John 'Jack' R. Sturgis, 78

John "Jack" R. Sturgis, 78, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm April 16, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, surrounded by his family.

Jack was born Jan. 6, 1935, to Harold and Mabel (Clark) Sturgis in Kansas City, Kan., joining brother Harold R. Jr., and half sister Mary Jane Sullivan. Jack grew up in Kansas City where he made many friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Jack graduated from high school in 1953, after which be joined the Army serving for two years, one in which he was stationed in Japan.

On his return to the states he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Holmes, on April 29, 1956. Moving to Denver, Jack attended trade school for two years, pursuing his lifetime interest in gunsmithing. The family, now joined by daughter Beckie, returned to Kansas, where son Matt was born and Jack worked at restoring pianos. The family then headed west to Kalispell.

Jack obtained a job scuba driving to remove sunken logs in Flathead Lake. Then he started working at Bauska Gun Shop. Daughter Tami and son David were born during this time. In 1966 the family moved to Stryker where they resided for 18 years and Jack worked as a machinist near Fortine. In later years Jack and Lois returned to Kalispell where Jack, partially retired, continued to do specialized machine work, eventually joining a partnership making scope mounts and parts for Swiss rifles.

He taught himself to play the guitar when quite young and blessed us all with music and song, which will be sorely missed. Many evenings found Jack and Lois playing and singing folk songs to the enjoyment of many friends and family. Jack and Lois enjoyed traveling, visiting England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and New Zealand. One of their final trips was a lifelong dream of Jack’s of going on safari in Africa.

Jack was very involved in the Church of God and became an ordained elder in 2011. Jack made many dear friends throughout his very full life.

“Our hearts break at our loss, but find peace knowing Jack has joined his Lord and Savior.”

Jack is survived by his wife, Lois, of Kalispell, daughter, Beckie, and Randy Evins, of Eureka; son, Matt, of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter, Tami, and Wayne Bozarth, of Eureka; and son, David, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Kerrol, Kole and Kit Evins, Jordan and Jonathon Sturgis, Tim and Tara Bozarth; and eight great-grandchildren; brother, Harold R. Sturgis; and nephews, H.R. and Mike. He also leaves behind his canine buddy, Teddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.

A private ceremony was held April 20. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer.