Jack Leroy Scharf of Helena, Mt, passed away on July 6, 2022 at the age of 84, after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his children Sandy (George) Countryman, Bruce (Nina) Scharf, Eric (Dini) Scharf all of Helena and Laura (Chet) Periman of Deer Lodge, his brother Ron (Joyce) Scharf, his sister Goldie (Dave) Enger, along with ten grandchildren, 21 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Marjie Scharf and his sister Barbara (Ed) Johnson.

Jack was born in Deer Lodge, on September 2, 1937, to August Karl and Lorean Scharf. He lived in Pioneer (Gold Creek), where his love for gold-mining began. At the age of 5, his family then moved to Deer Lodge where he met and later married Marjie White on January 2, 1958.

Growing up in Deer Lodge gave Jack the opportunity to make several life-long friends, whom he talked fondly of, and spoke about all of their adventures up until his death.

Jack enlisted in the National Guard in 1960. He served 9 years while working for the Milwaukee Railroad for 23 years. Following this, he and Marjie began a new adventure in Nevada City, Mt, where they started the Alder Gulch River of Gold Mining Museum. This museum allowed Jack to share his knowledge and tell his many stories about finding gold.

Jack and Marjie spent many winters in Quartszite, Arizona where they sold gold panning kits, jewelry derived from stones they had collected, and many other items they had constructed with their own hands.

After supporting Marjie in her faith for many years, Jack was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses as well.

Jack and Marjie were passionate about life and being on the go. They enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and scavenging for treasure with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Helena, at 2:00 on August 6, 2022. A reception will be held immediately following the service at 715 Sewell Rd. Helena, Mt. 59601.