Jack Edson

1922 - 2015

Jack Eugene Edson, devoted husband, father, entrepreneur and patriot, was received into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at the age of 92. He was born November 3, 1922 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Lloyd and Jeannette Edson. Following three years in the Navy and Army Air Forces during WWII, Jack married the love of his life, Marjorie, in his hometown of Marshalltown. He and Marj celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 10. As a great depression youngster, Jack's business acumen was apparent early on. At age 5, he ran a peanut machine in the family business; at 10 was raising parsley that he sold to local restaurants to help the family make ends meet. Following WWII, his business journey included working in his father's auto parts store, owning a soy bean mill, being an independent trucker, a manager with John Deere, a steel building contractor, (almost a Western Slope sheep rancher), and the founder of Edson Express - a Longmont-based truck line that he started with his wife in 1962. Over 3 decades, Edson Express grew from 5 trucks and 5 drivers to over $25,000,000 in annual revenue, employing over 400 people in 15 states. Jack served his community as a director of the Longmont National bank, the Longmont United Hospital, and the Longmont Chamber of Commerce. He was a director of the Colorado Motor carriers Association for over 20 years. He loved fishing for walleyes in Minnesota, peach pie, motorhomes, Big Band music, the smell of diesel fuel, all sports, his beloved and spoiled dog, Luke, and winning at Rummikub. He dreamed in color - red, white and blue. Jack could fix anything except the remote control, multiply three digit numbers in his head, and remember the name of every employee that ever worked at Edson Express. He was a man of God, great integrity and sometimes few words. He took great pride in his family, his country, his business, and in his perfect penmanship. Edson vacations were always an adventure providing fodder for many a laugh shared during family reunions. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Ardyth (Gerry) Malone, Ames, IA and Jane Randall, Orange, CA and grandson Scott Edson of Longmont. Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Longmont, sons Jack "Jake" Edson and Jeff (Lorilee) Edson, both of Longmont, grandchildren Jack B. Edson, Jr., Longmont, Jaime (Andrew) Kort, Henderson, Ryan (Mandy) Edson, Frederick, Brad (Melissa) Edson, Denver, Kyle Edson, Boulder, Kelly (Ryan) Rogowski, Denver, Todd Edson, Scottsdale, AZ, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who were an integral part of his life. A celebration of his life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the Howe Mortuary Chapel in Longmont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army in Jack's memory. Share your thoughts, memories and condolences at www.howemortuary.com