John A. Phoenix

John Anthony Phoenix was born on January 23rd, 1955 in Hazelgreen, Wisconsin to parents Charles and Donna Phoenix. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Frances Phoenix (Miller), children Helen (Ben) Schweitzer, Rosie (Michael) Bowman, Paula (Erik) Peterson, Laura (Rick) Hyland, Anna (Mike) Demott, Alice (Will) Damron, as well as twenty two grandchildren; Kimberly, Kayla, Katlynn, Rene', Kaedin, Jonathon, Charlie, Keri, Grace, Justin, Robert, Brooke, Savannah, Adam, Phoenix, Ronin, Ellie, Ethan, Josh, Theo, Charlie, and another on the way. He is also survived by his mother Donna Phoenix, sisters Heather Phoenix, Laurel (Bill)Kieninger, Mary (Kerry)Doney, Theresa (Denny) Struck, Alice (Todd)Phoenix-Nottingham, and brother Tom (Dottie) Phoenix. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Phoenix, Uncle Jack Rardon, Grandfather Jonas Rardon, and Grandmother Helen Rardon, and son Matthew Phoenix.
John moved to Long Island, New York when he was two and remained a lifelong NY Mets fan. We can't all be perfect. He then moved with his family to Arlee, MT in 1971. John and became a standout athlete excelling especially in football. He met his high school sweetheart, Frances Miller and they were married on March 17th, 1973 at the Jocko Catholic Church. He joined the United States Air Force and served from March 1973-March 1979 serving in Biloxi MI, Taiwan, and finally New Mexico. He then worked at the Bonner sawmill while acquiring his electrical apprenticeship with IBEW. He then worked for Allphase Electric, later 4Gs Electric, and other various electoral contract workers. His travels for work led him to jobs in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Wyoming. Though missed by his family, at this point 6 daughters and a wife, he was able to provide for them. Sometimes the opportunity would arise that a few of them could accompany him, and he loved the ability to spend time with them while on the road. He enjoyed getting to know other electricians from various locals. He had an amazing talent to spot an electrical problem and enjoyed teaching apprentices by sharing his expertise. He used that experience by serving on the electric board for the union to represent his fellow workers. Due to illness, John was forced to retire in 2012.
John had many passions including hunting, fishing, and rock hounding. His love for history and reading has been passed down to many of his children and grandchildren. He was affectionately known as "Candy Papa" to his grandkids and always had a special treat for each of them. He enjoyed watching them play sports including, softball, basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, track and football. Often, he would attend these sporting event pockets brimming with candy which he would divvy out to the kids. He was also heavily involved in the community and generously donated his time to help at St. Joseph School, Loyola High School and the Bargain Corner. John was also actively involved in his local Knights of Columbus chapter. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He was an amazing Candy Papa, father, and friend.
A Rosary will be held May 7, 2015 at 7:00 at Garden City Funeral Home located at 1705 W. Broadway in Missoula MT. John requested that everyone wear bright colors or Hawaiian themed clothing. A tradition developed that on Fridays, electricians working far from home would dress in Hawaiian themed clothing to celebrate pay day. In celebrating John's life, he asked for this tradition continue since he is to be buried on pay day.
The funeral will commence on Friday May 8thth at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 420 West Pine Street in Missoula, Montana. A reception will follow in Riedy Hall. At John's request, please, like the Rosary, wear Hawaiian themed clothes or bright colors to the services because he wanted it to be a celebration of his life, not a mourning of his death. Pallbearers will be son-in-laws, Ben Schweitzer, Michael Bowman, Erik Peterson, Rick Hyland, Mike Demott, Will Damron, hunting partner Bill Paulson, and electrician friend Drew Meehan.
Instead of flowers, please spend the time to take your loved ones to Dairy Queen; he would appreciate that more then flowers.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read John Phoenix's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.