1931
Jackson
2016
Jackson "Jack" B. Smith
October 19, 1931 — September 30, 2016
Jackson "Jack" B. Smith was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Vivian, and is the beloved father of Michael (Lexie), Jeanne (Griff), Daniel (Lydia), Martha (Kevin) and Paul (Mary). He is the cherished grandfather of Megan, Elizabeth (Andy), Stephen, Preston and Paige. He is preceded in death by daughter Charlotte Ann, parents Cornelius and Helen, brother Allan and sister Susan.
Jack's humor and zest for life will be remembered by a multitude of adoring family members and friends. He wanted to be remembered for all the good times: Holiday get-togethers, family reunions, vacations, intellectual discussions, colorful storytelling and poignant moments. He and Vivian were always the bedrock of the Smith Family. Jack's strength, dignity, humor and finesse were the hallmarks of his loving, fatherly style.
Jack proudly served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, from age 20 to 24, during the Korean War. He served on the USS Rodman, patrolling the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He frequently regaled stories to his children and grandchildren about his adventures on the high seas, and about humorous or even dangerous encounters docking at a variety of foreign naval ports in Greece, Panama, the Galapagos Islands, France, and U.S. ports in Key West, Fla., and Charleston, S.C., where he was based.
Jack’s service to his country was recognized in a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in October 2015, an experience he would call one of the best days of his life. He and 173 other veterans and an equal number of sponsors flew from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C. to view at the magnificent memorials throughout the city, including the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The day started before dawn and lasted until past midnight. Uniformed military personnel and loved ones cheered on Jack and the other 173 honor flight veterans with flag waving, a marching band, applause and salutes. His children and grandchildren cheered for all, especially Papa. The celebration culminated in the main terminal at the Milwaukee airport, where Jack was welcomed home by family with hugs, cheers, laughter and tears.
Jack was active in a variety of endeavors with his family. He served the Boy Scout organizations for many years, coached softball and played a mean game of tennis in his younger years. His favorite team sport was water polo, which he considered the most grueling sport. He organized many family and scouting camping trips. He loved playing cards, especially bridge. Jack and Vivian were champion bridge players. One of Jack’s favorite pastimes was to watch Packers games with his family.
He diligently worked for Delco Electronics, Oak Creek, for 35 years. He was an electrical technician and an award-winning inventor of streamlined processes at the manufacturing plant, which is a division of General Motors.
Visitation will be at Randle Dable Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. The remembrance service and celebration of Jack's life will be at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Boy Scouts of America, Waukesha County Special Olympics or ACAP would be appreciated.
Memorials can be made to Jack's favorite charities:
Boy Scouts of America
http://aplacetogive.scouting.org
Special Olympics:
https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/wisconsin
Waukesha ACAP
http://www.acap-waukesha.org/donate/
Jack's humor and zest for life will be remembered by a multitude of adoring family members and friends. He wanted to be remembered for all the good times: Holiday get-togethers, family reunions, vacations, intellectual discussions, colorful storytelling and poignant moments. He and Vivian were always the bedrock of the Smith Family. Jack's strength, dignity, humor and finesse were the hallmarks of his loving, fatherly style.
Jack proudly served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955, from age 20 to 24, during the Korean War. He served on the USS Rodman, patrolling the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He frequently regaled stories to his children and grandchildren about his adventures on the high seas, and about humorous or even dangerous encounters docking at a variety of foreign naval ports in Greece, Panama, the Galapagos Islands, France, and U.S. ports in Key West, Fla., and Charleston, S.C., where he was based.
Jack’s service to his country was recognized in a Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in October 2015, an experience he would call one of the best days of his life. He and 173 other veterans and an equal number of sponsors flew from Milwaukee to Washington, D.C. to view at the magnificent memorials throughout the city, including the Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The day started before dawn and lasted until past midnight. Uniformed military personnel and loved ones cheered on Jack and the other 173 honor flight veterans with flag waving, a marching band, applause and salutes. His children and grandchildren cheered for all, especially Papa. The celebration culminated in the main terminal at the Milwaukee airport, where Jack was welcomed home by family with hugs, cheers, laughter and tears.
Jack was active in a variety of endeavors with his family. He served the Boy Scout organizations for many years, coached softball and played a mean game of tennis in his younger years. His favorite team sport was water polo, which he considered the most grueling sport. He organized many family and scouting camping trips. He loved playing cards, especially bridge. Jack and Vivian were champion bridge players. One of Jack’s favorite pastimes was to watch Packers games with his family.
He diligently worked for Delco Electronics, Oak Creek, for 35 years. He was an electrical technician and an award-winning inventor of streamlined processes at the manufacturing plant, which is a division of General Motors.
Visitation will be at Randle Dable Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8. The remembrance service and celebration of Jack's life will be at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Boy Scouts of America, Waukesha County Special Olympics or ACAP would be appreciated.
Memorials can be made to Jack's favorite charities:
Boy Scouts of America
http://aplacetogive.scouting.org
Special Olympics:
https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/wisconsin
Waukesha ACAP
http://www.acap-waukesha.org/donate/
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jackson "Jack" B. Smith, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, October 8, 2016
11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home
Guestbook
Visits: 2
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