John Shute also known as "The Legend"

John passed away surrounded by friends and family on the night of Saturday, August 16th 2025. He was 62 years young.

John was born in Wuerzburg, Germany on April 23rd 1963 to Leo and Patsy Shute. Later they moved to Helena, MT. Where John grew up with his siblings, Dave, Lisa and Danny. After John graduated high school, he enlisted into the Military where he served in the Army National Guard and Armed Forces. John started his Military career in November 1989. He was trained as a Combat Engineer Crewman. This training included Tactical, Terrain Navigation, Team Support and Operational Support. He also was trained as a Warrior Leader, where he learned a lot of his leadership skills. John's specialties were Petroleum Supply and Engineer Tracked Vehicle Crewman where he learned how to operate/load the CEV and/or ACE vehicles. John was Honorably discharged from the National Guard in November of 1995, and Honorably discharged from the Armed forces in December of 1996 where his final rank was SSG, Staff Sergeant Shute. He served his country for many years and valued the qualities of a soldier that he passed down to his children. He took his training and the skills he acquired in the military and passed them down to his children as life lessons.

John was a family man, he married Diane in February of 1986. They had 4 girls together, "The Girls". John always had a soft spot for his girls and said that they "could sniff out any time he had cash on hand". They would ask for it and say "I'm being cute". He had an even softer spot for his grandkids. He loved them endlessly and would do anything for them. There wasn't anything John wouldn't do for his family. Later in life. John remarried to Felicia in July of 2020. His family grew, as Felecia's kids and grandkids, became his and loved them just as much.John was a hard working father who worked at American Chemet for over 32 years supporting his family. He loved working the night shift and the friendship that stemmed from his "work crew", this is where he met his best friend, Dwight, who quickly became family. John knew the importance of team work and motivation and often brought donuts to work to keep the morale up. He was committed to his team and keeping things running smoothly and giving everyone a voice.  John was  also on the work softball team where his kids would watch, cheer him on, and play at the "park" for hours.

John was an avid outdoorsmen, who loved to teach survival camps, guide hunting trips and spend time with his friends and family. He spent countless hours, pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into planning and organizing camping and hunting trips for years. He loved to take his kids, grandkids, other family members and friends. The hikes to check out a spot were never more than just "200 yards" away and it was always "flat". John was a great Guide and truly enjoyed spending his time helping others learn about the outdoors, whether it was how to breathe while you were shooting, to how to "find the truck". Which was also one of his favorite games to play. He would hike you all over the place, going different directions, then stop randomly, look at everyone with such a serious look and ask "where's the truck?!" Another lesson he taught that came in handy later in life.

The Girls grew up learning about hard work and frequently learning their lessons the hard way. John would push them, knowing how important it would be for them. "A lot of our lessons were learned in the wilderness. For some reason they always started with push-ups, jumping jacks, and fricken arm circles." His love knew no bounds and he was always up to mischief with his ever present humor. He was always there if you needed a hand or his puffy jacket off his back. He knew to always pack the best "pogey bait" for snacks during hunting camp. "Does this mean we never have to kiss the butt or sign the cheese club?"

John loved to grab a drink, or a "few", with his friends and "jabber" the night away. Talking about anything and everything. He could talk your ear off, especially if it was something he was passionate about! For years John would take The Girls and spend football Sunday at the Brewhouse so he and his buddies could watch the "Vikes" play.

He is preceded in his death by his Mother and Father, Leo and Patsy Shute and brother Danny Shute. He is survived by his Brother Dave (Suzie) Shute and his sister, Lisa (Bob) Scott, his 4 children Mandy (Ed) Lain, Kelly (Zach) Murfitt, Jessy (Chad) Freiburg, and Jen (Kannon) Hawke. He has several grandkids, Sophie, Izzy, Lexi, Jolisa, Izaik, Cheyenne, Iris, Roxy, Cameron, Keira, Kylee, and Alissa, as well as a million friends, including his best friend, Dwight (Cheri) Hoy who was basically a brother to him. Several Nieces and Nephews. John leaves behind a long list of traditions, life lessons, and hilarious stories that will forever be carried on by his friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at JFK Park, 309 Harrison Ave North in East Helena, MT 59635 on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 1pm. Memorials may be sent...3215 Rawhide Ct Helena MT 59602    In lieu of flowers... please send a donation of your choice to a hunting/fishing, veteran affairs/ support group or charity.

Let me go

"When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set Free?? Miss me a little, but not for long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love we once shared Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone It's all part of the master plan A step on the road to home When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know Laugh at all the things we used to do Miss me, but let me go."