Jackie "Jack" Dean Judkins
The Western News | UPDATED 2 weeks AGO
Jackie "Jack" Dean Judkins, 89, passed away Dec. 18, 2025, at his home in Libby, Montana.
He was born Aug. 2, 1936, in Watford City, North Dakota, to Jay and Borghild Judkins.
From working on the family farm and oilfields of North Dakota, to the Air Force where he was stationed in Republic, Washington, he met the love of his life Wilma Stevens in Tonasket, Washington, and they got married on Oct. 1, 1957, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d 'Alene, Idaho.
They moved to Libby in 1960 where Jack had many jobs before owning the Iconic Jack's Zip Inn Restaurant.
Once in Libby he worked for the mill, worked on the railroad tunnel, and he ran several pieces of heavy equipment when working on the Libby Dam. Jack and Wilma bought and ran the Jack's Zip Inn restaurant for 12 years, where they employed 172 Libby residents over the years. They then built and ran A & J Suds & Scrub until they retired in 2014.
Jacks legacy of faith, family and love will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His laughter, story telling and love for family will live on in us.
Jack is survived by his wife Wilma Judkins; twin sisters Eileen Felland and Elaine Laasch; children: Tammie Watkins, Libby, Randy and Lori Judkins, Dickinson, North Dakota, Michelle and Jim Bilodeau, Kalispell, Montana, and Jacqueline "Jackie" Virnig , Kalispell, Montana; grandkids and great-grand kids: Justin, Ashley, Anna, Airey Watkins, Dylan Watkins, Sierra and Damon Judkins, Joseph Bilodeau, Hillary and Brandon Hightower, Nicole, Haden and Ethan Hussey, Rachel, Daniel, Sophia, Colton, Jax and Kaylan Woodworth, and Hannah Virnig.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jay and Borghild Judkins; his brothers Duane, Les, Jim and Charlie; and his sister Barbara.
Jack was a very giving, fun and kind man and he touched many hearts.
He always said, "There's always room for one more."
He was a great example to his children.
Jack will be deeply missed!
A celebration of life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite local charity.
Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.