John (Jack) Held, 81, of White Sulphur Springs passed away at Mountainview Medical Center on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer and Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome.
He was born in Webster, South Dakota on December 26, 1932 to Edward and Olga Held. The family ranched in the Paradise Valley and later moved to Clyde Park. Jack graduated from Park County High School and, shortly after graduation, married Delores Schulz on August 24, 1952. Jack worked on a ranch and later moved to White Sulphur Springs to work at the grain elevator. From there, they moved to Seattle where Jack worked at Boeing for several years. They returned to White Sulphur Springs where Jack worked for various employers at the grain elevator and eventually owned and operated Jack’s Ranch Supply with his son, Michael Held, for years.
Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his son, Michael and his brother James Held, who was his best friend. He also loved camping and golfing with his family. In his golden years, Jack enjoyed travelling many places and being a Snowbird with his wife, Delores, and his brother. Jack and Delores spent 22 winters in Arizona enjoying the company of their family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Delores Held and their children Michael Held (Kathy) of White Sulphur Springs, Janet Held, Judy Villa (Ben), and Jean Fulton (Jack) all of Bozeman. He is also survived by his brother James Held (Wilma) of Clyde Park, his grandchildren Eric Held (Shannon) of McAllister, Jessica Held-Willett of Great Falls, Tyler Perkins (Renelle) of Helena, Ryan Perkins (Ashley) of Bozeman, Megan and Molly Fulton of Bozeman, his great-grandchildren Kaleigh and Hurley Willett and Evelyn and Eric Perkins and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Olga Held and his sister Dorothy Youngberg.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of John.
Sandi Teller Clay says
Delores and family – I was so saddened to hear about Jack’s passing. I remember him as a very soft-spoken, gentle man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
Angel Rafferty says
Uncle Jack was such an integral part of my childhood. He was a very quiet, loving man. He will be missed. My heart goes to Aunt Delores and family.
Emmett Foster says
Jack was an amazing man ,kind , gentle , funny , and a very large part of helping me to feel like “one” of the family. I for one will miss him very much. My heart felt Prayers and thoughts go out to all of the family.
Dennis and Mary Davis says
Delores and Family,
Sorry to hear about Jack, we have you all in our prayers.
Sincere Sympathy,
Dennis and Mary
Gary McFerrin says
I’m very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a wonderful, thoughtful, good man. It was always a pleasure for me to call on him and Mike and I’ll always remember his wonderful laugh and kindness. Prayers from my family to yours during this time.
Suzanne and Ray Elphick says
We are very saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. We have so many great memories of our many winters together in AZ and all the mischief that the two boys from the “Held Gang” tried to instigate in the park. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family and especially with Delores.
Wendy and Len Olson says
We had many fun times with Jack, Delores, Jim, and Willie in Arizona. We are so sad that Jack has left us. May you have many wonderful memories of time spent with Jack. It was a great honor to have Jack as a friend!
Steve Saunders says
I got to know first Jack finishing my growing up years around White Sulphur and then later working with Jack and Mike as an Ag Rep calling them for many years. I always enjoyed Jack’s warm and welcoming smile and friendly stories. He always had a quiet whit that usually bring about a laugh or two. Jack was truly part of the community fabric that made the Smith River Valley what it is. My prayers go out to the family and especially to you, Mike. You guys were and incredible team that anyone would envy as father and son.
Dick & Cara Perry says
We were sorry to learn of the passing of Jack Held. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.