Jack K. Curry

5/17/1928 — 3/13/2016

Service Date: 3/19/2016
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Jack Curry, 87, of Clarkston, was called home to heaven on Sunday morning, March 13, 2016, after a bout with shingles.

Jack was born May 17, 1928, in Gifford, to Eddie Roy (Jack) and Lena (Bibb) Curry. The family lived on a farm in Melrose, where Jack grew up and graduated from high school. In 1947, he married his wife, Betty (Chambers) Curry. Jack joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 with hopes of becoming a pilot. He served proudly for four years and was stationed both in Japan and Hawaii, which accounted for many fond memories.

Jack and Betty were married for 63 years, until her passing in August 2010. Jack was married again in April 2012, to Susan (Pettit) Curry at the church where they both attended in Clarkston. Jack did go on to get his pilot's license after his military service, and there were many family vacations in the planes he owned. In 1977, he was involved in a plane crash that broke his back but not his spirit. This ended his professional driving career, but he fought his way back and was active until the end.

Jack always had a "can-do attitude" that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Jack will be remembered for his lifelong love for building and flying airplanes. He also kept busy restoring and driving a collection of classic cars. A love of motorcycles also led him to log more than 40,000 miles riding various machines. In addition to his passion for his interests, he was a follower of Jesus Christ. His Christian faith motivated him to sing and play his banjo for others. Jack played his banjo hundreds of times in nursing and care centers in the valley for decades. Jack attended church at SonRise Church in Clarkston.

Jack is survived by his loving wife and friend, Susan Curry; sons David Curry and Wesley Curry; daughter Marie Floch; and grandchildren David Curry Jr., James Curry, Chad Curry and Jason Butler; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

We will honor his going home at 2 p.m. Saturday at SonRise Church, at 2620 22nd St., Clarkston, with coffee and cookies