John Herrmann

John Herrmann, 85, passed away peacefully at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby on April 13, 2017.

John was born on May 17, 1932 in Oakland, California to Roberta and John Herrmann. As a youth he was strongly influenced by a musical family member and John has had a lifelong appreciation of the music of his time, jazz.

While attending high school in Oakland, John participated in his first public performances. Before graduating he had his own combo. As a Navy corpsman during the Korean war, John took an opportunity to perform with a group that entertained hospitalized soldiers.

After his Navy service, he continued to play in combos and to lead his own groups while a student at San Francisco State, where he graduated with a masters of English. They played both at local San Francisco area venues and on the road.

Over the years, John has worked as a magazine editor, mystery writer and a university professor, which allowed him to travel.

After he moved to Libby in the late 90’s he lived near the Red Dog saloon and had a couple of sheep to keep his beloved border collie, Mackie, in practice.

John’s novel, ‘Murder at the Red Dog’ was published during his early years in Libby, to wide acclaim. It was set in a fictional Montana town, Kootenai Falls. John taught creative writing at the Libby campus of Flathead valley Community college, and his appreciation group is called ‘the usual suspects.”

In 2005, with the formation of local community radio station KVRZ, John began his long-running show Thursday Night Jazz, aired every Thursday at 8 p.m. John was known locally as ‘the jazz guru’ and his show consisted of the best of the swing era with a smattering of traditional jazz thrown in. John’s commentary moved between his own history and giving listeners tips on how to better appreciate the subtleties of the piece he was about to play.

John leaves behind two daughters, Linda Thompson and husband Howard and Kathryn Topper and husband Robert. Kathryn and Robert gave John great joy with two grandchildren and he leaves behind three great-grandchildren as well.

He also leaves behind a very dear friend, Howard, who has taken on the care of his beloved dog, Shadow.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 6 p.m. at the Red Dog on Pipe Creek Road and is open to all. John’s family and friends would like to thank the Cabinet Peaks Medical Center and the Libby Care Center for their excellent care and the loving concern they showed John at the end of his life.