A.J. 'Jack' King, 90
Jack quietly passed away at home on Feb. 13, 2019.
He was born into a family of three teenagers to Judge Dean King and Metta Steere King. His parents were members of the first Flathead County High School graduating class in 1905.
He graduated from Flathead County High School and from the University of Montana with a degree in business administration. To earn money for school, he worked summers for the Forest Service. When he learned the smoke-jumpers paid more, he signed up. He played as a safety and back-up quarterback for the U of M Grizzly football team, one of his most precious memories.
Jack and Almeda Longpre, his high school sweetheart, married Aug. 20, 1950 in the First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell. He began his amazing 60 plus years journey of banking beginning with Commercial Credit Corp. in Missoula, Metals Bank and Trust Co. in Butte and Conrad National Bank in Kalispell. He went on to be executive vice president of the Bank of Columbia Falls.
In 1962, Jack and the late Jack Hensley bought the State Bank of Somers and moved the bank charter to Kalispell. It was renamed the Valley Bank of Kalispell. He chartered a second bank, the First Security Bank of Kalispell, later renamed Three Rivers Bank of Montana. Jack founded and became president of the Montana Independent Bankers. The highlight of his career was in 1984 when he became chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America. During his term, he was invited to the White House to meet with President Ronald Reagan to discuss the agriculture crisis. In 1998, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairmen, Paul Volker, and later Alan Greenspan, appointed him to the Systems Consumer Advisory Council. Jack also testified on community banking before Ralph Nadar’s Blue Ribbon Commission and the U.S. Senate Banking Committee in Washington.
Governor Tom Judge appointed him to the first Montana State Banking Board. He served a second term under Governor Ted Schwindon.
In 1991 he was awarded the University of Montana business school alumni award.
Jack leaves behind a legacy of bankers. His sons, A.J. and John, his grandchildren, Joel and Ashley, and his son-in-law, Ron.
Jack had a zest for life that overflowed onto his love for his community. Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce president and great chief, board member of the Montana Historical Society and Central School Museum, foundation chairman of the board of the Kalispell Regional Medical Center, director for the Montana Logging Association and much more.
Jack was the founder of the Highlander Track Club. For 44 years the track program has provided an opportunity for over 14,000 grade-school kids.
He was proceeded in death by his beloved Almeda; his brother, Robert D. King; his sisters, Susie Clarke and Betty King. He is survived by his three children, Karen Jo Rosenberg (Ron) Whitefish, John (Cheryl king), A.J. (Gina King). Grandchildren, Kirsten (Derek) Pevey, Joel Rosenberg (Shannon Rosenberg), Ashley (Bobby) King-Jones, Shila Schreiner (Cody), Patrick King and Annie Jo King.
Great-grandchildren, Rylan Jack and Jaidyn Noel Pevey, Oliver, Reese, and Hadlee Rosenberg, Annalynn and Decland Schreiner; his neice, Dr. Jennifer Clarke of Unity, Maine and nephew, Dean King of California.
Jack loved Ashley Lake, the Griz, local history, dogs, hunting, fishing, running a chain saw, skiing and enjoying a warm fire with Almeda.
Christmas was his favorite holiday and he made sure it was magical for everyone.
Tf you wish to make a donation in memory of Jack: Highlander track program c/0 Three Rivers Bank, 233 East Idaho Street, First Presbyterian Church, 540 South Main St., Kalispell, Glacier Presbyterian Church Camp, 17482 Oneil Dr., Lakeside, MT 59922, or whatever is close to your heart.
His celebration of life will be Thursday, Feb. 21, noon at First Presbyterian Church, 540 South Main St., with the reverend Glenn Burfiend officiating. Church reception and grave side service at Conrad Memorial Cemetery to follow.
Johnson Golschat Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.