John N Jepson Sr. of East Helena went home to be with the Lord on November 18 2014, while surrounded by his family, after a brief illness and stay in St. Peters Hospital. _x000D_
John is survived by his wife, Dixie; three sons; John N Jepson Jr (wife Bonnie ) of Helena; Joe Z Jepson (wife Lisa) of Townsend; Jack M Jepson (wife Heidi) of Tigard OR, brother, Don Jepson of Green Castle Mo. Stepsons; Jeff Mackaman (wife Joyce) of Winnemucca NV, Kevin Mackaman (wife Debbie) of Stevensville MT and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. John was born the third of four sons to Reuben Merritt and Fern Ola Jepson on June 3 1928 on their family farm near Green Castle MO. He attended and graduated from a country grade school a mile from his home. Graduated at sixteen years of age from the Green City High School in 1944. In September of 1946 John married his High School sweetheart Kathleen C Brammer of Green City Mo. They resided on the family farm near Green Castle where their three sons were born. In 1953 the family moved to Henrietta Mo where John went to work for the Missouri Conservation Commission as a game warden. In 1958 John again moved the family, this time to Townsend Montana where he learned the newspaper business at the Townsend Star, working for his In-laws George and Florence Brammer. Between the years of 1962 and 1964 the family lived between Kansas, Wyoming and Idaho. From 1965 to present, John resided in the Helena/Townsend area. During his business years he also worked as a Realtor and Newspaper Broker. During his years in Townsend he was instrumental in accomplishing multiple community projects. Among them were: the Senior Housing project; City swimming pool; Dust control on Canyon Ferry Lake and installation of the passing lanes on Highway 12. On November 18 2000, John was married to Dixie Mackaman in Whitefish MT. He spent his remaining years with wife Dixie and favorite little pal, his Yorkie named Max. John and Dixie spent several years traveling and selling Magnetic jewelry from their home based business. In his earlier years he enjoyed bird hunting, fishing and family picnics. His greatest passion the past several years was buying, refurbishing and selling old tractors. John made friends where ever he went and never minded sharing his abundance of thoughts and information with all. Family was very important to John and he will be greatly missed . John was preceded in death by; parents Reuben and Fern, brothers; Robert and Herb, and grandson Doug Davis. _x000D_
A Memorial service will be held Friday November 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Assembly Church of Helena 2210 Dodge Avenue. Reception following. Cremation has taken place. Big Sky Cremation assisted the family with arrangements. To offer condolences to the family please visit www.helenafunerals.com_x000D_
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Joyce Schillinger says
Dear Dixie and Jack and other members of John’s family,
I cut John’s hair for years and will miss seeing his smiling face at the barber shop. My deepest sympathy
Joyce Schillinger
Grant Nagel says
Several years ago, I remember driving by John standing along the highway 12E and 287S, somewhere Northwest of Winston. He was talking loudly. My wife, Laura, recognized his unmistakeable voice. We stopped then, backed up, and gave him a ride to East Helena, since his truck was broke down. I wish to extend Condolences to the Jepson Family from the Nagel Family. Grant and Laura Nagel.
John Cribb says
John provided me with the opportunity to purchase his newspaper brokerage business in 1984, and I have very much appreciated this excellent opportunity. My best wishes to John’s family. John Cribb
Amanda Domino says
Dear Joe, Lisa and Family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Please know the Domino family is thinking of all of you. Peace be with you. Amanda, Jim, Gaelyn, and Logan.
Sydney Webb says
Dear John, Joe, Jack and Jepson Family,
Since the early days in Townsend, I remember the many family gatherings and coffee around the table discussing and finding solutions to the problems of the world. John was a great business man and was instrumental in helping me start my printing business. He also gave great advice to keep me from buying a second printing business! My best memories of John were his passions for helping others and finding the next new deal. Please know that we send love and hugs to you and all the family.
Sydney and Jim Webb
Bob Baran says
I got to spend some time with John, when I first moved to Montana in ‘85 and again in 2009 – 2012. His down to earth pragmatic observations about various life situations were for me some of the most important life lessons I ever had.
I have always thought of John as one of the most important Mentors I ever had. He always gave me his best – never held back – which ment so much.
I will and do miss you John – everything worked out better than I ever expected…
With Love
Bob Baran