Jack S. Lucas

at his home on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the young age of 90.

Jack was born in 1923 to Ruth and Reed Lucas in Mesa, CO

where he grew up on a working cattle ranch.

After graduating high school Jack enlisted in the US Navy where

he served honorably from 1942 - 1946 in the Pacific Theater

during WWII.

He returned home in 1946 and soon began his working years as

a sales manager for Central Chevrolet in Grand Junction. After

several years there he then accepted a manager's job with

Bynum's Western Wear, where he worked for many years.

Upon closure of Bynum's, Jack finished his working years as a

Racing Steward for the Colorado Racing Commission where he

traveled throughout Colorado supervising horse racing events.

Anyone that knew Jack knew his true interests from childhood

were horses and rodeo. Jack began riding bucking hoses in

1950. He also became a champion steer wrestler where he won

numerous championships throughout the western US. When

steer wrestling began to take its toll, he began a long and

storied carrier as a team roper. He mentored many a young

cowboy wanting to learn the sport of team roping. Jack enjoyed

team roping until he finished his career at the age of 86. During

his rodeo career he also raised and trained registered Quarter

Horses. He had a true gift of being able to recognize a horse

with potential talent.

Jack served on many local equine and agricultural boards and

was instrumental in finalizing the new title of the fair grounds

to The Fair Grounds at Veterans Memorial Park. Jack was a

lifelong member of the Mesa County Sheriff's Posse, serving

from 1956 till present. He was the last living charter member of

the posse and was currently serving as president upon his

passing.

Jack married Daurice (Hall) Lucas in 1955. They later divorced.

Jack is preceded in death by brothers Sam, Dan, and sister

Hazel. Jack leaves behind two sons, Doug (Joann) Lucas and

Dale Lucas both of Grand Junction. He leaves seven grandchildren including Collin (Sara) Lucas of Grand Junction, Lindsey Lucas (Chris Cummings) of Denver, Dustin (Joy) Lucas of Pennsylvania, Jennifer Cline of Grand Junction, Erika Cline of Dallas TX, and Dylan Svaldi of Grand Junction.

In addition, he leaves five great grandchildren including Jackson, Leah,

Kaydence, Jordan and Dominic.

A memorial services will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Martin

Mortuary. In lieu of flowers or monetary donation please make

a donation in his name to the Gray Gourmet, 551 Chipeta Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

We would like to send a thank you to HopeWest Hospice and a very special thank you to Dr. Cofffey, a truly great person, and the staff at Veteran’s Hospital.

Friends and family may leave their condolences at www.martinmortuary.com