Jack N. Clifford, 80, of Billings, Montana, formerly of Forsyth, passed away on March 5, 2017, of natural causes.
Jack was born in Billings, Montana on August 16, 1936. He graduated from Forsyth High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1958. He was stationed in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, Fort Benning, Georgia, and served overseas in France. He was honorably discharged in 1958.
Jack was married to Shirley Swanson on March 12, 1955. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on Sunday, March 12th.
Jack worked for his Dad at Jack’s Foodtown in Miles City until 1962. He then moved his family to Minot, North Dakota and went to work for the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Chain and was transferred to West Fargo, North Dakota in 1964. He later went to work for L.B. Hartz Wholesale Grocery and continued there until 1972. Jack moved his family back to Forsyth to join his father in the building of a brand new, state of the art supermarket – Jack’s IGA – which opened on December 4, 1973. Jack and Shirley owned and operated one of the finest grocery stores in the State of Montana, always upgrading and expanding to keep it up-to-date. Jack’s was the first grocery store in Montana to install electronic scanners. They were the recipients of many grocery achievements and awards. They sold their store in 1996 to their sons, Tom and Todd, and retired.
Jack enjoyed his large family, fishing, woodworking, golf, hunting and bowling. Jack was an active square dancer and caller in his younger years. He was also involved for many years as a member of the Federated Church of Forsyth, Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, Forsyth Country Club, Hiram Lodge #52, Forsyth Shrine Club, Montana Food Distributors Association, on the Board of Directors of Montana Bank, and he was an avid, active Forsyth Dogie supporter.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children: Terri (Charlie) Brown, Tom (Brenda) Clifford, all of Forsyth, Todd (Deb) Clifford of Basin, Wyoming; his 10 grandchildren: Khara (Chad) Erickson, Naysa (Kaam) Jensen, Shayla Luhman (Baron Stroop), Brittanee (Jerrad) Mattson, Gina (Rob) Sorenson, Shanna (Matt) Tourtlotte, Julie (Andy) Eames, Dana (Jami) Clifford, Avery and Johnna Clifford. He had 24 great grandchildren who fondly referred to him as “Bompa” – Jourdan and Aleigh Erickson, Mykaila, Laynie and Brynlee Jensen, Kaitlyn and Keagan Wildman, Raygan, Delaney, Hennesey and Landen Mattson, Eli Johnson, Riley, Dylan, Tanner, Ainsley and Oliver Sorenson, Olivia, Drake and Colton Tourtlotte, Waylen and Wrigley Eames, Brody Clifford, and Danaka Clifford. Great grandbaby number 25 is due to arrive March 15. He is also survived by his sister Jan (Art) Hall, of San Antonio, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Marci Clifford; his daughter, Teena Friesz; and his daughter-in-law, Muggy Clifford.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, Montana. Ladies of the Federated Church will provide a luncheon after the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First State Bank of Forsyth to purchase a new scoreboard at Forsyth High School.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday March 10, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday March 11, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service
Saturday March 11, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday March 10, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday March 11, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Graveside Service
Saturday March 11, 2017
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Joby & Bill Parker says
Deepest sympathy to your whole family! Jack will be very missed. He was a wonderful man. Prayers and hugs.
Dick and Alecia Smith says
Our hearts are with you and your family. We really enjoyed visits with Jack.
Lloyd & Norma Gange says
So sorry to hear of Jacks passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.We have lots of good memories with Jack and Shirley.
Sam and Ann Stuart says
I am so sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Both Jack and Shirley were great neighbors and friends to us when we first moved to town. He will be truly missed. Shirley we love you.
Sharon Wetsch says
I was so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing.. He was a wonderful person and a good family man. He will be missed a lot.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs…
Michele Treible says
To Jacks family
I am so sorry to hear of Jacks passing,he was a Wonderful person and the Best Boss anyone could have. You are all in my prayers.
Lynn Tompkins says
So sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Such a nice man. Always a smile.
George and Jan simmons says
Jack was a one of a kind, Forsyth has lost a truly wonderful man. To all the family know our thoughts and prayer are with each of you. Smile as you think of the wonderful memories each of you have of Jack.
Kurt Seward says
Jack will be missed by all, he was one of the nicest people I have ever known. My thoughts are with family.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Tom Clifford says
Funeral on 3/11/17 11:00am
Receive friends on Fri 3/10/17 4 to 6pm
Mark and Kate Peterson says
Shirley and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a terrific neighbor for many years to my folks. May your many happy memories of Jack bring some comfort in this difficult time.
Karen Reynolds says
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Doug and Karen Reynolds
Walt and Brigitte Harms says
Prayers to the family. so sorry to hear of Jack passing
Kelly Harrington says
Jack was a wonderful boss to me. He was always cheerful & he had a great sense of humor. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Richard and Susan (Strand) Joy says
Shirley, Todd and Tom, and family,
I loved working for Jack, he always had a smile and a good word for everyone, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly (Cartwright) and Sam Handley says
I am so sorry to hear about Jack passing. My thoughts and prayers to the whole Clifford family!
Becky Ruff says
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I’m sure Tina and her dad are telling lots of stories. We still have Tina’s corner in the salon seems like yesterday all 3 of you were here visiting but the years have gone by fast. Hope Shirley you will be able to come visit and see Brittanee and Jerad’s new home . Take care prayers are with all of you. Becky Ruff
Lawrence Torstenbo says
Thoughts and prayers with the Clifford family! I always remember the warmth and sincerity in meeting Jack! He was an outstanding family man who was committed to strong family values! He will be missed by all that new him! Jack had a real sense of humor and I enjoyed the fishing trip with him on the Yellowstone! Rest In Peace!
Judy Fleming says
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jenny Gardner says
Shirley, Terri, Tom and Todd,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families during this hard time. Jack will be greatly missed by all. We will be out of town until the end of the month so we will miss the services but will be with all of you in spirit. Hugs to all!
Nan Quinlan says
Sorry to hear of Jacks passing.Such a kind sweet man.always had a smile and a hello. Prayers to his family
Randy Durr says
My thoughts on this great man will be shared in a letter to the editor in your local newspaper
robin stephens says
Sorry for your loss of a great guy. He was a true Dogie fan especially during Dana’s playing days. He had a good heart. Prayers to the family. Rob Stephens
Tricia Clark Cook says
My sincere condolences to the Clifford family. I have very fond memories of Jack. He and Shirley were very good to me and were special neighbors and friends to my grandma Bess Clark. Hold tight to your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lance and Candace Larson says
We were so sad to hear about Jack . Our hearts are filled with sympathy for each one of you. May GOD’s presence comfort you in the days and months ahead.
Bobbee Heberle says
We are sorry to here about Jack”s Passing. He was a kind Person, and great business owner.
Angela Treible says
My prayers to Jack’s family. He was one in a million and one of the best and kindest people I have known. Our community has lost a great supporter and friend. Rest in peace Sir Jack.
Gordon and Dolly Maxwell says
Our deepest sympathy to Shirley and family. Jack was a pleasure and a joy to be with.
Pam and Joe Ash says
Our prayers for comfort to Jack’s family. He will be missed.
Jack Fleming says
Sat in many IGA meetings with Jack over the years. He was always the voice of reason in what were many times ” heated discussions. Always admired him.
Ginny Weber says
We will miss his lovely smile. He was a gracious man. He was one of the first people I met when I moved here. We had children the same age & they played sports together. I could take a trip down memory lane. He will be missed by many persons especially me.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Jack’s family and friends.
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Vanna Byrd says
I knew Teena in junior college in Miles City in the mid to late 70s and then we worked together there. I miss her very much and she truly adored her Dad. My deepest condolences to the family.
Tana Keeler Pippin says
Condolences to the Clifford family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Grace Larson says
My sympathy to Jack’s family. I recall his kindness when he owned the IGA. He always had a smile and a kind word. After he retired he continued to greet with that wonderful smile.
Virgil & Waneeta Farris says
Shirley, Terri, Todd and Tom
We were saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. When grocery shopping, Jack never missed saying hello and thank you for stopping in. He was a great business man who I still miss seeing in the store. God has led Jack to a heavenly reunion with those gone before him and he is now at rest. May your memories carry you through this difficult time.
Vi Schiffer says
Shirley and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a much respected business man, always polite and helpful in the store. I enjoyed my shopping there, with visiting as well as shopping. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Vi
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Jack was a great guy who will be truly missed. I always appreciated his conversations with me and his clever wit. Our condolences to Shirley, Terri, Charlie and the rest of the Clifford family. God Bless.
Randy & Janet Stanhope says
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jack. He was truly a special person who will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to you all during this very difficult time.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time.
Tim & Cyn Wildman says
Shirley and family, Tim and I are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. We feel great respect for you, Shirley, and for Jack. His generous smile and laughter will be greatly missed! God bless each of you.
Kay Dooley says
Shirley, Terri, Tom, Todd and all Jacks cherishes Grandchildren, I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was such a kind and caring man. Celebrate his life and cherish the memories. You are all in my thoughts and Prayers.
Kay Crosby Dooley
Clarisse (Coate) Roos says
My thoughts are with the entire Clifford family. Jack was was a dear man and always had a smile to share. I will always remember him fondly. May your memories carry you through this sad time.
Paul & Juanit Mc Danold says
To Shirley and all of Jacks family. Jack was a great guy with a good sense of humor. We respected Jack a great deal as a person and a business man,he taught so many so much. He was a pillar of the community and will truly be missed many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
larry and blondie woolston says
Jack will be missed among the brotherhood of old grocers. He always offered good advice and encouragement we need in our business. He was a good friend and we have many great memories of our times together over 40 plus years.
Steve and Jackie Radue says
Thanks to Jack, I have many good memories of time spent together chasing fish around on the river, Lodge meetings, coffee and cookies, wood shop time, etc.. I’ve been blessed to have enjoyed his friendship over many years.
Our condolences to the entire Clifford family. RIP Sir Jack.
Vance Trube says
Very sorry top read about Jack, I just found out about his passing. You h ave all my sympathy. I am from his younger days around Forsyth and Colstrip.
Norm Sindelar / Seeley Lake, Mt.5 says
Many fond memories working for and with Jack, Shirley and Jack Sr. in the Miles City IGA. It was not only a wonderful time but JackJr. treated me so well I gained a lot of respect for him and his family. So sorry for your loss and may God bless.
Linda Stallard Santoro says
Jack and Marci Clifford were friends of my parents, Berl and Helen Stallard, in Miles City. We grew up knowing Jan and Jack, visiting the store in Forsyth and enjoying their company. Good thoughts of good times.
He will be missed as are so many of our friends and families. My thoughts will be with Jan and the family.
Linda Stallard Santoro
Cathy and Curt Fleming says
Jack was a person who always said hello and had a smile. He was a mover and innovative leader in town and was greatly missed when he retired. My sympathy and prayers are with the whole family.