Jack Black passed away at his home in Helena surrounded by his family at the age of 79 in the early morning hours on Sunday, June 24th after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Jack was the eldest of 5 children born to Leo and Hazel Black. He was born on May 26, 1933 at St. John’s Hospital in Helena and spent his entire life in Helena.
Jack loved his family first and foremost and was known as Grandpa Jack, not only to his own grandchildren, but to many of their friends and acquaintances. Even his renters knew him as Grandpa Jack.
He also had a great love of motorcycles and vintage cars as well as being able to fix anything mechanical. On numerous occasions he was called upon to help when a friend, relative, or even a stranger was broken down and needed assistance. According to his baby book, his first words were mom, dad and car! Jack raced motorcycles in his early years and later would buy an old vehicle, pour his heart and soul into restoring it, only to later sell or trade it (much to his wife’s chagrin), for another vehicle to start restoring. He always loved a challenge; he needed to have a project to be working on at all times.
Jack enlisted in the Navy during the Korean conflict and served on the Landing Ship Dock number 722 as an electrician from 1953-1955.
After returning from duty, he married Ann Wells of Kalispell and they raised two children, Jackie and Scott. Jack worked for the U.S. Postal Service in the 60’s and later operated Bezanson and Black Excavation with his brother-in-law, Ed Bezanson during the 70’s doing many projects around the city of Helena and surrounding area. After nearly 25 years of marriage, he an Ann remained close friends and devoted parents.
In 1982, Jack married Viletta Gottwig Oelke, and they operated Black’s Radiator shop in the Helena Valley until retiring.
Jack is survived by his mother, Hazel; his wife; Viletta; children and step children: Jackie (Kent) Smith of Helena, Scott (Kym) Black of Missoula, Calvin (Lynae) Oelke, Helena, Valerie (Mike) Hartnett, Cwisp WA, and Curt Oelke of Wenatchee WA; grandchildren; Tony Smith, Helena; Kellie (Justin) Knapp, Helena, Tanner (Briana) Smith, Helena, Kansys and Kennedy Black, Missoula, Jessica Oelke, Moses Lake WA, Sytel & Brady Oelke, Helena, Emily, Eli and Elise Oelke, Issaquah WA, great grandchildren: Reinah & Benjamin Knapp, Helena, Tazen Smith, Helena, Jenzell Oelke, Moses Lake WA. Jack is also survived by his siblings, Beverly (Ed) Bezanson, Seeley Lake MT, Jim (Sharon) Black, Helena, Pam (Bob) Walker, Jolliet MT, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his Father, Leo Black and his brother Robert Black.
A memorial service and reception celebrating Jack’s life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena MT on Monday, July 2nd at 1:00 pm.
Memorials in Jack’s name may be sent to Hospice of St Peters, 2475 Broadway St Helena MT 59601.
To offer a condolence or share a memory of Jack, please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Service Schedule
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Collette Brownlow says
Jackie, my prayers are with you and your family. You have had so much stress this past week. I am thinking of you and will continue to try and get in touch with you.
Call if you need anything.
Karen Hartman says
Scott, Our hearts goes out to you. Jack was a very special person and will be dearly missed.
With sincerity,
Blaise, Karen, James and Chrissy Hartman
Larry Ross says
I remember going with my dad (Bud) to watch the guys race their motorcycles.
As a kid I viewed Jack Black as really cool. I got my bicycle dirty because Jack Black’s motorcycle was dirty after the race.
To Jack Black’s family, I am sorry for your loss, embrace the memories.
Sandy says
All my thoughts and prayers out with you and your family Jackie.