John Thomas Ague Sr.

John Thomas Ague Sr., or Jack as he was affectionately known to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14, 2026.

Jack was the youngest of six children born to Carl and Eva (Diener) Ague on Oct. 17, 1932, in Albany, New York. He spent his childhood and youth between the family farm in Greenville and their winter home in Albany.

In 1949, shortly after his 17th birthday, Jack enlisted in the Army. He trained at Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Colorado to become a medic before deploying to Korea with the 1201st ASU Medical Detachment. During his service, Jack earned the United Nations Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars and the Combat Medical Badge.

Upon his return from Korea, Jack married the love of his life, Marjorie Dawn Cook, on Oct. 29, 1954, in East Schodack, N.Y. Together they would enjoy more than 56 years of adventures.

After starting their family, they moved across the country to the McKenzie River in Oregon with their children John, Tim and Tammy. Their family would later become complete with the birth of Sonja. Jack worked as a typewriter repairman for the university system. 

He and Dawn enjoyed raising their family in the countryside, spending time with friends and doting over beloved pets.

In 1973, adventure called again and they moved to Montana where Jack worked in construction and mining.

Jack was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He shared his love for the outdoors with his children, grandchildren and extended family from New York. Jack’s personality was larger than life, fueled by an endless supply of unforgettable stories and a quick wit. He could captivate any audience with his vivid descriptions and animated expressions, and had the unique gift of making strangers feel like lifelong friends within minutes.

Jack always thought of others before himself. He had a kind word of encouragement ready for anyone in need, often reminding folks no matter how bad things may seem, you can overcome anything.

He loved his family deeply and said he loved you every chance he had. His love extended to creatures great and small and he took many chances placing himself in precarious positions to rescue domestic and wild animals from situations that most people would say ‘wasn't advisable’.

But if Jack saw someone or something in need, he chose to help. There was never a hesitation.

Helping others isn't what Jack did, it's who he was.

Jack loved the Lord and took comfort knowing Jesus, or “The Man” as he'd sometimes call him, was watching over him. He'd remind anyone who'd listen that it was important to “get right with The Man upstairs”.

Jack's presence will be missed, but his love and his legacy lives on through his family. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Pauline Kuntzsch, William Ague, Carl Ague Jr., and Armand Ague; his wife Dawn; son-in-law Scott Brinegar; and numerous family pets.

He is survived by his children John (Susan) Ague, Tim Ague, Tammy Brinegar, and Sonja (Tim) Becquart; daughter-in-law Kathy Ague; grandchildren Britani (Jerry) Laughery, Dejon (Nick) Raines, Chari (Tom) Kumle, Carli (Wayne) Carlisle, Tim (Rosie) Brinegar, Casey (Jennie) Brinegar, Ashley (Ryan) Thom, and Zane (Sky Alt) Brown; special nephews and niece Fred (Donna) Kuntzsch, Bob Kuntzsch, Kit (Claire) Ague, and Kim (Ron) Keith; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many other extended relatives.

The family is grateful for the wonderful staff at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls, Montana for the incredible care they provided to Jack. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Libby Assembly of God Church (105 Collins Ave.) at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, with graveside services to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s honor are encouraged to veterans’ organizations or Kootenai Pets For Life.