John Michael Erickson left this world by natural causes and was welcomed into heaven by his Savior Jesus Christ on April 11, 2026. John was born January 28, 1956 in Pasadena, California to Vernon and Eleanor Erickson. He was the youngest of four siblings, Ron, Becky and Judy.
John grew up in California until he was 15 when his family moved to Montana, where his dad had grown up. John always loved when their family visited Montana and when he was a young boy he told his sister Judy, “Someday I’m going to live in the mountains of Montana”. The day that his family arrived in Great Falls some of the guys from the church helped unload the truck and then asked John if he wanted to go camping. It was the beginning of his love for the outdoors and for Montana.
John attended school in Great Falls for two years and then graduated from Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota in 1974. The fall of 1975 John went back to Fergus Falls, this time to attend Luthern Brethren Bible College. It was here that he met his best friend, a Canadian girl named Terry. After that year of school Terry went back to Calgary to work and John headed back to California where he worked at Hume Lake Camp for six months. It was there he became interested in Law Enforcement as several men from LAPD volunteered at the camp. He enrolled at a community college in Coalinga, CA to study Criminal Justice.
After a two-year, long-distance relationship John and Terry were married in Calgary, Alberta on July 1st, 1978. After working on a farm close to Loma, MT for 5 months they moved to Great Falls. John’s plans were to apply for the LAPD, but as they settled into life with lots of friends in Great Falls, the dream of living in California began to fade. John applied at the Great Falls Police Department and was hired in January of 1979.
In November of 1981 their first child Katie was born, followed by Jeremy in 1983. They enjoyed life in Great Falls and lived there until June of 1989. John resigned from the GFPD and they moved to the Dearborn Canyon where John became the director of Montana Wilderness School of the Bible and C-N Camp. John’s dream of living in the mountains came into being. It was a wonderful adventure as about 1300 students attended MWSB and countless campers came to C-N Camp through the summers during the 24 years John and Terry lived there. The last 8 years in the Dearborn Canyon John became the part time pastor at the Augusta Community Church. The fall of 2012 John retired from MWSB and became the full time Pastor of Augusta Community Church and the Dearborn Chapel.
John loved his family and was so proud to become a grandpa. Camping, backpacking, hunting and drinking coffee with his kids and grandkids were some of his favorite forms of recreation. Many trips to Belgrade and Lethbridge were made to take in events of his family’s lives.
John often said “Sudden death, sudden glory”. The reason he could say that confidently is because he believed what the Bible said through the Apostle John in 1 John 5:13 “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” John’s sole purpose in life was to teach God’s Word so that others could know the truth of what Jesus did for everyone of us.
John is preceded in death by his parents and a brother. He is survived by his wife Terry, daughter Katie (Kenny), son Jeremy (Chantelle), grandchildren Lydia, Kai, Dane, Jax, Remy and Addy, a brother Ron, sisters Becky (Jerry) and Judy (Jim), six nephews Mike, Matt, Steve, Sam and Joe, David and nieces Sonya and Erin and many cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, April 25th at the Augusta High School. Memorials will be given to the MWSB scholarship fund or the Augusta Community Church building fund.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2026
Augusta High School
410 Broadway
Augusta, Montana 59410
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 25, 2026
Augusta High School
410 Broadway
Augusta, Montana 59410
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Fred Miller says
He was highly esteemed by those fortunate enough to know him.
Stephen Olson says
Condolences to the Family
Anne McBee says
John and Terry have a beautiful legacy of investing in the lives of those around them for the Kingdom of God! They have invested the love of Jesus in 2 generations of our family: My 4 brothers: James, John, Robert, Jack, sister in-law Genn, cousin Will, daughter Jessica, niece Kimberly, nephew in-law David. I am sure there are many other generations who can speak of the faithfulness of John and Terry who have grown the Kingdom of God in their life time.
Praise be to Jesus, that John is abiding in the presence of his Lord and Savior.
To Terry and family may the Holy Spirit be your comfort and constant companion, as you finish this life race our Lord has set before you.
Love in Christ,
Anne Curry McBee and Curry Family
Wad & Sue Williams says
Praying for Terry and family. Praying the Good News of the gospel touches many hearts. John 3:16
Ian Lawson says
John was a true servant of Christ. I loved every visit with him and hoped there would be many more. John leaves a legacy of faith and wisdom.
Marlen and Paula Eve says
John and Terry have been such an example of faithfulness to God and service to others! Prayers for strength and peace during this most difficult time! Love you, Terry.