1935
Jack
2016
Jack Shepard
December 23, 1935 — November 18, 2016
Passed away Friday, November 18, 2016. Jack was born to Jack and Edith Marie Shepard in Union City, Michigan on December 23, 1935. He grew up in Union City, along with his brothers Buster and Jerry, and graduated from Union City High School in 1954. He was a 4 sport letterman and excelled in baseball. He also enjoyed participating in the choir and theater productions.
Jack honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from September 1954 to September 1959. He served his country as a radio and communications specialist upon the U.S.S. Chester T.O’Brien during the Korean conflict of 1950 to 1955.
Jack worked for many years At Union Pump Co. in Battle Creek and retired from the Union Pump in California. He was educated as an accountant having filled that position with various companies. Also, many people remember him as a 7-Up truck driver which he enjoyed and where he made many new friends.
Jack's children include Jeffrey C. (Kathy) Shepard of Wilton Manors, FL, Jack A. (Jessica) Shepard and grandson Zachary of Battle Creek, MI, Jeffrey A. Shepard of Broomfield, CO and Kristyn M. (Loren) Black and grandchildren Aaron and Eva of Portland, OR.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his big brother “Buster” James who he loved very much and who was also a NAVY MAN. Jack’s actions and interactions with his friends and community were varied but focused. As a baseball player in the early years of the Battle Creek City League, he led the league in batting average as a member of the Battle Creek Independents. He also played baseball during the Navy as a part of his ship’s traveling baseball team. He went on to be a very successful fast pitch softball player having played many years for Bud’s Wrecker Service.
Loving sports, Jack stayed involved with Michigan High School Athletics by serving as a high school sports athletic official for over 30 years. He officiated both men’s and women’s sports which included volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball and football. On multiple occasions, he and his officiating crew were honored with the opportunity of doing MHSAA Championship football games at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Jack very much enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. His fun time included being a longtime member and president (1992) of the Battle Creek Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) where he was a member of the chorus and a quartet, Country Line Dancing, where he and his group performed and were broadcast on TV from Nashville, TN. Also he was a member and avid golfer with his buddies at Riverside Country Club utilizing the opportunity to teach his children the game of golf.
Friends and family will be received Monday from 6 to 8:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor James Codde officiating. Interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.henryfuneralhome.org
Jack honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy from September 1954 to September 1959. He served his country as a radio and communications specialist upon the U.S.S. Chester T.O’Brien during the Korean conflict of 1950 to 1955.
Jack worked for many years At Union Pump Co. in Battle Creek and retired from the Union Pump in California. He was educated as an accountant having filled that position with various companies. Also, many people remember him as a 7-Up truck driver which he enjoyed and where he made many new friends.
Jack's children include Jeffrey C. (Kathy) Shepard of Wilton Manors, FL, Jack A. (Jessica) Shepard and grandson Zachary of Battle Creek, MI, Jeffrey A. Shepard of Broomfield, CO and Kristyn M. (Loren) Black and grandchildren Aaron and Eva of Portland, OR.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his big brother “Buster” James who he loved very much and who was also a NAVY MAN. Jack’s actions and interactions with his friends and community were varied but focused. As a baseball player in the early years of the Battle Creek City League, he led the league in batting average as a member of the Battle Creek Independents. He also played baseball during the Navy as a part of his ship’s traveling baseball team. He went on to be a very successful fast pitch softball player having played many years for Bud’s Wrecker Service.
Loving sports, Jack stayed involved with Michigan High School Athletics by serving as a high school sports athletic official for over 30 years. He officiated both men’s and women’s sports which included volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball and football. On multiple occasions, he and his officiating crew were honored with the opportunity of doing MHSAA Championship football games at the Pontiac Silverdome.
Jack very much enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. His fun time included being a longtime member and president (1992) of the Battle Creek Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBSQSA) where he was a member of the chorus and a quartet, Country Line Dancing, where he and his group performed and were broadcast on TV from Nashville, TN. Also he was a member and avid golfer with his buddies at Riverside Country Club utilizing the opportunity to teach his children the game of golf.
Friends and family will be received Monday from 6 to 8:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor James Codde officiating. Interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.henryfuneralhome.org
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