John Grierson Obituary

John Robert "J.R." Grierson M.D., 80, of Hysham, MT, formerly of Miles City, MT passed away on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with kidney disease.

Born on June 29, 1944, in Miles City, J.R. was the son of the late John and Marjorie (Neil) Grierson. Affectionately known as "Bob" to his friends, J.R. was raised in Hysham and worked on the family JB Grierson Ranch, riding the Froze-to-Death and Fort Pease pastures and rangeland with the ranch cowboys. After finishing high school in Hysham, he went on to graduate with Honors from the University of Utah with a degree in Entomology, and Oregon Health Sciences University with a Doctorate of Medicine. After completing his medical internship at Hennepin County Hospital in Minneapolis, MN, J.R. was commissioned as an officer in the Public Health Service. He was stationed in Zuni, NM where he received the Public Health Service Commendation Medal for exemplary performance of duty. J.R. completed a General Surgery Residency in Phoenix, AZ and then returned to Miles City where he practiced general surgery and medicine at the Miles City Clinic, Garberson Clinic, and Holy Rosary Hospital. During his career, he was Chief of Staff, a hospital board member, and a founding member and director of Hospice. Additionally, he traveled the state teaching Advanced Trauma Life Support classes to first responders and was on the board of the Range Riders Museum. In 2001, J.R. retired from his surgical practice and moved with his wife Diann to their cabin near Hysham.

J.R. was well known for his quick-wit, generosity, hard-working nature, and intelligence. He was an avid reader and enjoyed managing animal health at the family ranch, woodworking, and collecting antiques. Trips to Iowa for the Waverly Midwest Draft Horse Sale and to Denver for the National Western Stock show were annual favorites. Many fond memories were made on wagon trains through the ranch, local parades, county fairs, and on trips to the Circus Parade in Wisconsin with the Eastern Montana Clydesdales.

Together J.R. and Diann renovated the historic Rancher School House into a local antique store and community gathering place. They also ran Cat Coulee Beds n' Birds - a bed and breakfast for hunters. In his later years J.R. served as the Treasure County Public Health Director in Hysham, where he also operated a weekly medical clinic up until his death.

J.R. had a deep love for his animals. His couch, lap, and front car seat were always occupied by one or more of his Springer Spaniels. If you stopped by for a visit, you could stand or share a seat with them.

Spending time with his family was the most important thing in J.R.'s life. He loved his kids and grandkids. Snuggling new grandbabies and teasing the teenage grandkids were some of his favorite pastimes. Countless memories were made driving through the JB Grierson ranch land for picnic lunches "checking cows", on family vacations and fishing trips, playing board games and hands of canasta, and tinkering around the cabin.

As a dedicated husband, dad, grandfather, doctor, and rancher J.R. left a legacy that will endure for generations. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

J.R. is survived by Diann (Rasmussen) Grierson, his wife of 43 years; his children Jimmy (Linda) Grierson, Krista (Tim) Hart, and Dana (Kory) Leininger; his grandchildren Hannah (Noah) Good, Jonah Grierson, Micah Grierson, Jessy Hart, Kami Hart, Bode Hart, Olivia Leininger, Liam Leininger, Isaac Leininger, Charlotte Leininger; and his Springer Spaniels, Archie and Tilly. He was preceded in death by his parents and cousin James Almond.

The family extends gratitude to the staff at Holy Rosary Hospital, Holy Rosary Infusion Center, Home Health, and Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 with the family receiving friends from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301. Visitation will also be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday February 22, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 245 Westwind Ln, Forsyth, MT 59327. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 245 Westwind Ln, Forsyth, MT 59327 with luncheon to follow. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com