John Harry Nugent, 80

Oct 30, 1939-Jan 9, 2020

John H. Nugent passed away Thursday morning, January 9, 2020, with his loving wife of 31 years, Leda, by his side. John was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and served his country for four decades across the USA and around the world, but his adopted city of Butte was his true home.

John graduated from Boston College in 1961 and later was inducted into the Hall of Fame after competing in the College World Series with the Eagles Baseball team in 1960 & 1961. Upon graduation John served in the US Army for almost 39 years, which included 25 years full-time service with the Montana Army National Guard, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. John's service included a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded and received four Bronze Stars, as well as the Purple Heart medal.

While assigned to the University of South Dakota, John received his Master's Degree in Public Administration in 1976. At the University, he was an instructor, adviser, and training coordinator for the ROTC program. He was also the USD Coyote head Baseball Coach for four years. In 1982, John joined Montana Tech and later he taught business and liberal arts (Korea and Vietnam). He was instrumental in establishing the undergraduate business program. At the College of Technology in Helena MT, where he taught business, he initiated a Bachelors degree in Business. When he joined the MTARNG in 1993, he was assigned as the Educational Services Officer. John contributed to the establishment of the Montana Youth ChalleNGe program in Dillon and also served as the Executive Director of the Youth ChalleNGe Foundation. John touched the lives of so many people and his students held a special place in his heart.

John was an avid outdoorsman and Montana offered a beautiful place where he was able to hunt, fish, camp, and enjoy the company of his friends, family, and especially the company of his many dogs and cats.

John was preceded in death by his father Harry; mother Mary; and grandson Sean Nugent. Survivors include his wife Leda Nugent of Butte; daughter Cathy (Kyle) Hanson of Kalispell; son Pat (Gina) Nugent of Iowa; grandchildren Bill Nugent, Eric Huffman, Brad Huffman, Airika Nugent, Brittani Wiersma, Zachari Hanson, Michael Hanson, Victoria Hanson, and Cyrus Hanson. John was also blessed with 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Beatrice (Dave) Malone of New York, Paul (Joanne) Nugent of Massachusetts, and Carol Campion of Maryland.

Family and friends are invited to St Ann's Catholic Church in Butte on January 16 ^th for an 11am Viewing and Funeral Service at noon. Interment with full military honors will be held at Fort William Henry Harrison Cemetery in Helena at 1pm on January 17 ^th .