Jack Vernon Goodell

Jack Vernon Goodell, Jr. was born January 31, 1942, in Salem, Oregon, to Jack Vernon Goodell, Sr. and Myrtle Alice Wheeler. He passed away on September 4, 2026, in Mill City, Oregon.Jack graduated from Stayton High School in 1960.

 Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Navy in December 1960. He proudly served until December 1966 and was later a member of the Sweet Home VFW.Jack made his home in Mill City for more than 50 years and spent his working career as a millworker at Freres Lumber Co., where he remained until his retirement.

Service to others was an important part of Jack's life. He generously volunteered his time at the Mill City Food Bank and always wanted to make sure people had what they needed to care for their families. His dedication to his community was recognized by the North Santiam Chamber of Commerce, which honored him as Citizen of the Year in both 2017 and 2025.Jack loved the outdoors and the beauty of the Santiam Canyon. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, and geocaching throughout the area. 

Those who knew him will remember an easygoing, friendly, and helpful man who was always willing to lend a hand.Jack met Verona Tucker Upmeyer, and the two were married on July 21, 2007, in Sweet Home, Oregon. Together, Jack and Verona grew in their faith and became members of Gates Community Church, where a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Goodell.He is survived by his wife, Verona; children, Jeffrey Goodell and Jonathan (Vonna) Goodell; stepchildren, Jimmy Jack Pier, Richard (Angela) Upmeyer, Theresa Upmeyer, Robert (Lori) Upmeyer, Tammy (Bill) Rush, and Tina McCoy; grandchildren, Jeremy Goodell, Mariah, Cami, Breanna, Travis, Tyler and Christian Upmeyer, Aaron, Ben and Stephanie Upmeyer, Daniel and Elizabeth Cuckler, and Jennifer and Abigail Rush; as well as his many great-grandchildren.Jack leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, faith, and care for his community.

 His willingness to help others and his love for the people and places of the Santiam Canyon will be remembered by all who knew him.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Mill City Food Bank in Jack's honor.