Jack Stewart

Jack Michael Stewart was a prankster in every sense of the word! Goofy, fun-loving and well-liked, Jack knew how to keep a crowds attention, whether he was leading up to the punchline in one of his jokes, or slowly unraveling the plot behind his latest prank. Jack’s family, friends and co-workers delighted in his sense of humor and were entertained by his antics. Jack truly spent a lifetime making others laugh.

Jack M. Stewart was born on July 16, 1946, to parents John Curtiss and Emily Ruth (Barr) Stewart of Kalamazoo. Jack and his twin sister, Jean Marie, were the youngest in a family of five children. The twins were preceded by their three older brothers, Phillip, David and William. Following Jack and Jean’s arrival, their brother Bill remembers a neighbor asking him where his parents were going to put twins in a house with only three bedrooms. Bill pondered the question for a moment and then jokingly replied, “In the two dresser drawers.”

Jack was an energetic and adventurous young boy. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball and softball.

Visits with his cousin, Danny, who lived on Gun Lake, were always something to look forward to. The two boys spent all day on the lake, shooting frogs and catching fish.

Jack and Danny were the best of buddies as children, and this close bond endured a lifetime. The Stewart brothers also developed an unbreakable bond, a bond which only grew stronger as they reached their twenties. At this time the brothers discovered their love for the game of golf, a pastime they all enjoyed and shared together. Over the years they made sure to always visit with family at Thanksgiving and Christmas time.

While growing up in Kalamazoo attending school was not Jack’s favorite activity. He stuck it out though, and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1964. Although most subjects did not hold Jack’s interest, he was a good history student, particularly when it came to the American Civil War. Jack also possessed excellent street smarts and great wit. He often found it entertaining to confuse people and to play tricks or joke around. In restaurants Jack would tease the waitresses by ordering things that were not on the menu, or perhaps not even suitable for any restaurant menu. Jack delighted in seeing the expression on the waitresses’ face, as he pretended to act serious.

After his graduation from high school Jack took his first job as a bagger at Harding’s Market. Jack often bagged at the same lane as his future sister-in-law, Mary, who at the time was dating his brother. Following his job at Harding’s Jack went to work for Fuller Manufacturing, which later became Eaton Corporation. Jack worked here for over 16 years. He, and his “partner in crime,” John Howe, became known as the company pranksters. They worked on third shift together and were always scheming something mischievous to keep things interesting around the shop.

Jack’s next career move brought him to Triple S Plastic in 1982. His brother’s Phillip and Dave owned the company, where Jack served 23 years. Although the company was owned by his brothers, Jack often went on the road as a salesman for Triple S. His honest nature and gift of gab made Jack a natural salesman, and a favorite of Triple S customers.

On the side, Jack began working on his own invention and eventually developed a new product called “Linky Rinks”, He used his discovery to run a small business out of his home called “Forecees”.

In 1965, Jack married his high school girlfriend, Patricia Manuel. The couple divorced in the early 90’s. During their marriage they had two children together, a son, Jeffery Michael, who was born in June of 1966, and a daughter, Christy Marie, who was born in June of 1969.

A devoted family man, Jack was extremely proud of his children and loved being a father. He would always get right down on the floor and play with the children, and he also enjoyed several outdoor activities, like hiking and biking, with his kids. During summer months, they often biked the length of the Kal-Haven Trail or visited Jack’s parents for Sunday dinners at their cottage on Gun Lake.

Following his divorce with Patricia, Jack remarried Cyndee (Berndt) Decker on December 31, 1996. The two were married at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas! Jack welcomed Cyndee’s four children, BJ, Kevin, Nikki, and Katchen, as if they were his very own. He also enjoyed his grandchildren: Dallas and Nevada Henrickson, Tristin Decker, and Sofia Decker.

Jack was highly regarded by his family. His brother Bill says Jack was honest, had very high integrity, and was deserving of respect. Not only was Jack an excellent husband and father, he was a great son to his parents. He was always sure to look out for them and to take care of their needs as they aged.

Jack’s family and friends would say that he never really grew up. However, they would also agree that this was one of the best things about Jack. His joking manner and knack for playing a good prank always made those around him smile. He was notorious for goofing off and creating havoc, but in a good and lighthearted way. Everyone knew that whenever Jack was involved there would be mischief.

At his nephew’s wedding, Jack and his older brothers arrived just as the crowd began showering the bride and groom with rice. To act inconspicuous the four brothers found places in line and joined in the festivities. Their plan was foiled when their nephew looked at them, and upon seeing their sunburnt noses, asked the uncles where they had been during the wedding. Undoubtedly they had been working on their golf swings.

Aside from being a prankster and working long hours, Jack enjoyed fishing and singing karaoke. He loved any kind of live music, although he was especially a fan of karaoke. Jack owned his own karaoke machine, which was one of his favorite possessions, and his favorite song to sing was “The Man In Black,” by Johnny Cash.

Jack Stewart, 57, of Vicksburg passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2004. His passing is deeply felt by many family members and dear friends. Jack is survived by his wife, Cyndee Stewart; two children, Jeffery Stewart, of Portage, and Christy Marie Stewart, of Wisconsin; four stepchildren, whom are like children; BJ Decker and his wife Michelle, of Scotts; Kevin Decker and his wife Melissa, of Portage; Nikki Henrickson and her husband Ryan, of Allegan; Katchen Decker, of Portage; three grandchildren: Nevada Henrickson, Tristin Decker, and Sofia Decker. Jack is also survived by his three brothers; Phillip Stewart and his wife Esther, of Florida; David Stewart and his wife Joyce, of Florida; William Stewart and his wife Mary, of Kalamazoo; and his twin sister, Jean Qualls and her husband Rudy, of Arizona.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Curtiss and Emily Ruth (Barr) Stewart; and one grandson, Dallas Henrickson.

Friends are invited to visit Jack’s family this Friday, April 23, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home - Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Vicksburg Chapel. The essence of Jack’s life will be celebrated at his Life Story funeral on Saturday, April 24, at 11 a.m. at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. To read Jack’s complete life story, leave a memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation to the family, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Jack - we will never forget your contagious smile, or the way you told a joke, or all those silly pranks that made us laugh. You knew how to brighten our day.