On the morning of September 13th, at the age of 91, Jack passed away peacefully at home. Jack was born in Oakland, CA, on September 1st, 1933, to O.R. (Bode) and Anne Martin. In 1937, the Martin family moved to South Lake Tahoe, where Jack’s mother ran and operated the “Martin Lodge.” Jack attended Lake Valley Elementary through the 8th grade and later attended Douglas High School, graduating in 1952. From an early age, Jack’s father instilled in him a love for the outdoors, and Jack developed a deep passion for fishing. In 1958, Jack became the sporting goods manager at the iconic “Outdoorsman” in South Lake Tahoe. While working there, he started a charter fishing business, where, over the years, he took people from all over the world, including many famous personalities and dignitaries, fishing on Lake Tahoe. Jack also became known as the voice of Tahoe, providing fishing and hunting reports for the Tahoe Basin. He was given the title of “The Tahoe Fisher King.”
Jack worked at the Outdoorsman until it closed. Afterward, with a few close friends, he opened “The Sportsman” in South Lake Tahoe. He continued his charter fishing business until his retirement. One thing was certain: if you went fishing with Jack, you were guaranteed to come home with a limit of Mackinaw or Kokanee.
In 1962, Jack made the greatest catch of his life when he met Maria Matteoli. They married in 1963 and had two daughters, Kimberly and Dana.
Jack was dedicated to many outdoor organizations. Some of his accomplishments included organizing the Sportswriters’ Fishing Derby for top writers in the Western United States. In 1984 he also served as chairman for the Tahoe Ducks Unlimited dinner, where he hosted the highest-grossing dinner of all Ducks Unlimited events that year. In addition, Jack served for many years on the Douglas County Game Board and the Gardnerville Gun Club. He was a long-time member of the South Lake Tahoe Secret Witness. Beyond fishing, he loved hunting wild game, especially ducks and doves. Opening day of dove season always fell on his birthday, which made it a special tradition for him.
In 1981, Jack and Maria purchased a home and ranch in Gardnerville. Over the last 40+ years, Jack enjoyed the ranch life, raising cattle, sheep, and growing grass hay. They named the property Maverick Ranch, a place where Jack loved to be and where many cherished family memories were made.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Bode and Anne Martin; his sister, Patricia Rahbeck; and his brother-in-law, Spec Rahbeck. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maria Martin; his daughters, Kimberly Jackson and Dana Harper (Jake); his grandchildren, Mason (Seanna) Jackson, Cole (Hannah) Jackson, and McKinna Jackson; and his great-grandchildren, Cooper Jackson and Oakli Jackson—Oakli having been born on the very day Jack left us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to.
Carson Valley Chukar Club
PO Box 1122
Gardnerville, NV
89410
Friends of Dangberg Home Ranch
PO Box 1158
Minden, NV
89423
Or organization of donor’s choice.