John Bennett Willard, known to family and friends as “Jack,” went home to heaven on Easter Sunday 2026, surrounded by family. Jack was an artist, enjoying everything from drawing, crafting, playing the guitar, knitting, and had a love for ventriloquism.
Jack was born on August 4th, 1945, in Helena, MT, to John and Helen Willard. They moved to Billings in 1970. Following his father’s retirement, Jack lived with and cared for his parents for many years. Jack married Patty in 2007. He truly loved his stepdaughter, Nancy Joy, and immensely enjoyed the time he spent with her. They had no other children and eventually divorced in 2025.
He held a passion for the elderly and worked for many years at Mission Ridge retirement center in Billings, MT.
In 2009 Jack was welcomed into the LDS church in Billings and formed many friendships with the people he met at church. He remained a devoted member of the church until his passing.
Jack was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his sister Francie Shoquist (Darrell), nephew Tim and niece Lindsey Thomas (Jeb). brother Jim Willard (Jennifer) and nephew John, and many favorite cousins.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday April 24, 2026
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 24, 2026
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday April 24, 2026
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00am
Friday April 24, 2026
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Friday April 24, 2026
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4225 Bobcat Drive
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
Following the Reception
Friday April 24, 2026
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Tom Naegele says
Francis & Jim,
Sorry to see that your brother John passed away and he is now with your Mom & Dad. As kids we all supported your brother as best we knew how. Prayers of caring support are sent your way. R.I.P. John. 🙏🙏
Jennifer Willard says
I will miss you more than words can ever say. Travel well with GOD, my friend. You have been the one of the best people I have ever known.
Rae Lynn Christians says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jennifer Willard says
Many people don’t know that Jack was also very fond of Clog Dancing, (He was always happy to let folks know that he had two different kinds of Clogging shoes:) ). He just beamed recently when he had his phto taken with two lively Irish River Dancers.
Jennifer Willard says
Many people don’t know that Jack was also very fond of Clog Dancing, (He was always happy to let folks know that he had two different kinds of Clogging shoes:) ). He just beamed recently when he had his photo taken with two lively Irish River Dancers.
Linda Ruth (Hodges) Nelson says
We shall miss Jack at our weekly knitting sessions at Our Redeemer’s. Sending condolences from all of us.
Marge Holstine says
We met Jack at our knitting sessions at Our Redeemer’s. His smile lit up the room. He was always so pleasant. He will be missed. RIIP Jack~
Barb says
Barb He such a gentleman it was nice to work with him at the knitting on Tuesday well he will be missed
Glen J Cuchine says
John was one of my best friends at Helena High School; we often ate lunch together and enjoyed a great comraderie in Doris Marshall’s English…cum Drama class in the Little Theater ‘classroom’. John was a great fellow with a winning smile and big heart. I will forever cherish the many memories of those days. Rest in peace, dear friend.
David A Berkovits says
Jack was my Daughters Step Dad. I met Jack once.
Very nice man.
My condolences to all who knew him. R I P Jack