Jack Calvin, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Jack was born on July 22, 1930 in Cushing, Oklahoma, to Winfred Calvin and Geraldine (Calvin) Jolliff and raised by Stepfather Glenn Jolliff. He was sister to Iris (Calvin) Henwood (deceased) and loving husband to Joan (Darst) Calvin. Jack was devoted to his family and lived a full and long life. He enjoyed sailing, golfing, skiing, tennis, racquetball and reading, but most of all he loved his family and friends. He worked hard and played hard and always strived to provide the best life for his family. He was known for his story telling and quick wit and was always ready to impart great words of wisdom. Jack looked for an excuse to turn an ordinary gathering into a party. He was a stranger to no one. When he and Joan began to jitterbug on the local dance floor, they would often find themselves at the center of attention as others looked on with smiles. He loved to grill and was known for his “great stall”, which his family defines as his extended cocktail hour. He was a very caring and generous man that influenced others and impacted many lives.
Jack is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan (Darst) Calvin, his daughter Terry (Calvin) Reay (Pat Reay), son Jeffrey Calvin (Jenny Calvin), daughter Jill (Calvin) Heintz (Peter Heintz), adult grandchildren Jessica McMahon ( Jeffrey McMahon), Emily Calvin (Aleksandr Wilde), Mackenzie Bettinger (Donald Bettinger), Halston Chavez (Kevin Chavez), and great grandsons, Noah McMahon and Riot Calvin and great granddaughter, Quinn Bettinger.
Jack grew up in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Northwestern High School. In 1948, he attended Normal College before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1951. During the Korean War in 1952, he married his childhood sweetheart Joan Calvin. The love he had for Joan was unbreakable. They were stationed in Japan for 1.5 years as Jack served in the Provost Marshal office and played basketball for the Army’s Far East Command team. After being discharged in 1953, Jack and Joan moved to Ohio, and Jack briefly worked for Old Ben Coal before relocating to Detroit to work for Ohio Plate Glass Company. Jack was later transferred to Traverse City, Michigan in 1964 as the Branch Manager for Ohio Plate Glass Company. In 1975, Jack and Joan founded Northern Michigan Glass Company where he was President until he sold the business in 1997 and retired.
Not only was Jack devoted to his career, but he was also very active in the community and his church. In his younger years he served as a little league coach. Jack was an active member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. As a member of the First Congregational Church Jack, together with Joannie, served as Youth Group Leaders in the 1960s and 1970s and served as Ushers and Greeters throughout their lives. They served on the Care team and donated to Missions. Jack also served on the Pastoral Search Committee. Jack was also active with the National Cherry festival serving as Vice-President as well as serving on the Board in charge of Air, Water and Military Activities.
Jack held many Board positions in the community. He was Member of the Traverse City Zoning Board of Appeals and President of the Builders Exchange of NW Michigan. He was a Kiwanis Club Member as well as a Board Member for Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Additional board appointments included NBD Bank (Board Member), Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital (Chairman) and Munson Medical Center (Board of Trustees). In 2002, Jack was awarded the James Decker Munson Award, recognizing his achievements at Traverse City Osteopathic Hospital, Traverse City Community Hospital and Munson Medical Center.
A special thank you to the caregivers at Traverse Manor and Hospice of Michigan for the tender care extended to “Jackie” during his final months. They made a difference not only in his life but the life of his family.
A Celebration of Jack’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, February 12, 2024 at First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49686. Pastor Chad Oyer will officiate.
Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780 and American Legion post 35.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jack’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
