John Merritt "Jack" Morcom, 93, long-time Lead resident, died peacefully Sunday, September 27 at the Dorsett Home in Spearfish. Jack was born February 2, 1922 in Bushnell, Nebraska to Maggie and Arthur Morcom. He was the youngest of five brothers, "Billie, Lewie, Jelbert, Dickie, Jack," as his mother would affectionately call them.

In 1922, the family moved to Lead. Jack spent his childhood having fun "without spending a dime". They played marbles, hide and seek, run-sheep-run, rolled hoops, hiked, biked and played with his dog, "Pal."

Jack was raised to "Believe in God and trust in Him," to remember, "You are judged by the company you keep," and to "Never do anything you wouldn't want to see in the front page of the newspaper." These were teachings from his Mother. His Dad taught him to "Just be yourself", and not "Put on the Dog". The Morcom family spent time together listening to the radio, religious programs, Amos and Andy and Jack remembered hearing the broadcast of the capturing of John Dillinger. They played Canasta, Monopoly, sledded and especially loved skiing.

At 13, Jack joined the Boy Scouts of America. He earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1939 and continued to support scouting his entire life. He was especially proud of his son, Bob when he too became an Eagle Scout.

In WWII, Jack became a Tech Sergeant serving as an Administrative Non-Commissioned Officer in Leyte, Philippines. All five of the Morcom brothers returned safely after the war.

Jack enrolled in SDSU for two years, met Marjorie Amacher and married his life long friend in 1948. He spent the next forty-two years in the Finola/Morcom clothing business, a Black Hills staple for over eighty years. Jack was known for his great humor, friendly, personable demeanor, and his talent for tailoring. He was, and continued to be, a champion for Lead.

Jack especially loved downhill skiing, golfing, fishing, wood working and being active with his children and grand children. He lived a life of service. Jack was a charter member of the Bald Mountain Ski Club (now Terry Peak), the Black Hills Chairlift Corporation, Past-President of Lead Concert Association, Past-President of Lead Chamber of Commerce and Past-President of Deadwood Hospital Foundation. Jack was a Past- Director of the Homestake Opera House, member of Lead Beautification Committree, Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and Naja Shrine, member of the VFW, and American Legion. After moving to Spearfish Canyon in 1991, he was Cheyenne Crossing Fire Chief, member of Spearfish Canyon Fire Department and Homeowners Association.

Jack is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marge; son, Bob (Cathy), daughter, Barbara (Bob); granddaughter, Maggie Larson (Matt), and grandson, Jens Matson (fiancée Maria).

Jack had a positive life filled with much laughter, love of his family and friends, love of country, telling stories, playing cribbage, root beer floats and chocolate. "That reminds me of a story….."

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lead. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Spearfish Honor Guard.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com