Jay Alan Johannsen

Jay Alan Johannsen passed away January 8, 2016, at home on his farm with his family by his side.  Born in Shelby, Montana on December 26, 1923, to Cleve and Lillie Johannsen, Jay joined an older brother, Russell, and an older sister, Virginia. He was the youngest in the family for only 18 months before his sister Margie was born. He had a happy and busy childhood in Sunburst as an excellent student, an Eagle Scout and proud Sunburst Refiner. Despite his smallish stature, he excelled at basketball and his coach became a lifelong mentor.

World War II interrupted his college career and, after one year at Montana State, he enlisted in the army. Given his education level and ability to drive he was assigned to cryptanalyst training was ultimately stationed in the interior of China after a harrowing plane ride over "the Hump," the WWII term for the Himalayas. After living two years in China, Jay came home via the Port of Seattle and jumped a train; he stood the entire way home until Montana’s plains came into view. Through the GI Bill, he got his start in farming. He was recalled to the service for the Korean War and was stationed in Spokane before shipping off to Japan. He was fortunate to be introduced to his cousin Lyla's best friend, Beverly Watts, and his life changed forever. They married in 1952.

"Jay and Bev" became nearly one word to everyone who knew them and they enjoyed 61 years of marriage before Bev's passing in 2013. They were wonderful and patient parents to Tracy, Jay Dean, Paul and Kristi. Jay was a gentle, loving father to all of his children, disciplining with a quiet but firm hand; each of his children were always confident in his unconditional love. He became the role model in parenting and life to all of his children.

Jay was a world traveler, at first courtesy of the Army Air Corps but later on a more voluntary basis. He and Bev traveled all over the world, often with their dear friends Paul and Pattie Coolidge; together they explored Asia, Europe and Central America. He and Bev were also fortunate to spend thirty winters in Mesa, Arizona with many good friends.

Jay was so many things. He was an extraordinary farmer, businessman, carpenter, mechanic and pilot. He was a gadget guy and daredevil. He was a steadfast, dependable, honest man, universally respected. Jay was a long time Mason and Shriner. He donated countless hours and time to the Shriner's Hospital in Spokane. He was a lifetime member of the Sunburst Methodist Church. He was an Eagle Scout; with his Court of Honor in 1938, he was one of Montana's oldest Eagle Scouts.

Jay is survived by his four children and grandchildren Bennett, Amelia, Jace, Zach, Jordan, Cassi, Justine, Amanda and Greg. He will be dearly missed by many. The family is grateful Jay Dean and his wife Robin for their loving and steadfast care to Jay during his last years.  The family is also grateful to Heidi Medland for her gentle and reliable care not only of Jay but of the entire family.

Funeral services will be held at the Sunburst United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital are appreciated.