John “Jack” Thomas Whiteside
John “Jack” Thomas Whiteside, of Libby, Montana took the big ride to the sky on May 24, 2025; he shared 86 amazing years with us!
Jack was born in Tuolumne City, California in 1938 to his parents, Della Bourbon and Clarence Whiteside. He was educated in the state of California, but did not complete a certificate, rather became a ranch hand for a farm as he needed to provide stability for himself and earn a proper wage. He enjoyed sharing fun times of his memories on the ranch with his family.
He was a jack of all trades so you would say he always managed to keep himself and his family afloat, regardless of the challenges he faced. Jack moved on through California to Porterville where he began working on vehicles as a hobby. He also began to ride motorcycles, which he enjoyed very much; and something else he enjoyed doing all the way up until the end was panning for gold!!!
He moved to Libby, Montana in the early 2000s where he met and then married his wife, Faith Paxton; she passed away in 2022.
Jack’s stepdaughter Shavon oversaw his care in Libby while he spent his time at the care center. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter Annie, and especially liked when he could get any of his stepkids together for a gathering or a long phone call with Violet!
She will miss the walks and talks ol’ timer! I think the thing he loved to do most of all though was walking. It could be anywhere in that town; it put a smile on his face to be out and about! He loved Libby. He was very sad to leave the community that he grew to love so much and call home.
Jack spent his last years in Billings, Montana with his stepdaughter Amber. He continued to talk about Libby and remember every city street, how he loved walking to the parks, and of course he loved the casinos!!! He was so fond of the community that he found in that town.
Jack’s stepchildren are very grateful for the Libby Care Center and would like to extend a much deserved thank you to the staff that has provided such excellent care to our family members as they have crossed over. Jack is survived by those that were not blood, but bonded as family until the end.
Those who were there for him, and cared about him like he was their own dad at times; his stepdaughters, Violet Benson, Shavon Smith, and Amber Mason; stepsons, Aaron Smith, Joshua Arvoux, and Charles Mason; grandchildren, Azalia Benson, Annie Smith, Samara Arvoux, and Connor Mason.
Biologically, Jack is survived by his nephew and niece, Kelly and Marie Blocher.
Memorial donations can be made to heart disease research; it would be greatly appreciated. Jack’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.