‘J.J.’ Coggeshall passed away at 51, on April 24, 2016, surrounded by family and friends from chronic graft versus host disease. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Peggy; children Gregg, Jason (Natasha) and Nicole (Raydan); and grandchildren Shyanne, Samantha, Allison, Jayden, Julianna and Livi. Services and a light reception will be at 1 p.m. Saturday April 30, at Plymouth Congregational Church UCC 400 S. Oakes St. There will also be a potluck dinner and drinks following at 1818 Golden St.
Thank you to everyone who helped us through the last 2½ years and helped keep JJ positive. Our family, our friends, our church and our neighbors; both my and JJs co-workers; those who spent his last days with us, Roy, Bob & Star, Mark, Marv, Steve; and those that came to visit; those in the background always helping out, Anita, Sherri, Janet, Lanae, Julie, Roy, Mark; those in Phoenix, Art & Londi, Doug & Vickie, Shelly, Troy and Keith and Norma Jean; the caring staff at Mayo Hospital, Phoenix; Dr. Weiner’s office and 2nd floor Oncology nurses.
J.J. wrote his own obituary before he went to transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Here it is in its original form:
So a bit of background for future generations. … I was born December 22, 1964, in Helena and passed (date here) at 49 while battling pre-Leukemia. My parents were Jack and Barbara (Bielenberg) Coggeshall. I had two older half-sisters, Marsha and Connie. All preceded me in death. I am survived by my wonderful wife of 21 years, Peggy and children Jason (Tasha), Nicole and Gregg as well as Jason and Nicole’s children. I attended Helena schools graduating from HHS in 1983 and graduating from MSU (Go Cats) in 1988. My wife and I were married in January 1993 in Missoula, back when it used to really snow, and blessed with the birth of Gregg in May 1994.
When I was growing up in the Helena Valley, I pretty much ran everywhere in order to get to most of my friend’s houses and I could not be late getting home. That served me well as I became a pretty fair runner. At HHS, there were guys far better than me, but hopefully I pushed them enough to help win the first ever boys team cross country state championship for Coach Bill Gilbert in 1982. Last I looked, my picture with the 1982 team was opposite Gregg’s team photo for the swimming state championship in 2011 in the hallway at the HHS gym.
I enjoyed a variety of activities that I was competent at, but not the best; running, road and mountain biking, golf, snowboarding (the miracle sport of the late ‘80s), skateboarding, slalom water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing (I preferred one thing strapped to my legs, not two), skiing, hiking, riding motorcycles, classic cars, photography, racquetball, basketball, softball, backpacking, snorkeling. All of these I did much too little of in my life as well as too often by myself. I would encourage folks reading this to get out and do what you enjoy more, especially with family and friends. A blown knee (playing basketball, I would add) and rheumatoid arthritis, ended my running days, but did not stop me from doing the other things I enjoyed.
My working days started in high school at Taco Bell and progressed continually with jobs at Terry Bass Photography, the Bozeman airport, the Independent Record, the Missoulian, Montana Magazine, and the Department of Labor. Except for my first month and a half at MSU, then getting pre-Leukemia, I never had more than two weeks without some kind of job(s) or time at work. No wonder I could not do more of the things above that I enjoyed. Should not have worked so much. Hindsight really is 20/20.
I lived in Helena for the majority of my life in almost every part of the city including the valley. The only time I was away was for college and work in Bozeman in the ‘80s and for work in Missoula in the mid ‘90s (a sad and bitter time/place to be a Bobcat). My wife and I met because of my work at the IR. Good things can come from any aspect of your life.
Peggy and I got to travel some even though money was always tight. We enjoyed a couple of once-in-a-life-time cruises with our Bozeman friends, so perhaps they were twice-in-a-lifetime cruises. Several car vacations (OR coast, Las Vegas, CA) and time in Whitefish in the winter was also very enjoyable. Peggy always wanted to go on an Alaska cruise, but I resisted since if we were spending that much dough, I wanted to be on a sunny, sandy beach snorkeling. Thank you for indulging me Peggy, you are welcome to go now if you wish.
I realize I kidded around too much (perhaps even right now for some). For good or bad, that was who I was. I tried to look at the positive side of things and wanted to make people happy through a laugh or two. Most people who knew me well, hopefully understood this and it made times together even richer. It was always my goal around the office to make a serious person at least crack a grin. Often times that took a lot of trial and error and if I offended anyone, I apologize.
My greatest regret is not being there any longer, and in an increasingly more meaningful way, for Gregg. I could not be more proud of him and I know he will become a better man than me. That is really the purpose of fathers and I hope that I was able accomplish that objective. The same holds true for Jason and Nicole.
In closing, I would say this; don’t waste things; time, food, energy, natural resources, money, love, compassion, office supplies, etc. There is always someone else that needs these things too, so use what you have been given wisely.
“If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s not that far.” Myself to Ken Miller, Davenport IA, 1998 after walking through town to watch a softball game. That quote can be as deep or as shallow as you wish. Your choice. (Yes those are fragment sentences that I should consider revising…thanks Word for the squiggly green line and right-click recommendation.)
There will be a gathering for family and friends at Plymouth Congregational Church on (service details here). I believe the topics to be discussed after the service will be of an interesting and wide variety, just like the diverse set of people I have known and loved.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 30, 2016
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes Street
Helena , Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 30, 2016
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes Street
Helena , Montana 59601
C.Mason says
May the words of this song bring you comfort as it did me.
He Will Call (Job 14:13-15)
1. Life, like a mist, appears for just a day,Then disappears tomorrow.All that we are can quickly fade away,Replaced with tears and sorrow.If a man should die, can he live again?Hear the promise God has made:(CHORUS)He will call; The dead will answerThey shall live at his command.For he will have a longingFor the work of his own hand.So have faith, and do not wonder,For our God can make us stand.And we shall live forever,As the work of his own hand.
Tammy Krause Durkin says
Peggy I am so so sorry you’ve lost JJ ?
I’m sending you prayers and hugs! Please let me know if I can help in any way!!
Love
Tammy
Barb James says
I only met JJ once at a Crestwood meeting last Fall. We missed him last weekend at the annual meeting.
JJ was a good man. He volunteered for the Crestwood board because he knew it was a hidden gem. He knew families made years of memories at Crestwood. JJ was part of the transformation of Crestwood over the past few years. He was pat of ensuring Crestwood’s success.
I know it’s hard to lose a loved one. My Mom died a couple of weeks ago. But I do know how much I appreciate all the people my Mother had befriended taking the time to send thoughts and condolences.
I am sorry for the loss of JJ for his family. My thoughts and sympathy are with you. Take time for yourselves!
Tom Muri says
JJ was one of my favorites of the Crestwood family. He was one of the first owners I met when MTM took over in 2002. JJ had such a wonderful voice to go with his wonder personality. Cathy and I, together with the Crestwood family, will miss you.
Linda Grady says
I remember JJ from long, long ago when he worked for Montana Magazine. He had a tough job working with all the woman around him but he handled it well. I am sorry that he had to fight so hard to live and I truly hope he didn’t suffer with a lot of pain. I’m glad he will be surrounded by many friends who will take care of his family and that they had the joy of being a part of JJ’s life.
Rocky and Nickie Stalnaker says
Dear Peggy,
We didn’t ever know JJ. However I know your heart and I know you would only choose the Most Kind and Loving Man for your Husband. We are both so Sorry for Your Loss. I feel your pain. May our LORD JESUS CHRIST bring Comfort to You and Your Family
as You begin a new page in your life and the Strength to carry on.
Steve Armstrong says
I am saddened to learn of JJ’s passing. He was a trailblazer in Helena High’s first AP American history class during the 1981-82 academic year. I have great memories of JJ’s work in the class and the great times we had with our small, but diligent group of folks who dared venture into new territory, while at the same time creating the foundation for future growth of the program. I also followed his exploits with Helena High’s storied cross-country program and the great success he and his team had with that. While we sometimes lose track of students after their graduation, it is refreshing to read, in JJ’s own words, the varied successes he had in his life. I have great memories of JJ, and only wish that I would have had the opportunity to meet with him again. My sympathies to his wife, children and extended family.
Beth Ries says
To the family of JJ,
I appreciated getting to know you through your husband and father during my time at the newspaper. I am so saddened by your loss and I hope knowing how important he is to the Helena community is a comfort to you. In my prayers, and with fond memories, Beth