John William Helms

John William Helms, 77, of Missoula passed peacefully at home, with his dog by his side, on Sunday, January 12th of natural causes.

John was born May 3rd, 1947, in Missoula to Helen and Earl Helms. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Judy. As a young boy, he attended Washington Grade School, and graduated from Missoula County High School, graduating in the "Last Best Class" in 1965. He attended undergraduate school at the University of Montana and was a member of the fraternity Phi Delta Theta. He then went on to attend dental school at the University of Washington. Shortly after graduating, he served in the US Army Dental Corps for 2 years.

On September 15th, 1968, John married Jeannine Thibodeau in Missoula. The couple lived in Seattle, WA, and Fort Polk, LA before settling in Missoula and running a successful dental practice for 31 years.

John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and jokester who enjoyed teasing his sister-in-law and assistants at work. His last patient was a gold crown on his best friend's dog, which is just one example of the shenanigans he was involved in during his time here. There was never a dull moment with John.

John and Jeannine traveled extensively around the world together, with Africa being a highlight. However, his favorite place to go was the family cabin at Lake Inez. He built the cabin from scratch with his father as a teenager, and deeply enjoyed time up there with his family and friends, driving the boat, fishing, or hanging out on the boathouse.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years (but friends since they were 11) Jeannine, Saint Ignatius, son Jason Helms and wife Jennifer, Missoula, grandkids Dylan and Sienna Helms, Missoula, Sister-In-Law Mickey Frost and husband Jim, Kalispell, many nieces and nephews, and his two yellow labs, Bailey and Kirby.

Per John's request, no services will be held. For those of you who knew him, this request shouldn't be a surprise.