John William Joy, 81

John William Joy went to be with Jesus, surrounded by his family, on May 19, 2024.

John was born on July 24, 1942, in Butte, Montana, to John and Ethel Joy. He grew up in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1960. There, he met the love of his life, Sue Warren. They were married in Butte in 1964.

John attended the University of MT from 1960-1964, graduating from the School of Forestry. He worked summers for the Plains Ranger District on various lookout stations. After graduation, John worked for the USFS at Priest Lake, Idaho, and Phillipsburg, MT, and then settled in Whitehall, where he retired from the USFS in 2002. In 1999, John branched out as an entrepreneur and started Calypso Enterprises.

John and Sue had four sons: Peter, Erik, Mark, and Kirk. John loved to attend and support his sons in all their many school activities, including sports, drama, and music. John coached AAU wrestling and became a mentor to many young athletes.

John loved to help others learn about Jesus and His Word, the Bible, through being active in Young Life ministry, spending many hours leading Bible studies in his community, teaching Sunday School, and providing leadership in his local church. John loved preserving history. He and Sue enjoyed hours volunteering at the Jefferson Valley Museum in Whitehall.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, his brother Jim (Peggy) of Meeker, CO, and his sons Peter (Diane) of Missoula, MT, Erik (Patti) of Yorktown, VA, Mark (April) of Gilbert, AZ, and Kirk (Bethany) of Billings, MT. He is also survived by grandchildren Emily (Randal) Cerrato-Joy, Rebekah, Luke and Christina Joy, Koleman (Lizzy) Joy, Grace (Grant) Bailey, Riley, Isaiah, Isabella Joy and Konrad, Elliana and John R Joy. John was preceded in death by his parents.

A private burial service has been held. A Celebration of Life service will be held for John on Sunday, June 30, at 2 PM at the Cardwell Community Church, located at 795 MT Hwy 359, with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be made in John's name to the Cardwell Community Church (289 McKeown Lane, Cardwell, MT 59721) or the Jefferson Valley Museum (PO Box 902, Whitehall, MT 59759).