John Israel Cathcart was born September 12, 1981 in Tuscumbia, Alabama to John and Gloria Cathcart.  Before he turned one, his his family moved to Japan as missionaries and he spent his next thirteen years in Japan and Russia, passing out Bibles and tracts, building churches, and watching out for his three younger siblings, Autumn, Bethany, and Joseph.  When he was fourteen, they moved to Helena, Montana and he finished his schooling. He attended Portland Bible Collage before returning to Montana. In 2010, when he was twenty-eight years old, he moved back to Japan and for seven years, he continued the work of the Gospel and faithfully shared the hope that is found in Jesus. He poured his life and time and resources into his students and friends there, working with his hands, serving the local church, teaching English and studying Japanese with his characteristic consistency. He loved Japan, its people and its food, but mostly, the dear friends he made there.

John was a faithful and loving member of Last Chance Chapel during all the years he lived in Helena. He loved and cherished his church family, always greeting them with a warm handshake or hug, and a genuine smile. He always enjoyed the physical challenge of working out and body-building, and found another great community and camaraderie in Midtown Fitness of Helena. He often tried to get his gym family to come to church, as well as get his church family to come with him to the gym.

John was a consistent and hard worker in everything he did. Those that he worked with in his various jobs can attest to his tenacity, punctuality, and strength.  When he set his mind to something, he was going to accomplish it. In 2022, he worked off nearly one hundred pounds in just eight months and competed in a statewide body building contest. Although it was his first time to ever compete, he medaled in three events. Most recently he was studying to become a personal trainer, because he loved to help others.

John had a compassionate and caring, very tender heart. His heart and desires were pure, as he followed the Lord and trusted solely in His Grace. Truly, he was a man with whom was no guile. John was kind and understanding and never talked about anyone with anger. The chief of his many consistencies was his love and care for his family. One of his great joys was giving the best "Uncle John presents" for his seven nieces and nephews.

He was and is a continuing source of inspiration to his family, for his example of continuing and persevering faith in the face of trials and adversity. In his time on this earth, John had to constantly overcome severe mental battles and the continual gnawing of extreme OCD.  Year after year, through it, he held firmly to belief in the finished work and forgiveness purchased by Jesus' Blood.  It is with much assurance and even gladness, that we, his family, and those closest to him, can say that John is no longer struggling, and is enjoying perfect peace, with a healed mind and body, in the presence of his Savior Who he loved.

We will greatly miss John until we see him again in Glory. Our heart's desire is to carry on his attributes of kindness with no pretension, his love of truth and purity, and his admiration for the holy Name of Jesus.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Matthew 5:8

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, March 1st, 11:00am at Last Chance Chapel, 6240 Raven Rd. There will be a reception immediately following at the LCC Lodge, 6311 Threemile Road, Helena, MT.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.