Life time Helena resident, Jack Maurice Smith, passed away on July 8 at St. Peter’s Hospital following a recent illness. Jack was born on March 8, 1926 to Edith Grace German and Robley Smith and grew up in Helena’s 6th ward, attending Bryant School and graduating from Helena High School in 1943.
Jack served our country in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Philippines and was a member of the Occupational Forces in Japan.
On September 11, 1948, Jack married Wanda Lucille Robertson in Malta, Montana. From this union, 4 children were born, Sharon, Debra, Cindy and Brett. Wanda passed away in April of 1979. Jack remarried on November 20, 1982 to Joyce Bailey Glineski, also of Helena. As Jack always said, he was truly blessed in his life to have been loved by two amazing and wonderful women.
After his service in the military, Jack attended Carroll College and the University of Montana Missoula. He then returned to Helena and opened the Tower Texaco service station on the corner of 11th and Roberts in 1950.
In 1965, he started Montana General Credit, a home based business. Jack sold Tower Texaco in 1968 and then worked a short time at United Building Center before finishing his career with the State of Montana and retiring in 1978.
Jack and family had various rentals and did property remodels, including the conversion of the family’s restaurant, The Park Café, on Railroad Avenue into a 4-plex. Jack’s family enjoyed ‘The Cabin’ they built on Canyon Ferry Lake, where together they spent years with both family and friends.
Using Jack’s extensive building expertise and carpentry skills, Jack and Joyce constructed their dream home on Canyon Ferry Road. Jack always had a project to work on around the house; his “to-do” list was ever growing. He also spent quality time with the 1943 Helena High reunion group, meeting each month at Perkins Restaurant.
Jack had many names in his life, including Son, Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin, and Great Grandpa. He was a strong, talented, gentle giant who always had a kind word and believed each day should be lived to its fullest. He loved a good joke and was a great jokester himself, who was fondly nicknamed “Big Daddy.”
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Wanda, and his daughter, Sharon.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; daughter, Debra Smith of Charlotte NC; daughter Cindy Eccleston (Gary) of Charlotte, NC and formerly of Dillon, MT; son Brett Smith (Sharon) of Lugoff, SC; brother Guy Stoner (Mary Jo) of Elliston, MT; grandchildren Amy Eccleston, Sarah Eccleston Anderson (Russ), Beth Evans (Rob), Lynn Manuel (Anthony), 4 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 12 at 11:00 am at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, 315 6th Avenue. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena. A reception-luncheon will follow the burial service. Memorials may be sent to: The Disabled America Veterans, Ft. Harrison, MT 59636; The Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E Custer Ave., Helena, MT 59601; or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jack, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Ed, Pam and Jeff Fallang says
Joyce and Family,
Jack was the best brother-in-law and uncle anyone could ask for. He was an amazing person,always kept you laughing.They will a big void in our family without Jack.
Rest in Peace Jack and we all will always love you and keep you in our Hearts.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Lane says
Jackson….I will miss you!! Joyce and kids…hope you can remember all the fun times with Jack and know that he is now happy and heathy. He will be missed xoxo
Retz Funeral Home says
Our deeepest condolences during this time.
ginger hanson says
I will forever miss his pipe and his smile,
Lynn Manuel says
Dear Joyce, Cindy, Debra, and Brett,
We send our love and prayers to you in the loss of such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We wish Dane and Madeleine had gotten the chance to meet Great-Grandpa Jack but know many stories of him will be shared with them and his memory will live on.
With love,
Lynn, Anthony, Dane & Madeleine Manuel
Leslie Stoll O'Neill says
Dear Smith Family:
I was so sad to hear of Jack’s passing ~ I have so many fond memories of your dad, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jack was always so kind to me even as an annoying little kid!
His obituary was a great tribute to a great man. We were all blessed to have known him.
Leslie Stoll O’Neill
Tom Pearson says
Joyce – I’m so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Such a witty man, I always looked forward to the times when you two were scheduled to come in.
Deb (Rivers) Peterson says
Debra, Cindy, Brett, Joyce & extended family.
What a beautiful service and reception @ Captin Jack’s. My mom said “Jack and Wanda would be very proud of their children, they have grown into wonderful adults.” It was so nice to visit with you and look through old pictures of our childhood. When I think of Jack I will always smile! Deb