Jack Judkins
Jackie “Jack” Dean Judkins, 89, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025, at his home in Libby, Mont.
He was born Aug. 2, 1936, in Watford City, N.D., to Jay and Borghild Judkins.
From working on the family farm and oilfields of North Dakota, to the Airforce, where he was stationed in Republic, Wash.
He met the love of his life, Wilma Stevens in Tonasket, Wash., 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, he ran several pieces of heavy equipment when working on the Libby Dam. He and Wilma bought and ran the Jack’s Zip Inn restaurant for 12 years, they employed 172 Libby residents over the years, and 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.
His children are Tammie Watkins, Libby; Randy and Lori Judkins, Dickinson, N.D.; Michelle and Jim Bilodeau, Kalispell, Mont.; Jacqueline “Jackie” Virnig, Kalispell, Mont.
His grandkids and great-grandkids are 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, Hannah Virnig.
Jacki is survived by his twin sisters, Eileen Felland and Elaine Laasch; and his wife, Wilma Judkins.
He is proceeded 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. He will be deeply missed!
A celebration of life will be at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, since Dad was such a sports fan please make a donation to a local kids sport program.