JACK DEAN SOUTH

Jackie Dean South, 77, was surrounded by loved ones when he went to his heavenly home alongside Jesus on December 30, 2019. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God was steadfast in his final days and ultimately gave him peace.
Jackie was born to the late Burnell and Doris (Jarvis) South on June 28, 1942, in Maloy, IA. He was the youngest of four brothers; Robert “Bob”, Larry and twin Jerry. Jack graduated from Gilbert High School in 1961 and married Sandra Sue Clayberg of Story City on December 15, 1962.
Jack was a “Jack-of-all-trades”. After marrying his beautiful bride, Jack and Sandy resided in Iowa where he worked for the highway commission. They had their first child, Amy. Being an entrepreneur, Jack decided to start a landscaping business with his brother, Larry. Jack’s next adventure took his family of three to Colorado where Jack temporarily worked a vending machine route and managed a theater. While residing in Colorado Jeff and Corey joined the family. With his heart still being in Iowa, Jack moved his family of five to Maloy, IA. Here, Jack tried his hand at farming while also selling tools to other local farmers. After eight years of hard work Jack was ready for yet another adventure. This time he moved to Montana to be closer to his twin brother, Jerry. In Montana Jack got back into the theater business where he found his true trade. T.O.I. Theaters took him from Montana, to Idaho, back to Montana with promotions, awards and many accolades. Jack bought his own movie theater and drive-in in Sterling, CO in 1988. He built this two-screen theater into a five-screen theater and named it the FOX 5 Theaters. Jack’s family was extremely proud of his success and his grandchildren were excited about free movies and candy. Jack sold his theater and retired in 2009.
When not working, Jack was more than likely on the golf course. He would have tee times already set pretty much everyday just in case someone would show up to golf. When he was on the golf course, Jack loved to boast about his family, as they were his greatest joy. After retirement, Jack would travel to watch his grandkids in their activities and enjoyed playing with his great-grandkids, as long as the weather was warm.
Jack was a committed follower of Jesus, who demonstrated the love of God by helping people he connected with everyday. He was a rock in the family who was determined to point others to Jesus.
Jack is survived by his wife, Sandra South; children, Amy (Pete) Shields, Jeff (Karla) South, and Corey (Scott) VanDyke; 11 grandchildren, Brandie (Bret) Ruggles, Brett (Melissa) Shields, Brennon Shields, Josh (Leah) South, Josiah (Alicia) South, Jesse (Mackenzie) South, Jebidiah South, Destiny Campos, Shaleigh (Zach) DeJong, Zachary VanDyke, Nathan VanDyke; 15 great-grandchildren, Hayden, Jackson, Evan Ruggles; Cash Shields; Aubree and Brynlea Shields, Brayden Hale; Mercy, Lily, Hudson South; Beniah, Azariah South; Emalyn, Eliza South; Ava DeJong; and his brother, Larry (Sherri) South.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Burnell and Doris South, and his two brothers, Robert (Bobbie) and Jerry South. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.armstrongfh.com.
Services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, IA.
Officiating was Pastor Jeff South.
Special music was “The Other Side”by Colton Dixon, “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe, “Blessings”by Leah South and “Because He Lives” by Crowder.
Casketbearers were Brandie Ruggles, Brett Shields, Brennon Shields, Josh South, Josiah South, Jesse South, Jebidiah South, Shaleigh DeJong, Zachary VanDyke and Nathan VanDyke.
Memorial fund is in Jack’s name to be decided.