John Russell Woolsey, founder of Woolsey Tire, Inc., of Helena passed away peacefully, January 5th, 2022 of natural causes surrounded by his wife and children. John was born April 2nd, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana to George and Clay (Shea) Woolsey. In his youth, John was an avid baseball and hockey player. At the ripe old age of 12 he was noted for his signature "butt pitch" and as a key player on the 1948 Great Falls City Baseball champion team. He played for several seasons on the Great Falls Americans hockey team. After graduation from Great Falls High in 1955, John served in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, John spent a year in Havre attending Northern Montana College after which he worked for the Soil Conservation District and the telephone company working in Great Falls, Shelby, Butte and Helena, where he ultimately resided for the remainder of his life. While working in Great Falls at the telephone company, John met Sonya McNurlin and knew he had found his soul mate. They married on August 5th 1961 in Great Falls and recently celebrated 60 amazing years together. After moving to Helena, John and Sonya established Woolsey's Tire, Brake and Alignment. The shop continues to operate in the same location by son, Emery. Throughout his life John was a member of The Moose Club, Walleyes Unlimited and the Good Times Club. John had a great passion for being outside and spent most of his life enjoying the great outdoors. He worked tirelessly to ensure that his children and grandchildren developed that love for nature as well. He proudly taught each of his grandchildren to fish, out of the notorious green boat, of course, and every fish caught was followed up with the infamous, "This is how you fillet the fish" lesson. His love of motorcycles, another passion he passed on to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, evolved from his early years of flat track racing, to hill climbing, motocross racing and riding in the hills with his family. Golf was also a great passion of his that was shared amongst his family. His passions are carried on through his kids, grandkids & great grandkids. It didn't matter which sport he was engaged in, it just mattered that he was sharing the experience with those that he loved. The everlasting impact that John had will live on through the generations and will never be forgotten. John is survived by his loving wife Sonya, his children Emery (Lisa) Woolsey, Shelli (Dave) Hoerning and Wendy (TJ) Graveley; his grandchildren, Shane, Drew, Hannah (Grant), Kasey, Rikki, Jaden and Cody; and his great-grandchildren, Finnius and Ward. Baby Ward is our special angel born the same day John left this earth. At this time there will be a small family gathering and a celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.