John Jay Rokita, Big Horn Co., Obit

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John Jay Rokita

       HARDIN - March 19, 1998, was like any other day in March,
 except on this particular day, John Jay Rokita, age 79, suddenly
 surrendered his life in an auto accident. His loss may not change the
 world, but it has changed the world of all those who knew him. In
 fact, he always shaped mine.
       He was devoted to God, a cherished husband of 52 years, and the
 best father any child, or 50 year old surviving son, could ever have
 known. Moreover, he was a man who quietly set, by example,
 standards that challenged everyone to be more loving, caring, kind,
 gentle and content. He believed in justice for all, and at times fought,
 with considerable risk to his life, for things that were right. He never
 walked away from a task that needed to be completed; yet, his needs
 were simple and modest. He lived without fanfare. His opinion was
 respected by the community and by fellow members of Hardin's First
 Congregational Church, where he served in numerous capacities
 during the past 46 years. His presence was always peaceful, and
 positive and influential in a quiet way . . . a natural servant of God.
 Most importantly, he was loved more than can be expressed and
 respected, more than can be shown.
       In the early 1930's, about age 13, Jay, (as he was known to
 friends) left his birthplace in Sharon, Penn., to make his way in the
 west. First, he learned the cattle business by working on various
 ranches, and with old time cowmen who represented the last vestiges
 of the great cattle kingdom era. Later, he became a journeyman
 carpenter, a finish concrete mason, an MDU Compressor
 Supervisor/Operator, and the owner of his own small cattle ranch. His
 grass-fed steers reflected standards of quality seldom surpassed
 today.
       With the advent of WWII, Jay joined the U.S. Army and served in
 the Pacific theater, but his life in the islands and jungles was a time
 he seldom discussed. While proud of his service, the memories of war
 were not fond.
       After his honorable discharge at the end of the War, he married
 Waunetta Eckroy on April 6, 1946. A year later, they had a son, and
 then built their own home on Dry Creek, about six miles east of
 Hardin. It is the same home in which he and Waunetta lived at the
 time of his death.
       John Rokita was born the child of Joseph and Elizabeth on Feb. 16,
 1918, but the soul of this gentle man is now with God. He is survived
 by his wife, Waunetta Eckroy Rokita of Hardin; one son and
 daughter-in-law, Rusty and Deborah Rokita of Hardin; one sister, Ruth
 (Jake) Chrnko of Brookfield, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Montana Watts
 of Billings and Pauline Rokita, Sharon, Penn.; and several nieces and
 nephews in Montana and Pennsylvania.
       We have no real manner by which we can measure the impacts of
 John Rokita's life upon the world, his community, or his friends, but if
 we did, he would be worthy of our highest honors. Instead, the
 function of bestowing such honors must now be left where it
 properly belongs, in the hands of God.
       Dad, we shall miss you. Peace be with you, and may God grant
 you all the blessings of his kingdom forever. Love, your son, family
 and friends.
       Funeral services for John Jay Rokita will be held Tuesday at 2
 p.m. in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will
 be in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery.
       Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Big Horn
 County Museum or to the Jailhouse Gallery. Bullis Mortuary entrusted
 with the funeral arrangements.