Jack C Huntington

Jack Clifford Huntington 89, a 70 year resident of Las Vegas, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. His loving family surrounded him. Jack was born August 29, 1926 in Logan, Utah to Beatrice June Calder and Clifford Halladay Huntington. Jack married the love of his life, Colleen Gentry Huntington in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 7, 1945. They were blessed with six wonderful children, Richard (Mary), Ronald (Sharon), Scott (Annie), Steven (Rena), Linda Schlauder (Allyn), and Lisa Dixon (James). After WWII, Jack studied horology (watchmaking) on the GI bill at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. While there he discovered a rare talent and expertise in hand engraving. He returned to Las Vegas, opening Huntington Jewelers in 1950 where he delighted countless customers with his original designs and craftsmanship. Jack continued to run the store with his sweetheart Colleen and sons for almost 60 years. His artistry and beautiful engraving talents have blessed many people. Jack loved the Lord, his family, his country, the temple, motorcycles, poetry, and bringing a smile to everyone he met. When anyone asked how he was doing, he would always reply, “Better now that you’re here.” He was always quick with a poem for almost every occasion with his deep rich voice and melodic rhythm. Some of the highlights of his life were serving as the Bishop of the Las Vegas “Friendly Fifth Ward” for many years, as well as his dedicated service in the St. George, Utah, and Las Vegas LDS Temples for over 25 years. His beloved wife Colleen, sister, Berniece Pursel, granddaughters, Amber and Leah Schlauder, and great-grandson, Caleb deBecker, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Barbara White, and his six children. “Papa Jack” cherished every moment he got to spend with his family. He was the proud and positive cheerleader to each of his 18 grandchildren and delighted to be the great-grandfather to 26. Jack’s tremendous legacy will live on forever in the lives of all those who were blessed to know and love him. He was a loving husband, tremendous father, wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandpa, and loyal friend. As Jack would say, “I hate to love ya and leave ya, but my get up and go has got up and went.” Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Sunday February 7, at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Visitation will also be from 10-10:45 am Monday February 8, with the funeral service following at 11 am, both at the LDS Monte Cristo Chapel, 1801 S. Monte Cristo Way (corner of W. Oakey Blvd.) Interment will be held at 3 pm at Palm Valley View Memorial Park, 7600 S. Eastern Ave.