Thomas Johnson (Tom)

Thomas Johnson (Tom) 86, passed away peacefully in his home on August 9th, 2015. Tom was born on July 30th, 1929 in Helena, MT. Shortly after his family moved to Orofino, Idaho where he spent a good part of his life. Growing up his family owned a little store that had groceries and various goods and he was involved in that at an early age. Once Tom was in his early teens he would go to Washington and would work in the fields doing various jobs. He developed a strong work ethic at a young age. Once he got a little older he worked in a lumber mill as a lumber grader, which he enjoyed.

He went to school at Idaho State University where he was an all star on the pool team. Tom loved paying pool. In the early 1950's he was drafted into the Army to fight in the Korean War. He would always tell his family & friends his stories of the time he spent in Korea and Japan. After he was discharged he returned to Orofino, Idaho and continued to work in the lumber industry.

In 1955 he married the love of his life Carol Ann Erickson. The same year daughter Cheri was born and the following year son Jeffrey was born. They lived up Orofino creek. Tom really enjoyed and loved his family. One of Tom's favorite past times was fishing for steelhead on the Clearwater River at his favorite fishing hole Black Rock. He caught hundreds of steelhead there over the years.

In 1974 Tom & Carol moved to Pacific Beach, Washington where they ran the Pacific Beach State Park together and Tom also worked at a local lumber mill. Tom & Carol enjoyed the time they spent at the beach and met a lot of people who would come and camp at the state park. In 1989 they moved to Missoula, MT to be closer to their son Jeff and grandkids.

Tom was a gambler his whole life and really enjoyed playing poker. Once he was retired he spent a lot of time playing with the stock market. Tom also really enjoyed playing golf. He and his son Jeff played about everyday they could. He loved his family and always loved spending time with all of them. Tom was a loving devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Nellie and J.J. Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Carol Johnson of Missoula. Daughter Cheri and Hank Jenks of Orofino, Id. Son Jeffrey "JJ" and Patricia Johnson of Missoula. Grandchildren; Tracy (Jose) Barajas, Rusty Jenks, Jennifer (Daniel) Blakesley, and Jason Johnson. Great Grandchildren; Marissa Barajas, Austin Barajas, and Olivia Blakesley.

Per his request private family services will be held.

Cremation is under the care of Garden city Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com



Read Thomas Johnson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.