Jack Patterson May

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Jack P. May left an impression on all who knew him. Jack - aka Jackie and Jake- was born 2/16/1941 in Salt Lake City and passed away 5/24/2022 in Great Falls, Montana.
The great, great grandson of Brigham Young, Jack was surrounded by a large family in Salt Lake City where he lived with his parents, John “Jack” and Orpha “Pat” May and his younger siblings, Paul and Janet. The May children had a wonderful childhood. Jack was very close to his Gramps, Jean L. May, a court reporter and impeccable dresser.
Although just a child, Little Jack took over caring for his mom and little brother while his dad was overseas in the Army during World War II. He even started calling Orpha “Pat” his dad’s pet name, Honey. Orpha “Pat” loved that and used Honey later in life.
The telephone company transferred John “Jack” to Boise, Idaho, and the family moved when Jack was 10.
Jack attended North Jr High and Boise High School in Boise. He loved the 1949 red Ford coupe he had gotten from his Gramps and was often seen cruising Boise. With his rolled jeans and white T-shirt, he was hardly the flawless dresser he would later become!
It was a very still summer night when Jack was outside working on his beloved car. Panicked John “Jack” and Orpha “Pat” found him unconscious - carbon monoxide poisoning. Miraculously Jack made it through the night, but it ultimately became a turning point. Very talented, with plans on become an artist, Jack was forced to give his dreams up. As predicted Jack’s heart was damaged and led to issues in the last year of his life.
A popular job at the time, Jack worked at Baker’s Shoes and later Thom McAn. Nothing held Jack down and he graduated from Boise High School in 1959. He married Patricia Tucker, his first love, September 10, 1960. Jack was close to Pat’s five brothers and sisters and took on a fatherly role in the absence of their father.
A red-letter day, Jack and Pat were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Julie, on June 10, 1962.
John “Jack” family had been transferred to Denver, Colorado. Jack, Pat and Julie soon followed as did Pat’s family. Jack and Pat joyfully welcomed another little baby girl in their family. Linda was born January 23, 1964.
The family continued to grow when Paul married Margie Roybal on June 10, 1967, and again when Janet married Gary Malara on December 2, 1972.
Jack and Pat’s marriage dissolved in the early 70’s
but the love for his girls and Janet’s four children was always deep in his heart.
Jack met Lesley Burton and they were married at her parents’ home in Great Falls 9/26/75. Jack and Leslie were sole mates often confusing people with their one-liners and mispronouncing jokes.
Jack and Leslie lived in Phoenix and Denver before settling in Great Falls. This was their true home! Jack worked at Buttreys while in Montana and now joined the KFBB team as a salesman later becoming the station manager, he worked there for 17 years. After retiring he worked at Croxford Funeral Home as an assistant director until he really retired. He and Lesley loved Ad Club and were proud of their acknowledgements.
Their home at 617 4th Ave North held a special place to Jack.  But the Devonshire was home.
Julie had three children; Amber, AJ and Andre and was blessed to find true love with her second husband, Eric.
Linda and her adoring husband, Rod, were blessed with one son, Dillion.
The Great Falls community and his many beloved friends kept Jack in Great Falls even after Lesley’s passing on March 12, 2006.
Heartstrings in Colorado and Nevada couldn’t convince him to leave.
Jack hated to ask for help but his friends - too numerous to mention- were always there for him. He loved playing poker with the guys, Keno, listening to Chuck’s music, the R&R, the Heritage and other favorite spots…his home and heart was in Montana!!!

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