HUDSON FALLS – John E.”Baracuda Jack” Armstrong, 86, of North Street, passed away on January 13, 2021, with his family by his side, at the Glens Falls Hospital, after a short illness.
He was born on June 20, 1934, the first born of the late John and Marie (Baldwin) Armstrong.
On July 29, 1956, he married Patricia Stephenson. They shared 24 years of marriage, before her passing on August 9, 1980.
Jack was a record-breaking big game hunter and a trophy winning deep sea fisherman. He loved wildlife and always had a treat on hand for his four-legged friends. Jack’s favorite things were Myers Rum, Cossayuna Lake and the Florida Keys. He will long be remembered for his love of life, friends and a good day of fishing.
Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert “Bud” and his sisters, Jane Webster and Kathy Packer.
Survivors include his companion of 40 years, Patricia Laclair, who never swayed when it came to Jack’s needs; his daughters, Jill Collette and her husband, Tom of Cape Canaveral, Florida and Julie Stroughton and her companion, Don Welch of Hudson Falls; one son, John III and his wife, Carla of Queensbury; his four legged princess, Penny; his grandchildren Tricia (Matt), Todd (Karen), Carla (Russ), Eric (Jessica) and Jill (Anthony); and eight great grandchildren, who called him Great Pa. Jack’s words of wisdom to his grandchildren were, “Change is bad and poverty sucks”. He also is survived by his four brothers, Jerry, George, Pete and Tom; his four sisters, Carol, Marie, Sharon and Helen; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A special thanks to his buddies, Eddie Lapan, Bill West, Carey and Dennis Whitney.
The family also wishes to thank Glens Falls Hospital ICU Unit, especially, Kristen Canini.
Dad, enjoy fishing in heaven with Bill and Lester. PEACE
A graveside ceremony will be conducted at Moss Street Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, followed by a celebration of Jack’s life at the Cossayuna Lake Association.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Parkinson Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste 1509, New York NY 10018 or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 200 Bessey Street, 28th floor, New York, NY10281.
Dear Patty & family,
Saddened to read this morning of Jacks passing.
Such a nice man. Greeted everyone with a smile ( well those he liked! Ha!)
Even though we haven’t seen Jack out & about since Parkinson’s took over his life, you we’re going to miss him. I’m sure he already has a boat load of fish! Blessings to all. 💜
To the Family of Jack Armstrong sending my thoughts and prayers for you all. So sorry for your loss . May he Rest In Peace. He was such a good guy . Great smile and loved listening to his stories . Keep your memories close to your heart.
My uncle Jack was a special person who found good in and respect for people from all walks of life. For me personally, I will always treasure the great memories we shared from our years together on Pratts Point, Cossayuna, NY. One memory in particular will always be special – when our family’s camp burned to the ground in the summer of 1977, Uncle Jack and the Armstrong family took us in to stay with them so that our summer was not lost on the lake. I was 10 years old at the time but will forever be grateful for the genuine care and generosity shown to me and my family. Today I grieve with the Armstrong family for their (and our) loss and pray for comfort and peace as they prepare to carry on Uncle Jack’s legacy. The family of Rich Jenks loves all of you and we look forward to celebrating Jack’s life when we are together again.
We are so very sorry for your loss.He was such a sweet man.His loss will be felt by so many people .I am sending hugs for your family.
Patty,
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Please know we are thinking of you.
Jack Armstrong family ,our thoughts and prayers are with you. A great friend for over 60 years.We are thinking of you.
Patty and the Armstrong Family,
Thinking of you at this time of sadness, Always remember the happy times and the memories made.
Armstrong family, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Dad, Grandfather, brother, uncle… I’m sure he will be missed. May your memories be in your heart always
Connie Szostak
To Julie, Jill, John and their families
I was so very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a good man and I will always remember being greeted with “Hi Giggles”.
My thoughts are with you.
Marie McKinney
So sorry to read this news John & Carla! Hugs and prayers for you and yours!
John,Carla,Pete,Tom and family–Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
John,Carla, Pete,Tom and family–Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
John,Carla,Pete,Tom and family–Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
To Patty, Jill, Julie & Johnny, My Brother “Jack” –John E Armstrong JR.–was the most charactered man I ever knew. He taught me to work by His example, how to fish, hunt, water ski, and most of all–to enjoy life! Our trips long ago to Lake Champlain ice fishing with my brothers, to the Clay Banks where He won the Genessee fishing contest catching a 48″ Northern Pike in 1969, to Cossayuna tiger muskies in His later years. He loved and respected His parents and taught us to do the same! He learned to work from Bill Francis’s Greenhouse’s in his teenage years where everyone there had a nickname and Jack’s was “Waxo”! He teased all of us endlessly!!! He bought a NEW 1967 Red Convertible GTO with a 6 pack manifold that was the talk of two counties, and I( think the price was 2200.$) He took me fishing to a remote pond as a young boy where I planted a U20 Flatfish with 4 sharp treble hooks into the back of his HEAD! He never yelled or blamed me for being so careless!! With so many memories and great times, all of us could go on and on with the stories of His life and generous attitude and love for life! He was a strong tower for many of us and will be missed so much. I will see you again in Eternity my Brother! Thomas & Ana Armstrong
There’s an old saying. When an older person dies it’s like burning down a library. All that valuable past information is lost!
Jack was a great teacher of fishing, hunting and the outdoors in general. He taught me how to fish in the FL Keys, lent tackle when necessary, and showed me his best spots. What more could a fisherman do? The fish always stopped biting at noon (that’s when the bar opened!) He loved his Myers rum, his meat cooked so rare “that a good vet could bring it back to life”, and his friends. I was very fortunate to have been considered his friend. Our many visits to both Florida and NY were great. Remember the testicle festivals?
Our condolences to Patti, his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. His passing is a huge change in the clan. And remember “Change isn’t good”.
To John, Patty, and family,
We are so sorry to learn of Jack’ s passing. May your lasting memories and the sympathy of friends and family help to comfort you at this time.
DearJohn and family
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace
To the Armstrong family: So sorry for your loss. I remember Jack taking my Dad away from the farm work to go hunting with him and Joe Haynes up in the Adirondacks. My Dad Norm Hitchcock enjoyed his company. Did not know he had Parkinson. Now he is with the heavenly father and may he rest in peace.
Elaine Sweenor
I was so sad to hear of your dad’s passing You are in my thoughts & prayers.