Pub. 7 2019 Issue 1

4 The Community Banker www.mibonline.org It is an understatement to say Jack King is an independent bank legend. Some of my earliest memories of banking include the discus- sion of “chain banks” and how these big banks wanted branch banking and other new rules that would allow them to disadvantage indepen- dent banks, all at the detriment of our communities. My grandfather spoke of a group of like-minded “independents” standing up to these big banks and fighting their proposed changes. Later I learned several bankers from Stockman Bank served on the MIB with Jack King over the 30 years before I joined the MIB Board in 1997. That was the year I met both Jack and John King. Since that time, I learned of Jack’s lifelong dedication and selfless representation of community banking across the country. Through the years, I have been asked by various current and former community bankers from around the U.S. if I knew Jack King. Even as recently as last summer when I attended the Council of Commu- nity Bankers Associations hosted by Jim Brown, several attendees asked about Jack or stated they worked with him in the ‘80’s. Jack’s legacy lives on in his family with both John and AJ being strong leaders at MIB and ICBA. Additionally, Ron & Karen and Jack’s grandchil- dren, Ashley & Joel, carry on Jack’s strong community banking spirit as well. Moreover, hundreds of us have been enlightened and energized by Jack’s unwavering support of independent banks and how they uniquely support and build the communities they serve. We’ve all been given our foundation and role model, now it is our turn to carry the torch. Thanks, Jack! Bill Coffee, CEO, Stockman Bank I first met Jack during the late 1980’s while attending the annual meeting of the Montana Independent Bankers Association (MIB). Later I joined the Board of Directors of MIB and that lead to me being MIB’s president in 1994. At that time, I was employed with First Security Bank & Trust in Miles City which today is Stockman Bank of Montana. Jack was a strong voice at MIB annual meetings, even though not on the Board, as all members were invited to attend. His comments were short, direct and specific, and forced our association to ponder the next action from those comments. His messages were “big pic- ture” on what MIB is doing to maintain and enhance the spirit and commitment to independent community banking in our state and the country. Jack was motivated by independent community bank- ing due to his banking career and the sense in how an Independent Community Banker makes the cities, the businesses, the ranchers and farmers strong and viable. Jack wanted everyone to be success- ful and knew that independent community bankers did much more to make that happen while not seeing the same commitment for success from Montana financial institutions owned by out-of-state corporations. Jack’s commitment to independent community banking was rewarded in many ways – one of which his national peers naming him the chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America during the mid 1980’s. Long live in us Jack’s drive and commitment to independent com- munity banking! Lloyd W. Sohl Retired, following a 42 year banking career Rapid City, South Dakota Tribute for Jack King Jack King – A Commitment to Independent Community Banking