David Lee Armstrong (aka “Big Jack”) passed away on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, ending a 10-year battle with the effects of a 2013 stroke. He was two weeks from his 70th birthday and lived in Lewiston near family and friends.
He was born in Clarkston on Jan. 16, 1954, to parents Arvid and Velma Armstrong. He arrived one day after his father’s birthday which made for many fun “father/son” co-birthday celebrations over the years. He stood 6 feet 7 inches at his 1972 high school graduation. He played basketball and football and was a skilled motorcycle racer. His Lewiston High School classmates voted him as “most friendly.” With a flair for the dramatic, he rode his motorcycle through the halls of LHS prior to graduation and the administration still allowed him to graduate. He was loved by all.
Upon graduation, he pursued a career in radio broadcasting. In 1975 he was hired by KLER radio in Orofino and later worked for KOZE radio in Lewiston. He was a gifted radio announcer and recruited by Boise radio station KBBK-FM (Magic-92) in 1978. He and his wife Joan moved to Boise where he worked for KBBK. His successful radio career included working for several top radio stations like Boise’s KF-95, Rock-97, Kool-104, and in 2013, he purchased radio station KSRV in Ontario, Ore.
David/”Big Jack” is described by his friends as a man with a big personality, a big heart and big bear hugs. His lifelong flair for the dramatic served him well as he moonlighted as track announcer at Meridian Speedway and Firebird Raceway for many years. He loved classic cars and was the founder of Northwest Motorfest in Boise which became one of the top three automotive shows in the entire northwest. He also started the iconic New Year’s Eve celebration events in downtown Boise featuring top-name bands.
His big heart was manifested by his longing to help children through the Make-a-Wish Foundation and his desire to help the homeless through the Boise Rescue Mission. He donated his time and on-air promotional talent to raise awareness for these worthy charities.
He and wife Patti were married in 1987 and had two children. His daughter Cortni was born in 1988 and his son TJ was born in 1993. He would tell all his friends that these were the two “most amazing” children in the world. He loved them dearly. His son TJ married Kyra in 2020 and granddaughter Lilly was born in 2021. Of course, Lilly became the “most amazing” grandchild in the world. He recently spent a happy Thanksgiving with TJ, Kyra and Lilly in Steilacoom, Wash.
When physically able, he faithfully attended Lewiston’s Crosspoint Alliance Church accompanied by his childhood friend Colleen “Cokie” Dice. Cokie grew up in Lewiston across the street from the Armstrong family and showed David much kindness and empathy when he moved to Lewiston in 2014.
David is survived by his two children, Cortni Armstrong of Indiana, TJ (and Kyra) Armstrong and granddaughter Lilly of Steilacoom; and three siblings, Leon (and Sharon) Armstrong of Saint Maries, Tina (and Rick) Woods of Lewiston, and Doug (and Amber) Armstrong of Eagle, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made (in Jack Armstrong’s memory) to the History of Idaho Broadcasting Foundation, Inc.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Crosspoint Alliance Church, 1330 Powers Ave., Lewiston.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, February 24, 11:00 AM
- Location
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CrossPoint Alliance Church
1330 Powers Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
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