John Thomas Mccarthy

John Thomas McCarthy was born on March 28, 1959, in Butte, Montana to Jerry and Jean McCarthy and passed away in perfect peace on September 26, 2020, in the loving arms and presence of his wife and family. John died from Liver failure and battling Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer.



John was raised in Butte, Montana and was actively involved with rodeo, different aspects of ranching, construction work, and hunting. John attended Butte schools, where he met his high school sweetheart Yvonne Hanson. John and Yvonne began dating in September of 1974 and married in April of 1977. John Thomas McCarthy is survived by his wife of 43 years Yvonne McCarthy, daughter Annie Poole (spouse Jim Poole, daughters Rylan and Kaylan) of Great Falls, son Jeffrey McCarthy (spouse Melissa McCarthy, daughter Baylee, and sons Isaiah and Treysen) of Three Forks, daughter Carrie Driver (spouse SSgt Timothy Driver II, daughter Isabelle) stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, daughter Kellie Clough (spouse Shawn Clough, son Bridger, and daughters Allaina and Cadence) of Three Forks and son Ryan McCarthy (daughters Kimber and Oakley) of Three Forks.



John was preceded in death by his father Jerry McCarthy in 1981, his mother Jean McCarthy in 1995, sister Cissy Helberg in 2008, brother Jay McCarthy in 2012, brother Bill McCarthy in 2013. John is survived by his sisters Kathy Contway and Rochelle Jones. Other family members include his Aunt Connie DeYott of Deer Lodge, sister-in-law Sandi McCarthy of Whitehall, and Lesa McCarthy of Loma Vista, California. Niece Cindy Borne of Butte, nephew Shad McCarthy of Thornton, Colorado, Justin Newman from Columbus, Montana.



John began his construction trade work at a very early age of 12 years old sweeping floors and banging nails; then, at the age of 14, he began working for Gene Spolar (Summit Valley Industries of Butte) from 1973 to 1978. Gene was instrumental in instilling John’s strong work ethic. John was later employed by the US Government MHD Plant. The job was short-lived due to the Regan Economics of 1981, and devastation followed at the same time his father passed away. John and Yvonne moved to Great Falls in 1982, began again. He went to work for Cliff Wadsworth of Wadsworth Builders, where John became a Journeyman Plumber in 1983. During this time, John had a tremendous spiritual awakening and began his walk with his Lord and Savior in 1983 and was dramatically changed from within.



John and Yvonne answered the calling on their lives and spent a brief time attending Lay Ministry Training Center in North Heights, Minnesota, where he actively participated in leading men’s Bible study discipleship groups in the Stillwater State Prison in St. Paul, Minnesota. John then moved on to inner-city street ministry in Columbus, Ohio, where John compassionately ministered to the homeless, addicted, and downtrodden. Returning to Great Falls in 1986, John went to work for Ginnaty Plumbing and Heating. He continued his passion to minister to the less fortunate, opening a coffee house style center, the New Life Center, hosting bible studies, and park events providing Christian music and picnics. In 1990 John and Yvonne became involved with Marriage Ministries and began their ministry to marriages and families, teaching and leading 13-week marriage courses. In the midst of these courses, John became convicted that they needed to go on the mission field, and in 1991 began preparing to go to Guatemala! A large yellow school bus was loaded and caravanned the 3400-mile trek from Great Falls, through Mexico, and into Guatemala. John’s passion to disciple, lead, and train the indigent people was incredible; he learned to communicate and lead in Spanish. The adventure and time spent was epic! John hiked the mountains, evangelized, built churches, ministered to the orphans, provided humanitarian relief, befriending so many while leading his own children and setting the example. While in Guatemala, funds were limited, and he began raising chickens, selling the meat, and even started a fried chicken stand that He named “POLLO MAC.” Once again, his passion and energy to support his family and provide a standard of living for those he came into contact with were incredible. John was so secure in his calling to disciple, led by example in the lives of everyone he touched.



John and his family returned to Great Falls in December of 1996, and he returned to Wadsworth Builders and resumed his trade until 2004; again, he was driven to conduct marriage groups and discipleship with numerous Bible study groups and fellowship. He encouraged his children to pursue their continued education and employment opportunities and made sure they all received their first vehicles.



In October of 2004, John began his own construction company, McCarthy Construction Inc, and relocated to Townsend, Montana. The business was successful, and he obtained the dealership for Central Boiler installing outdoor wood boilers. His reputation flourished because of his expertise. Once again, John involved his family in every aspect. In Christ Ministries was founded, jail ministry, marriage and family groups were conducted, and international mission trip opportunities were launched. In 2014 John again felt called to leave for the mission field and began to travel to South Africa. The transition and logistics were challenging, but he persevered until health issues with Yvonne brought them back home to Great Falls in 2016. The business resumed, and his productivity soared. In 2017 he joined Ryan in Bozeman and was hired by Williams Plumbing in January 2018. John absolutely loved his job and the time spent there, the executive leadership, and the opportunity to lead and train his fellow team members. That passion drove him to continue his work and project management despite his cancer diagnosis. John missed very few days, continued to be productive and involved in all aspects of his job responsibilities until the final day before his passing. He stayed strong and positive and fought for his life. John was able to share his love and final words of encouragement with his wife and children before he passed. He passed with complete peace and rest knowing he had given his best in every aspect of his life.



A viewing will be held at 12:30pm with a Celebration of Life at 1:30pm on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center.