Jack (Super Jack) Robert Martin
POLSON — Jack (Super Jack) Robert Martin, 66, of Polson died 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 on 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. Jack 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."His parents, sisters Judy Kodis and Maryann McSloy, preceded him in death. Two brothers Don and Jim Martin, and a son-in-law John Bessette.
Surviving are his wife Lucy of 47 years; daughters and their kids, Devie Bessette, Levi, Zach and Madi of Missoula; Derie (Rich) Kain, Briana, Tasia and Lauren of Lolo; his sons and their kids, Buster (Suzi) Martin- Heather, Brandon and Savanna of Anchorage, Alaska; Dennis (Renee') Martin, Nick and Bobbi of Missoula and Delane (Simone) Martin, Megan, Lynnze and Jack of Kalispell; brother Gene Martin; sisters Grace Tanner and Jo Pullar; 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 were held at the East Missoula Community Center March 11.
The family said a memorial donation to the Montana Cancer Center would be appreciated. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson. Condolences to family may be sent to www.groganfuneralhome.com