John Joseph "Jack" Neary, 86, of Butte, Montana, passed away on April 5, 2026, in the town where he was born and spent his life.

Jack was born on July 23, 1939, in Butte to John Joseph and Jeanette Thomas Neary. He attended St. Patrick's School until the age of 16, when he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. During his service, he worked aboard the USS Staten Island, an icebreaker ship stationed
in Seattle. He sailed to numerous places ,but spoke most of his trip to the South Pole supporting penguin research and making passage for ships to deliver supplies—an experience he loved to talk about throughout his life.

Following his time in the Navy, Jack returned to Butte and built a career as a boilermaker with Western Iron, where he worked until retirement. One of the highlights of his career was contributing to a ramp built for Evel Knievel to jump across the Snake River, a story he often
shared with pride.

On June 25, 1960, Jack married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Hogan. Together they built a strong and loving family. Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished time spent at hunting camp, especially with his brother Bob. He also had a remarkable artistic talent, carving
chainsaw bears that can be found all over town. He was recently honored by the Nevada Muleys for his contributions, an event he looked forward to each year with his sons and grandson, Aaron.

Jack lived life to the fullest—he even played hockey into his 80s. He will be remembered for his storytelling, especially tales from his Navy days and hunting adventures, as well as his humor, craftsmanship, and deep love for his family. Above all, he was his family's number one fan, no
matter what was going on. Whether it was baseball games, dance recitals, 4-H fairs, or any gathering, Jack was always there—supporting, cheering, and showing up in the way that mattered most.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; his sister, Nancy (Bob) Birkelo; and his children: John (Jodi) Neary, Colleen (Aaron) Ralph, Mark (Renee) Neary, and Patti (Tony) Nazer. He was a proud Grandfather to Aaron (Michelee) Ralph, Jessi (Mike Blastek) Ralph, Cassie (Levi)
Jones, Sadie Dallaserra, Dylan Dallaserra, Kelliann (Bryson) Henningsen, Jared (Morgan) Nazer, Brady (Bailey) Nazer, Colton (Nichole) Neary, and Rhys Neary, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Carson and Cooper Ralph; Bentlee Nazer; Marlie, Sailor, and Henry Neary; and Avery Blastek.

Jack was preceded in death by his brother Bob (Joyce) Neary; his parents, John and Jeanette Neary; his in-laws, Bud (Mae) Hogan; and his sons, James and Joseph Neary.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on April 23, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in Butte. A reception will follow at the McQueen Club.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Montana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Jack will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the art he created, and the family he loved so dearly