John Patrick McGrath, age 80, of Butte, Montana, passed away March 5, 2022 at St. James Hospital in Butte, Montana.
John was born March 18, 1941 in Butte Montana to George McGrath and June Garland. He was raised in Gregson Montana where his family owned and operated the Bar and rooms to rent. Jack as he was known to all his family and friends then moved to Butte. Jack joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed at Lookout Mountain in Hollywood Hills Los Angeles California, Jack served as a Photographer with top secret clearance. While serving in Lookout Hills Jack met his one and only Love Darlene who worked in the Dental Clinic on base, after months of talking they began dating and a year later they eloped in 1963 a year later in 1964 they had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. In August of 1964 they welcomed their first daughter Cathleen Jane, then in March of 1966 they welcomed their 2nd daughter Susan Lynne. Jack was so proud of his little girls he was a girl dad for sure. After his discharge Jack continued to work as a civilian Photographer for the Air Force developing all his own pictures for the Air Force until the base closed. Jack and Darlene separated in 1970 and were later divorced in 1974. Jack soon thereafter moved back to Butte to be with family, the girls would come up every summer and go camping and fishing and spend time with their cousins. Jack began working in the mine in Butte until he had a severe injury to his leg which left him unable to work in that line of work again. Jack began a lengthy career as a Keno caller at the Famous M&M bar, where he was fondly known as Jack in the Back. Jack was very involved in the VA in Butte serving as a Van driver honor guard. Jack was so proud of his Butte America, Irish Heritage and serving in the Arm Forces. In 2017 at the age of 76 Jack shot a cow elk out of the window of his Great Nephew Jeremiah’s truck after killing it, Jack sat in the truck reading the newspaper drinking Coffee all why Jeremiah gutted and Prepped and loaded the elk, Jack would laugh and say I have no idea why I didn’t help him but Jeremiah wouldn’t have let him help anyway.
Jack is preceded in death by his Parents George Nig McGrath (Mickey Silver) June (Ray) Ose. His Grandmothers Susie Garland, Mae (Johnny) Comba, Aunt Babe (Joe) Hughes, Brothers Dan, Jeremiah (Carol) McGrath, Sister Bertha Sis (Ross) Smathers,
Daughter Cathleen Frazer, Nieces Debbie Hollow, Susie Grosso, Nephews Dan, & John McGrath. His best Pals Pard & Katie
Jack is survived by his Daughter Susie (Mark) Davis , Sister in law Jean McGrath, cousin Mickey Joe Hughes, Nieces and Nephews Jeanne (Al) de la Rosa, Ron (Helen) Smathers, Russell (Kim) Smathers, Jim (Tracy) McGrath, Cherie Bilodeau Grandchildren Crystal (Andres) Gutierrez, Christopher (Sarahfina) Mendoza, Kevin Mendoza, Jennifer (Isaiah) Duprey, Laci Fraser, Ashley (DJ) Campos, His 2 Guardian angels on earth Lynn Orr, Lynn Dennehy, & Sassy 7 ½ Great grandchildren. & several great nieces and nephews.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Sunset Cemetery, 5001 Crackerville Road, Butte, MT. A reception to celebrate Jack’s life will follow the graveside service at the McQueen Athletic Club, 3250 Hecla St., Butte, MT.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jack.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jack and his family.
Janice Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Jack’s family. May his memories hold dear in your heart. Rest in peace Jack. I’ll cherish the memories with you at the M&M & the Sportsman Bar.
Janice Muniz
Pamm silver says
My prayers are with you Jean and family . So many family memories and how fast time can pass by . Remembering with heartfelt blessings to the family .
Billie Matule says
We at Meadowlands Apts enjoyed Jack so much and he will be missed.