Jack Marion Smith

Jack Marion Smith, 97, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022, after a long and remarkable life that was filled with adventure, love, laughter and shared by many friends and family.

Jack was born on June 22, 1924, to Raymond and Sibyle Smith in Micmillin, Washington.

He was the fourth of six siblings and spent his formative years, during the “Great Depression” in western Washington.

He married Irene Rambo on August 3, 1942, eight months before Jack was drafted into the Army on May 8, 1943, to join the US effort in World War II.

Over the next five years, they added four children to their family, Lynda, Renie, Ron, and Jackie.

Jack was a talented and hard worker, making a living for his family, during numerous moves and a variety of work. Previous to his service time, he worked in the shipyards and after separating from the military on January 3, 1946, he logged for several years.

Jack was always innovative, and in the entrepreneurial spirit owned and operated one of the first power chainsaws in Aberdeen at that time. He went on to log in to California before settling in the Wenatchee Valley with his family, where he worked at Alcoa Aluminum Company for close to a decade.

An opportunity arose for the family to return to the West side of the state and Jack worked once again in the timber industry until a brief move to Ellensburg where he enrolled in college, receiving a Master’s Degree in English Literature and Early History.

For the remaining 25 years of his career, he taught history and English classes in Chelan, Neah Bay, and Forks, Washington.

Jack was known to all, for his love of entertaining family and friends, with songs and stories that held special meaning for him. His sense of humor and ready grin defined his approach to managing life’s opportunities and challenges. He was a very kind, generous, and honorable man that often, quietly, gave a helping hand to those in need. He was an educator in and out of the classroom, teaching and passing on valuable lessons about life and nature. Jack found the time he spent in the woods refreshing and a place of solace and peace.

His love of God, and faithfulness in seeking and sharing his Heavenly Father’s love and mercies, was a solid foundation in his life. His example will continue to be deeply etched in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jack was predeceased by his wife, Irene Smith of 74 years; two children Lynda Joy and Ron Smith; grandchildren, Brennon Smith, Laura Smith, Karon Inger, Michelle Mace, and Cyndi Reed; brothers, Wayne and Gerald Smith; sisters, Lee Baker, Florine Nelson, and Doris Broderson.

He is survived by two children, Renie Smith, and Jackie Black; son-in-law, Larry Smith; daughter in law, Karol (Smith) Parsons; fifteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for both Jack and Irene Smith is scheduled for 11 a.m., May 7, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5810 South Meadowlane Road, Spokane, WA 99224. A light luncheon will be provided.