Jack Simon

Jack (John Michael) Simon, 74, died Feb. 6 at his home in the Rattlesnake, with his sister Barbara Simon and brother-in-law, Jim Kieronski at his side, after an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 11, 1941, in Great Falls, to Delia Rose (Grassl) and H. Harold Simon. The family, who by then included Barbara, moved in 1950 to Missoula, where they purchased a motel on the west end of town. He was home-schooled in an era when there was no public education for children with disabilities. Early on, he developed a love of the Indian culture and knew much about Montana Native American history.

Jack was involved with Ivy Arts and Big Bear Resources, which merged with Opportunity Resources in the early 1990s. He spent many years at Opportunity Resources' wood shop.

In recent years, with the help of his assistant and closest friend Dave Chrismon, Jack was involved in many community projects, including volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and painting over graffiti and pulling down outdated posters for the city. He also worked at Opportunity Resources' paper-shredding shop, and most recently, volunteered as a sweeper at Free Cycles.

He loved the Choices Room at Opportunity, where he enjoyed working puzzles and seeing people. He became part of Artists of Opportunity, both painting and making pottery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, and many cousins throughout the United States, including Madonna and Dick Loeffler of Minneapolis.

Jack formed lasting relationships with people. The family is especially grateful for Dave Chrismon's long years of heartfelt friendship. He enriched Jack's life with new experiences. Together, they also explored music - Jack's favorite always being bluegrass and Sousa marches. James "Fish" Fisher, from Opportunity Resources' wood shop, also was a special friend. Jack always looked forward to walks with his friends. He enjoyed walks and exploring the greater Missoula area with Tom Finch. He walked the downtown area with his brother-in-law, Jim. And, Jack enjoyed walks in the mall and visits with Craig Wylie, and visits and walks in Greenough Park with Gwen Florio.

A Memorial Mass, celebrated by Father George Dumais, will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at St. Anthony Parish church, 217 Tremont St. Deacons from the First Presbyterian Church, where Barbara Simon is an organist, will provide the reception at St. Anthony Parish church.

Donations may be made in Jack's name to Opportunity Resources, Inc., 2821 S. Russell.



Read Jack Simon's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.