Jacob Lee “Jack” Schantz, 75, of Evans, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Fair Acres Manor. He was born September 14, 1941 in Fort Morgan, Colorado to Jake and Irene Schantz. He graduated from Fort Morgan High in 1961. After high school he worked on I-76 from Fort Morgan to Denver, building the new highway. When the project was finished, he worked at Great Western Sugar. In 1962, he moved to Pueblo and was Assistant Manager of the sporting goods department for Crown Discount.
Jack was drafted into the Army in December, 1963. He was a member of Devil’s Delta 33 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was transferred after Basic to Fort Carson, the 1st and 19th Artillery Division and then to Headquarters Garrison as a member of General Marron’s inspection team.
On May 31, 1964, he married Shari Plant. Their son, Chad was born September, 1965. After military service they moved to Brush, where eventually he started his own concrete construction company. Their son Brent was born in May, 1968. Jack was self-employed through 1986. He had a huge, generous heart. He was a craftsman who took great pride in his work and his sons carry the strong work ethic modelled daily by their father.
The couple later went to Orange County California to train as motel managers for Sixpence Inns of America. After training, they were assigned to the Wheat Ridge, Colorado property for three years.
Jack was a construction supervisor during building of the West Bowles Community Church in Littleton. He retired in 1990 due to injuries suffered in a construction accident.
Jack was instrumental in building Fort Morgan Raceways. He was involved in Scouts, Muzzle-loading, and organized a Single Action Shooters club. He loved to hunt game and arrowheads, collecting over 1200 points.
He is survived by his wife Shari, Son Chad Schantz, Daughter-in-law Valerie Preston Schantz, Son Brent Schantz and his wife Travis Niehaus-Schantz, and Jack’s pride and joy: his three grandchildren Jake, Sam, and his beloved Zoe Catherine, and his great grandson Thomas. Brother-in-law Wilbur Plant and wife Joy, and sister Linda Schooley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ed, and sisters Pat and Marge.
Per Jack’s wishes, a private family service will be held followed by cremation. Inurnment will be in Otis Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Evans Humane Society in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 S. 11th Avenue, Evans.