Jack Sherwood Smith, the son of Steve and Catherine Flynn Smith, was born February 5, 1925 and passed away May 27, 2016.
In 1943 the United States was looking for top notch young men to learn to pilot B-17 and B-24 bombers for World War II combat in Europe and the Pacific. Just 10 days after graduation from Butte’s Boys Central High School, Jack was selected.
After WWII, he was active in the reserves, joining the Montana National Guard in 1963. He retired from the National Guard in 1978 after qualifying as a helicopter pilot, and accumulating 35 years of military service, attaining the rank of Major. His interest in military flying continued after retirement as a member of the “Order of Daedalians”, a retired pilots association.
Throughout his life he worked as a carpenter, was employed by Dun & Bradstreet, managed the Credit Bureau of Helena, and was a partner in a Helena office supply business for twenty years. He was a member of the Carroll College faculty for two years, sat on the Board of Directors of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce, and worked for a local paper supply company until his retirement in 1990.
A member of the Helena Kiwanis Club since 1952, he served as its’ Treasurer for 30 years, was President of the Club in 1971, and was involved in every Club committee and a variety of the Club’s civic projects.
Jack and Clara Kober were married August 11, 1951 and are the proud parents of three sons; Steve (Jeanne) Las Vegas, NV, Brad (Marcia) and Mark (Chris) of Helena.
In addition to Clara and his sons, Jack is survived by his granddaughters, Erin (Chad) Russell, Belgrade, MT., Stephanie (Ryan) Sligar, Las Vegas, NV.; grandsons Christopher, Mathew, and Tim Smith, Helena; great granddaughters Natalie and Cameryn Sligar, and great grandson Prior Russell.
Other survivors include his sister Kay Ebert and sisters-in law Virginia Hollingsworth, Anna Marie Griffel, Vivian Roberts and Shirley Strong.
Viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. today, June 1st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Vigil will take place at 6:00 p.m. on today, June 1st at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave. Funeral Mass will take place at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 2nd at Saint Mary Catholic Community with a reception following in the social center of the church. Rite of Committal with Full Military Honors will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 3rd at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena, MT 59601, Helena Kiwanis Club, PO Box 4178, Helena, MT 59604 or the Montana Military Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 125, Ft. Harrison, MT 59636.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , MT 59602
Vigil
6:00 pm
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Saint Marys Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Thursday June 2, 2016
Saint Marys Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Thursday June 2, 2016
Social Center of the Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 am
Friday June 3, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetry
Helena , MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , MT 59602
Vigil
6:00 pm
Wednesday June 1, 2016
Saint Marys Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , MT 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Thursday June 2, 2016
Saint Marys Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
Funeral Reception
Following Mass
Thursday June 2, 2016
Social Center of the Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena , MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
10:00 am
Friday June 3, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetry
Helena , MT
Share
Tom Naegele says
Clara & Family,
Prayers of Support & Care sent to you all. Jack was a very fine man and mentor. I was Blessed to have known him.
Tom Cordingley says
Jack and I enjoyed talking flying. He couldn’t seem to get enough chatter about it. He really seemed to miss it. Great guy. So sad.
Father Joe Harrington says
Jack has always been Kiwanis for me. His love and service for our community remains an example for is all. To Clara and family my prayers and all good wishes in this time of our loss. Father Joe
Rosana Skelton says
Jack was Kiwanis’ senior statesman, an example to us all, and our institutional memory. It was an honor to know him, and he will be greatly missed.
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
I have many fond memories of Jack and your family at the cabin on the lake. He was a master at telling a good joke or story and his smile was infectious to everyone around him. His love of his country, community, and his devotion to his family were obvious to everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers to all of you, he will truly be missed.
Pat Perl says
Brad and Marcia
You are in my thoughts and prayers as is all of your family.
bill roberts says
Jack was one of the first people that I met when I joined Kiwanis and he was one of the most inspirational. Jack embodied the spirit of Kiwanis and service to the community. We worked together on Travelogue, apple sales and the Kiwanis board. He was always willing to help and provide his lifetime of experience. It was a sad time when Jack stopped attending our Monday meetings. My thoughts and prayers to all of you at this time as we recognize a life well lived.
Kim C Milburn says
Jack Smith will always be Helena Kiwanis for me. He was an institution when I joined in 1995, was always available when I needed information and background on Kiwanis programs and fund raisers, and the first one I would consult with as I served as President. Jack’s easy manner and genuine caring spirit were inspirational. I’ll always miss his presence in our great club.