Jack Albert Boston

Jack Albert Boston, 84, passed away on the morning of Monday, Dec. 17, 2018, of natural causes.

A celebration of his life will be planned in early 2019.

Born in Glasgow, Mont., on Sept. 11, 1934, to parents Albert and Ellen Boston, Jack grew up helping out on the farm and welding with his dad on the Fort Peck Dam. He attended schools in Fort Peck and California and graduated from Glasgow High School. He was the oldest child and naturally took on the role of big brother and caregiver to his four siblings: Sally (Boston) Shipp, Dick Boston, Carol (Boston) Stein and Judy (Boston) Van DeVeer.

After graduating from high school, Jack joined the United States Army and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1955. He married the love of his life, Sharon Hopkins, on Oct. 30, 1965. They combined their two families, totaling eight in all and spent the next 53 years together.

Jack had a long and accomplished career of 36 years with Montana Job Service and was known for his sound leadership and encouraging his employees' growth and success. He was a loyal advocate for local employers and had a strong involvement with the business community. He retired as manager of the Bozeman office in December 1993.

Jack's life was filled with love, purpose and activity until the end. He learned to pitch horseshoes at a young age, often winning to avoid getting stuck washing the dinner dishes. His love of horseshoe pitching continued, and he participated in World Class A tournaments throughout his adult life and especially after his retirement. He became the Montana State Class A Champion three years: 1997, 2000 and 2004. Even while competing, he never missed an opportunity to help others by sharing tips and joining in to organize matches and events. His wide circle of horseshoe pitching buddies became lifelong friendships. Jack also loved golf and traveled the state playing at different courses.

The Rio Grande Valley was a special place for Jack. After being invited by dear friends for a visit, he returned for the next six years volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for three to four months of the year and playing golf. In addition, he spent an extraordinary amount of time in service to various community groups. He was committed to the Evangelical Free Church and his men's bible study group. Their weekly breakfast meetings were a highlight and the friendships he made were lasting and important. Jack's faith in the Lord was strong and constant. He made a daily effort to lead by example and share the Lord's message with all who would listen.

He also volunteered regularly with the Bozeman Senior Center and their Meals on Wheels program and freely donated time with Love, Inc. All who knew him would say that Jack never met a person he couldn't help. He will be remembered for always lending a helping hand and his positive influence in communities far and wide.

Spending time with his 19 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren brought him constant joy. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Boston; and his children, Bill Boston, of Oregon; Lorna Marie (deceased), children Ryan, Curtis and Andrea, of West Virginia; Monte Boston (Aleka), of Colorado; Tim Boston (Lisa), of Bozeman, children Nathan, Brendan, Nicole, Lindsey, Loran, Kyle and Kim; Henry Boston (Joyce), of Billings, children Blake and Brenna; Lonnie Chappel, of Helena, children Patrick and Tia; Deborah Foy (Richard), of Colorado, children Meredith and Olivia; and Michael Boston (Tonya), of Idaho, children Mikaela, Chance and Levi.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a program near and dear to Jack's heart, the Meals on Wheels Program at the Bozeman Senior Center, 807 N. Tracy Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. http://www.dokkennelson.com.