Shawna (Jesse), Josette (Robert) and his adopted daughters, Kira and Scarlett., Perrine Wettstein and DaWanda Little Coyote. He adopted the late Burt and Ellen Medicine Bull’s Children, Setovaatse, Willis, Kenneth, Charles, Rennette, Doris and Alaina, as his own. His last remaining sister, Rosie Doyle, and he called Thomasine, his little sister, Charlene Alden, Joe and all the Waters Family. His Brother’s Everette Whitewolf and Henry Bright Wings. He was close to his Aunt Mabel’s children. Also, Gilbert Brady was as close as a brother to him and they had many adventures together. He has 15 grandchildren, Rhoan , Rhett, Theron, Bryce, Taya, George, GaVin, Jordyn, Felicia, Kirby, Tucker, Hooray, Ransom, Marie, Harvey and one Great-grandson, Xavier James. He has many nieces and nephews. His extended family are Little Eagle, White Wolf, Waters, Small, Kellum’s, Bright Wings, Big Man, Lone Bear, Sooktis, Doyle, One Bear, Rowland, Dreamer, Birdinground, Seminoles, Florez, Shoulderblade, Two Bulls from SD and extended family. We apologize to anyone left out; his family is exceptionally large.
Graveside Video
Service Schedule
Private Family Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday April 28, 2020
Family Home
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
1:00 PM
Wednesday April 29, 2020
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
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Janet M. Lassen says
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and tears for the loss of your precious elder and praying for comfort for your family at this time.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF JOHN WOODENLEGS AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Eugene Black Bear, Jr. says
Nésema’háahe, my FRIEND, Johnny Joe, Northern Cheyenne Combat Warrior. Cheyenne Chief and Peyote Roadman. Safe Journey Johnny Joe!! Thank you, for being there!!
Julietta Matt says
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember growing up and riding horseback all of the time with “LITTLE JOHNNY” We just lived down the road about a mile from their house, we lived in the red house (George and Anna Grace Pitman). Had so much fun climbing the sandrocks, looking for rattlelsnakes, and just talking. I will keep all of his family in my prayers. He was one of a kind.!!! Julie Pitman Matt
Bernice Seminole says
You will be missed by many. Journey well. Hug Jelly for me & my kids. My deepest condolences to all.
Sunshine West says
I am so sorry for your loss! He was a great man and will be missed!
Sean and Ronna Denny says
God Bless you all. He was an outstanding human being who accepted me into his home several times. He will be missed.
Jill D'Amico says
Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father seems like an amazing man with many wonderful life experiences. He is blessed to have so many children , grandchildren and family friends and loved ones to remember him. God Bless xoxo
Talena shoulderblade says
Gonna miss u was thinking of u the other day never thought u would leave I had fun cruising to Deadwood n bearbutte n wat we talked about much love u made me understand alot ur gonna be missed
Richard L King says
I knew John at Eastern Montana College in Billings in 1966. I’ve been a friend of his every since. I’d run into him occasionally. I also was in the military during the Vietnam War. I’m sure he’ll be greatly missed in Indian Country. I’m from the Fort Belknap Reservation and I am enrolled as an Assiniboine (Nakoda). My mother was a Chippewa/Cree and my father was a traditional Assiniboine. My condolences and sympathy are extended to John’s family.
max small says
Rest in peace bro..I’ll never forget the time we met in Vietnam..After the war you helped me in many ways in which Iam forever greatful..Being your brother in arms has been an inspiration all my life..Go rest in peace Johnny you earned it..
Steve Janich says
Met you at Senior High,, your personality, laugh, smile and character is what attracted so many to be in your circle.
Your Basketball talent was amazing. Stories of your childhood and Family are memorable. We were in NAM at the same time and I salute your service John. You have earned your rest.. De. De. partner….
Jeremy Forsyth says
He was there to say a prayer for his grand daughter Rhoan River Forsyth before her heart surgery. She was six months old. He Drove his truck from lame deer to Portland Oregon legacy Emmanuel hospital and performed a ceremony in the parking lot. Rhoan lives free of any condition today.