Jack Rupert Niece

Jack Rupert Niece Sept 14, 1926 - April 10, 2011 Jack Rupert Niece, Born in Challis, Idaho September 14, 1926, Jack Niece finally hit the mother-lode when he went to walk with Jesus on the, "Golden Highway to Heaven" on April 10, 2011 after a long illness. Jack was one of the last original residence living in Stanley, Idaho that came from one of the original families that homesteaded in the Sawtooth Valley. It isn't any wonder that he had such a hard time leaving his old stomping grounds. Jack came from a long line of prospectors and miners, so it was understandable that prospecting was in his blood. He and his family worked many claims together. He passed the love of prospecting on down to younger generations, which will probably be an ongoing tradition. The many adventurous stories will be told for years to come. Jack loved his family to a fault, this was very apparent to the family, by the many cards and letters he sent home to his mom and dad while serving our country. The many photos of him with his parents, and brothers and sisters while they were growing up showed that they were a tight knit family. He will obviously be missed by family and the many friends whom he shared notes and letters with. Proud to serve his country in its time of need, Jack joined the United States Navy in 1944. Jack served on the USS Gregory (DD 802), was stationed in Guam and served on the USS General William Mitchell (AP-114). After being honorably discharged from the Navy in 1949, Jack joined the United Coast Guard and then re-enlisted into the United States Air Force, and was of service in Microwave Maint. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1957. After Jacks term with the United States Services, he could no longer bring himself to hunt animals. This brought Jack to his love for wildlife. Jack spent many years feeding the elk during the hard winter months in Stanley. He loved to watch wildlife of all kinds. Jack seemed to many as gruff and grouchy, this was only exterior, once you got to know him he was a gentle giant, as kind as they come. Jack always showed respect to women and respect to those who treated him with respect. He lived in a time, when, a mans' word and a hand shake was as good as gold, you didn't need paper work, because the people he dealt with were honest and trustworthy. Jack leaves behind his loving wife Ruth Niece, (Hayes) of Blue Springs, MO., Sister Peggy Pearce of Gooding, ID., Daughters', Jackie Jones of Shoshone, ID. Judy Vance of Richland, WA., Janette (Mike) Barnes of Blue Springs, MO, Jim Brownfield of Grain Valley, MO. Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Nephews, Nieces, Great Nephews, and Nieces, Great Great Nephew and Nieces. He was preceded in death by parents Rupert and Bonda Niece (Critchfield), brothers Leslie Niece, Bill Niece, & Arthur Niece, sisters, Mary Niece, and Edith Niece, sister-in-law, Myrna Niece, and brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Campbell. Memorial for Jack Niece will be held in Stanley, Idaho on June 11th, 2011 at 2:00 in the afternoon. More information will be made available closer to date of memorial.