Jack Edward Schmalzried, 32, of Denver, Colorado, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Gove County Medical Center in Quinter, Kansas. He was born on July 10, 1993, in Wichita, Kansas.

Jack graduated from Soaring Heights Academy homeschool and later took college classes at Abilene Christian University and Front Range Community College.

Jack was the movie buff of all movie buffs. His favorite time of year was Oscar season, and he loved watching and critiquing all the nominated films to see if the voters got it right. One of his biggest dreams came true while he was in college when he produced a short film. He hoped one day to work professionally in the movie industry.

Jack dearly loved his dog, whom he named Anderson after his favorite movie director, Paul Thomas Anderson. One of his favorite pastimes was taking Anderson to the movies and watching the silver screen with his loyal companion curled up on his lap.

On March 28, 2019, Jack was united in marriage to Ashley Chapa. The couple later divorced after six and a half years of marriage.

Most of Jack's working years were spent in the service industry. He loved serving tables because he felt he could give his guests something to make their day a little better. However, working in environments where alcohol was often present also fueled the personal struggles he faced for many years. Jack wrestled with forgiveness, grace, and mercy as he battled those demons. Music became an important outlet for him, and he had a special affinity for the band Twenty One Pilots. Their themes of faith, perseverance, and overcoming addiction resonated deeply with him.

After years of struggles and health challenges, Jack's biggest victory was accepting the love of the Lord Jesus Christ shortly before his passing. He is now resting in his Savior's arms. He is out of pain; the demons did not win—Jesus did.

He is survived by his parents, Rory and Dawn Schmalzried of Castle Rock, Colorado; his brothers, Heath (Amanda) Schmalzried of Concord, California, and Tyler (Amber) Schmalzried of Kiowa, Colorado; his sister, Hope (Norris) Payne of Elizabeth, Colorado; his grandmother, Rozan Schmalzried of Quinter, Kansas; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

At Jack's request, there will be no traditional funeral or memorial service. The family will honor that request and instead hold a come-and-go gathering at All Around Auto, 631 Beverly St., Unit #104, Elizabeth, Colorado, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., as a time to gather, grieve, and share together. Brief comments will be shared at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Sandstone Care Denver, an addiction treatment center that helped Jack, or to Gove County Medical Center. Donations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, Kansas 67672.

The family invites those who wish to share memories or leave condolences to do so by visiting www.schmittfuneral.com.