Joseph “Joe” Eckersley, 59, of Great Falls, passed away December 25, 2015 at Benefis Hospital. On Friday, January 1, 2016 his family invites everyone to come and share memories of Joe’s life at Croxford Funeral Home, 1307 Central Ave., from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. His funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 9th St NW, Saturday, January 2, 2016 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and the funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at Highland Cemetery. A luncheon reception will be held in the Cultural Center at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the burial. A Celebration of Joe’s life will follow at the Do Bar, 1800 3rd St. NW, Saturday, January 2, 2016 beginning at 4:00 PM.

Joseph Michael Eckersley was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 25, 1956 to Joseph Horace and Verna Kelly (Weber) Eckersley. Joe was raised in the Salt Lake City area. He attended South High, Brighton High, and graduated from Salt Lake High. Joe then went on to serve his country, joining the United States Air Force. He honorably served and protected from 1975 until 1979. He then went to work as an airplane refueler at Holman Aviation, Big Sky Harley Davidson, Meadow Gold Dairy, Sam’s Club and Great Falls International Airport.

Joe and Brenda Robertson enjoyed a happy life together until his passing. Joe married his first wife, Sheila McClendon in 1977 in Mountain Home, Idaho. Together they created a family bringing daughter, Lisa and son, Jason into the world. Their marriage ended in 1983. Joe married Phyllis Gilbert in 1989 in Great Falls. She brought her three children, JD, Missy and Penny, whom Joe loved as his own. They were together until Phyllis passed away in 1998. Joe married Julie “Jewels” Bryson in 2000. She brought her son, Ed Hansen into their family. They remained together until Julie’s passing in 2013.

Joe was instrumental in starting the Great Falls Harley Owners Group (HOG) and the Ladies of Harley. He volunteered for Eagle Mount, Farm in the Dell, was the Santa for Toys for Tots and the Toy Run with his late wife Jewels. If you needed something, he was there. If Joe met you once, you were his friend for life. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone. Joe always had a hug and a big smile for everyone.

He always loved to hunt, fish, shoot and reload. He enjoyed making things out of wood, fixing things and working with his hands. He loved to play the guitar and share music with everyone. He was always there to help a friend with their bike or any other problems. He loved to ride off road and enjoyed trucking. He was a jack-of-all-trades.

Joe is survived by his family who misses him dearly, his girlfriend, Brenda Robertson; daughter, Lisa Eckersley; son, Jason Eckersley; sisters, Pauline Chase, Jodi Eckersley, Teri Chase; brothers, David Chase and Jeffrey Eckersley; grandchildren, Makayla White, Alexuis Link, Tristan and Deven Ho-Means; and his beloved fur children, Hammer and Liz.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. Eckersley and Verna Weber-Chase; grandfather, James “Jim” Eckersley; and his wives, Jewels and Phyllis. 

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