Jack 'Super Jack' Robert Martin, 66
Jack "Super Jack" Robert Martin, 66, of Polson, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at his home. His loving family surrounded him during his courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 10, 1939, in Missoula to Gaither and May Martin. He spent his childhood in Missoula and Auburn, Wash.
He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1957, and served as a nuclear weapons man aboard the USS Intrepid. On Nov. 5, 1959, while home on leave, he married his childhood sweetheart, Lucy Steele, whom he met while in the second grade. He loved to share stories of the far away places he visited while in the Navy. He was honorably discharged Nov. 1, 1963.
After leaving the service, he spent many years employed as a log-truck driver. He never tired of the smell of the woods in the early morning just before sunrise. He became very close to those he worked with over the years.
"We can't think about Dad without thinking of the beautiful music he made. He was a very talented guitarist and taught all his children to play. We have fond memories of the times we shared making music together." He played in two bands in the late '70s and early '80s, the 5 Valley Freight Line and the Cannon Ball Express.
After retiring and moving to Polson in 1996, he took up woodworking. He and Lucy enjoyed the time they spent with this new hobby. He always had a beautiful yard and built many birdhouses, which were "rented" each spring to a new bird family. He kept the birds housed and fed, and it was a great pastime for him.
He loved his little dog, Moses, and played tirelessly with him each day. They were great buddies. He enjoyed most the time he spent with his family. When asked, "Where is your favorite place to be?" he would answer, "Anywhere Lucy is."
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Judy Kodis and Maryann McSloy; two brothers, Don and Jim Martin; and a son-in-law, John Bessette.
His wife of 47 years, Lucy, survives him; along with his daughters and their children, Devie Bessette, Levi, Zach and Madi of Missoula, and Derie and Rich Kain, Briana, Tasia and Lauren of Lolo; his sons and their children, Buster and Suzi Martin, Heather, Brandon and Savanna of Anchorage, Alaska, Dennis and Renee' Martin, Nick and Bobbi of Missoula, and Delane and Simone Martin, Megan, Lynnze and Jack of Kalispell; brother, Gene Martin; sisters, Grace Tanner and Jo Pullar; and friend and brother-in-law, Robert Steele.
Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes.
A memorial gathering and military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the East Missoula Community Center, 300 Montana Ave. Please come share in a celebration of Jack's life.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Montana Cancer Center would be appreciated. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.