Victor – Jack W. Stark was born June 8, 1928 in Denver, Colorado, to John Wall Stark and Lenora Katherine Stark. Jack spent his early years in Cripple Creek, Colorado, where he father was superintendent of the Cresson Mine. He graduated from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs.
After high school, Jack attended Colorado University and then entered the U.S. Air Force for three years. Upon receiving an honorary discharge, he entered University of Denver and graduated from the Law School in 1955. Jack and Ethel met at a law school event and were married in Denver n June 28, 1956. They have three daughters: Michelle (William) Goodman of Edmonds, Washington; Katherine (David) Murto of Butte, Montana; and Jennifer (Aaron) Holmberg of Victor, Montana. The couple has six grandchildren: Katie Murto, Anastasia and Dima Goodman; Weston Brickman; Collin and Lauryn Holmberg.
Jack started his law career in La Jara, Colorado, where he served as Deputy District Attorney and County Attorney. The family later moved back to Denver where he was employed by the Colorado Attorney General with the Inheritance Tax Division and then the Game and Fish Department. Upon a move to Fort Collins, Colorado, Jack entered private practice. While in Fort Collins, he had the opportunity to teach business law at Colorado State University and had a term as Municipal Judge in Windsor, Colorado.
A trip to the Bitterroot Valley in 1973 reminded Jack of the Colorado he had grown up in. The family moved to Victor in 1974, where they have remained. Jack represented Farmers State Bank in Victor for many years before his retirement.
Jack enjoyed reading and travel. History and theology were his favorite subjects; his favorite trip was an extended archaeology dig in Israel. Jack enjoyed spending time on his own personal studies. Being an avid reader, he filled many journals with notes and thoughts. His best times were when his family and grandchildren were together. Jack was a loving husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
To those who know him, Jack’s pursuit of Christ was an example. Jack loved Jesus with his heart, mind and hands. His earnest faith in God’s word and trust in his promises were matched by a lifelong disciplined work ethic, encouraging his children and grandchildren with his strong and caring leadership. For this legacy, we are deeply thankful.
Jack is preceded in death by his father, John; his mother, Lenora; granddaughters Emily and Mary Goodman; and brother-in-law, Charles Kenyon.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. at Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene in Victor, Montana. Pastor John Capen will officiate. Private burial will precede at Victor Cemetery.
In Jack’s memory, charitable donations may be made to Bridges for Peace, P.O. Box 410037, Melbourne FL 32041-0037, www.bridgesforpeace.com.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.