Joseph Barkshire

Joseph William Barkshire, 81, of Great Falls, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Peace Hospice.Joseph was mostly known as Trader Joe and was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on October 19, 1933. His horse trading and being a cowboy days started as a young man. Joe joined the Navy when he was 17, January 2, 1951, and was honorably discharged August 18, 1954. During his service, he received the Korean Service Ribbon, 2 Stars, United Nations Service Medal, China Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and First Good Conduct.When he was in the service, he made a good friend, Kenneth Kane, who was from Sheridan, Wyoming. Sheridan was his next stop when he worked on the Kane ranch for a time with his friend, Kenneth. Later, he came to Montana working as a cowboy on a few ranches around Cascade, MT. He competed in rodeos as a bull rider and a bareback rider. One day at a rodeo in Chinook, MT, he met his bride, Jeanne Norris. Once they were married, they settled in Fort Shaw and bought the Fort Shaw Mercantile. Later, they purchased property closer to Great Falls and established Trader Joes Tack, and still operate the business today.Joe is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jeanne; children Jolene Linn and Wade Barkshire; grandchildren Carrie and Tyler Linn, and Dillon Barkshire; and three great-grandchildren.He was truly a unique individual and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.A celebration of Joes life is pending and in the care of Schnider Funeral Home.