In Memory: James Stewart “Stu” Jack, Jr., Age 85
James Stewart Jack, Jr. was born and raised in Rye, NY, the son of Scottish immigrants James Stewart Jack and Alice Strachan Jack. He attended The Rye High School where he lettered in Track and Cross Country. He loved sailing in the summers and crewed in many races on Long Island Sound. He received his B.A. degree at Colgate University where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity and participated in the Glee Club and Chapel choir.
Stu joined the Naval ROTC program while in college and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve after completing his degree. He volunteered for Submarine School and after completion, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Sea Owl, SS-405 which was home ported in Groton, CT. He left the active Navy in 1964 with the rank of Lieutenant. Stu then joined the Production Department of Linde Division, Union Carbide Corporation (now Praxair). He was employed in supervisory, management and training positions until his retirement 31 years later having spent time in numerous locations. After retiring from Linde/Praxair, he accepted a position with CylServ, Inc.
Stu loved flying his airplane and “sightseeing from the top”. He was a member of the PHL Hanger of the Ye Anciente and Secret Order of the Quiet Birdmen. For many years, he made a week-long annual visit to the Oshkosh Air Show with friends. Upon retirement, he began volunteering several days a week at the Railroad Museum of PA in Strasburg, PA working as a docent and in the Archives. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2017. When not at the Museum or flying, Stu spent many hours working on the restoration of a 1937 DC-3.
Surviving is his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Schafer) Jack; sons Dr. Gregory S. Jack (wife, Lucy) and Brian S. Jack (wife, Gray); his sisters Margaret (Peg) Johnston and Barbara White; along with his grandchildren Paxton, Emory, McCoy, Lachlan, Annabel, and Miles.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, starting at 10:30 AM with a Memorial Service at 11:30 AM. Following the service, all are invited to a luncheon at Charlotte’s in Newtown Square.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Friends of the PA Railroad Museum, P. O. Box 125, Strasburg, PA 17579, or to Wounded Warriors.
“Sailor, rest your oar. Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the love of family, the good life I lived while I was younger. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.”
