|
Jack was born in Glendive, Montana on March 28, 1918 to William Francis and Regina Jean (Wyse) Burns. After moving from Havre in the third grade, Jack completed his education in Shelby graduating in 1937. He attended the University of Washington and graduated from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He later went on to become the fourth licensed mortician in the state of Montana. Proud to be an American, Jack entered the service in 1941 and served until 1945. He remained in the reserves until he was called back during the Korean Conflict in 1950. He returned once again to the reserves where he served as commander for several years. He retired from the Army in 1964. Jack wore his patriotism on his sleeve and his patriotism was as ancient as his love of American history. In fact he read history books just to see if they were correct! Jack owned and operated the Burns Funeral Home in Cut Bank from 1937 until his retirement in 1978. During that time from 1964 to 1978 he also owned the Cut Bank Cycle Service. Active in the community, Jack belonged to the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the American Legion, the VFW, and the Cut Bank Saddle Club. He was also a life-long member of St Margaret Catholic Church. His hobbies included collecting WWI and WWII artifacts and building and flying model airplanes. He even organized a model airplane club in the mid-1950’s. He enjoyed ice skating and riding motorcycles. On September 10, 1942, Jack married Mary Middlesworth at the parsonage in Shelby. They remained happily married for 63 years, a tribute to the easy compatibility they shared and to their deep love and commitment to each other. Jack and Mary enjoyed taking walks and took many trips together in their motor home traveling to gun shows, golf courses, and battlefields across the country. Outside of his family, perhaps Jack’s biggest passion was the four-legged variety. He cut a handsome figure on his big horse, Sandy, and was rarely seen without a dog at his side. He always had time for a pat on the head and a kind word for the current canine in his life. While it is said that ‘a dog is man’s best friend’, Jack Burns was without a question the best friend any dog ever had. He was as devoted to them as they were to him. Christopher Morley wrote, “No appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” Jack subscribed whole-heartedly to this theory, spending countless hours in the ‘dog-car’ talking to Frosty. Jack was a faithful and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He was patient, kind, generous, and true example of a gentle clean-hearted man living pure in the spirit. He and his Irish wit will be missed by so many May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rains fall soft upon your fields. Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Burns, and his grand-nephew, Richard Burns both of Shelby; six Sneezers, Missy and Mutt. Jack is survived by his loving wife Mary; his sister, Mary Geraghty of Missoula; his sons, Bill (Natasha) of Estonia and Mike of Cut Bank; Carol Guith and Debbie Burns both of Cut Bank; several nieces and nephews; and Frosty. He is also survived by his very special grandchildren, Billy (Lisa) of Cleveland, OH; Brian (Mindi) of Lolo, MT; Danelle and Zac of Cut Bank; Rodney (Julianne) of San Diego, CA; and Zac of Cut Bank. Also surviving Jack are great-grandchildren, Zac, Ryan, Abby, Jack, Charlie, and little Will. |
John
‘Jack’ Burns, 87, was gently taken Home on Wednesday
morning, May 25, 2005, at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank.
A vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 27, at St
Margaret Catholic Church. A funeral mass also at St Margaret
Church will be celebrated on Saturday, May 28, at 11:00 am.
Burial with military honors will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at