Jack Lee, 71
Jack Lee, our beloved husband, father and friend, “went to be with Jesus for eternity” on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at the age of 71, in Kalispell. He passed away peacefully, and surrounded by his loved ones following a brief illness.
Jack was born on Jan. 1,1945, in Guion, Arkansas, to Floyd and Thelma Lee. He moved to Washington state as a young child and grew up there with his five siblings and his parents who worked in the Wenatchee area. Jack grew into a teen full of mischief and when he came of age he eagerly answered the call of the Armed services. He proudly served for three years in the United States Navy and had many fond memories of that time, often sharing stories of his travels.
He married Gail Smith in 1966 and they had two daughters and a son whom he loved deeply. The love and belief he had in his kids was exactly what they needed to do well in their lives. They were his great joy.
Jack worked his entire life as an electrician and refrigeration serviceman. He received his HVAC Certificate from Wenatchee Valley College and worked at Sav-Mart for many years. He had his own business, Jack’s Repair. He was fortunate to be able to work for a few years in the great state of Alaska on a fish processing ship doing refrigeration and once again enjoying the sea. He was a stranger to none and spoke easily with all he met, making many friends along the way. He was a master woodcrafter and especially enjoyed making hope chests for his daughters, granddaughters and nieces.
He spent many years working with youth in the Leavenworth, Washington, area as youth pastor at Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene, impacting many young lives for Jesus. During this time he became buddies with his best friend, Bob Johnson aka “Johnson.” This friendship lasted his entire life and was a gift on earth to him.
In 1996 Jack met the love of his life, Judi Filler. They were blessed with 20 wonderful years together. This relationship added two daughters and two sons to his family along with countless new family and new friends. Jack’s Refrigeration business quickly grew into friendships that he cherished and considered an extension of his family. Many memories were shared at Flathead Lake where he found refuge, relaxation, enjoyment and gourmet dining. He especially enjoyed entertaining his grandchild there. Until recently, Jack’s yearly event was at least one back flip off the dock. He’s been known to draft and construct crawdad cages, only to catch and devour them, much to the delight of his grandchildren. Everyone knew if they needed assistance with anything, Jack was more than willing and was “The Man” to get it done.
Jack enjoyed playing tennis, cards, gardening and cooking. Corned beef, cabbage and prime rib were some of his specialties. Wherever Jack was there was a party, whether Judi knew there was going to be one or not. He was known for asking anyone and everyone over for food and fun with Judi being the last to know. This was a hallmark trait of Jacks and one that endeared him to many.
“You are deeply missed Dad, Jack! You ran the race so well! We salute you! Can’t wait to see you again!”
Jack is survived by his “treasure,” Judi Filler, of Kalispell; children, Audra Larson and Ken, Angie Decker and Eric, Robert Lee, Tammy Filler-Eierdam, Tina Filler- Weidmaier and Tom, and Rick Filler and Linda; sister, Lucille Howard; and brother, Larry Lee, and Carol; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Thelma Lee; brothers, Gary Lee and James Lee; sister, Beatrice Owens; and son, Billy Filler.
A memorial service will be held in Kalispell at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Lone Pine State Park with luncheon to follow. A second service will be held in Leavenworth, Washington, at 1 p.m. Monday, March 7, at the Wild Huckleberry at the Leavenworth Golf Course, with luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Northwest Montana Veterans Service Center, 1349 U.S. Highway 2 East, Kalispell, MT 59901; or to Leavenworth Church of the Nazarene Youth Group, 111 Ski Hill Drive, Leavenworth, WA 98826.