John (Jack) B. Backlund, World War II veteran, died Thursday at 11:3o a.m. March 12, 2020. He was born to parents Arvid and Mary Backlund in Bismarck, N.D. There were six children in the family. Two surviving sisters are Suellen Hubbard of Montrose and Rita Hardesty, recently of Denver, Colorado.

He and his twin brother Jim Backlund enlisted in the Navy when they were 17 years old. They were together during the war and insisted they not be separated which saved both their lives in separate cases.

After the war Jack went on to the University of Arizona. After graduation he began working as a surveyor but then was recruited into a communications job with the government. He was sent to various places here in the states as well as overseas. He was even working for NASA with their communications projects. His first marriage was to Peggy Beavers of Amarillo, Texas and he is survived by two boys, Richard Backlund of Topeka, Kansas, and Robert Backlund of Amarillo, Texas.

His marriage was to an accomplished musician who passed away in zoos.. They both attended the Catholic and Methodist churches in Texas, where Helen played for both services. Jack was asked to be in many church skits and became a hit with the audiences, as he was a clown at heart. Making people laugh was his gift to many. His goal in life was to bring joy and that joy was contagious.

For those who encountered Jack they would not forget him as he always had something to say to make them smile. He was well loved and cher ished. His love for Our Lord was so apparent as he counseled people needing a friend. His life is now beginning again as He is finally home with his Beloved Lord.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Jack’s life will be held at a later date, when social distancing protocol has been eased by the CDC. Crippin Funeral Home is assisting his family with arrangements.