Jack Smith

1924 - 2018

Cecil Jack Smith, 93, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 26, 2018, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living. He was under the care of his loving family and Aspen Home Health & Hospice.

Cecil Jack was born June 18, 1924, in the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital to George Abraham Smith and Lovina Shurtliff Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Ammon and graduated from Ammon High School. He was attending Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, when he answered the call to serve in the United States Navy during World War II. He achieved the rank of quartermaster second class and worked side-by-side with the captain of the destroyer USS Buchanan in the South West Pacific theatre.

He married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Lee Nelson, in Ammon, Idaho, in the summer of 1944 when on leave from the Navy. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 1962. They were blessed with two children, Carla and Jack Lee. Wanda unexpectedly passed away in October of 1971, followed by his mother two days later.

Jack was introduced to Joan Crookston Hughes by his sister Bethene. Their love blossomed quickly, and they were married for this life in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 2, 1972. He became a loving father to Joan's six children: Greg, Diana, Rod, Ann, Camille and Kurtis. They made their home in Ucon, Idaho, and Jack worked as a realtor for Real Estate Exchange. Jack and Joan developed an extraordinary relationship and an exemplary marriage, wherein he was a kind, patient father and a treasured husband.

As a high priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as bishop's counselor and bishop in the Ucon wards and as a high councilor in the Ucon Stake. With his equitable compassion and delightful sense of humor, Jack endeared himself to the many people he served in his various callings — as well as on an LDS mission to Jacksonville, Florida, where he and Joan served from 1993-1995. Prior to and after their mission, they served as temple ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple for a total of 30 years. They cherished every moment of their temple service. In the course of his career, he served as president of the Idaho Falls Realtors Board and was a member of Kiwanis International.

Jack was an amusing and engaging storyteller as he shared his perspective of life's adventures and unavoidable struggles. He enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, gardening and, most of all, time spent in the presence of loved ones.

Our dad, grandfather and brother will be sorely missed. He has blessed our lives with his selfless sacrifices, his wise and level counsel and his unconditional, tender love.

Cecil Jack is survived by his son, Jack (Renda) Smith, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; son, Gregory (Patti) Hughes, of Ucon, Idaho, who is currently serving in the Alpine Germany Mission; daughter, Diana (Richard) Barney, of Lewisville, Idaho; son, Rod (Kelli) Hughes, of Idaho Falls, Idaho; daughter, Ann (Rick) Mount, of Spokane, Washington; daughter, Camille (Jim) Johnson, of Ucon, Idaho; son, Kurtis (Candace) Hughes, of Bountiful, Utah; son-in-law, Lynn (Loretta) Bendz, of Bozeman, Montana; brother, Glen; sister, Jerrie; 35 grandchildren and 84 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lovina Smith; brothers, Clyde, George, Leland and Max; sisters, Eva, Veda and Bethene; first wife, Wanda Smith; second wife, Joan Smith; and daughter, Carla Bendz.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 30, at Idaho Falls LDS Sand Creek 1st Ward, 885 S. Boulevard, with Bishop Brian McBride officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Ammon Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.