A commanding presence. A force of will. A beloved patriarch. His family, the city of Marion, and countless relatives, friends and business associates experienced the indelible influence of John Paul “Jack” Courtney. Jack passed away at his home, in Marion, on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
Jack was born May 20, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, one of seven children, to the late Joseph and Laura (Nicholas) Courtney. Jack graduated from St. Vincent High School in Akron (an alma matar he would never hesitate to profess he shared with LeBron James), and later attended The University of Akron where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business.
While attending high school, Jack fell in love with Rosemary, and together they raised four children. They enjoyed traveling the world as much as a good game of cards, and made countless memories with family and friends at their Florida, Georgia and Port Clinton residences. Rosemary passed away March 13, 1997.
Yet Jack had more to give. He married Alice “Pat” Piacentino on May 22, 1999, officiated by his nephew Father Gary Wright SJ. Jack and Pat blended their large families, took countless trips and cruises, and he never missed the opportunity to enjoy a fine meal and a great cigar. Jack cared for Pat until her death on September 4, 2013.
Jack was a man of faith who was born and raised a devout Roman Catholic. His life bore witness that with hard work and sheer will comes accomplishment, and Jack was an incredibly accomplished man. A lifelong learner, he was always reading and perpetually opining to anyone within earshot. He routinely helped and elevated others to achieve their goals.
Jack was a very patriotic man, serving in The US Navy during WWII where he worked onboard the U.S.S. Grand Canyon. After his honorable discharge Jack worked for the Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a purchasing contractor. Later Jack found employment at The McCall Corporation in Dayton working in their magazine subscription fulfillment services. Shortly after in 1959, Jack was offered a job with The Fulfillment Corporation of America which transferred him and his family to Marion. While at Fulfillment, Jack started out devising a cost-accounting system for the company treasurer. He then worked his way through the positions of methods specialist, production manager, vice president of operations, executive vice president and then president. Jack retired from Fulfillment in 1990 and never looked back.
Jack left his mark on many community organizations in Marion including Marion Rotary Club, United Way of Marion County, MedCenter Hospital, Marion Catholic High School; and the Marion Country Club. He also chaired the citizens committee that launched a drive to convince General Motors to build its Saturn automobile, plant in Marion. Jack’s prestigious civic awards include outstanding Citizen Award from United Way in 1988, and Newslife’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year for 1987.
Jack will be missed by children, Lisa (Geoffrey) Ovenden of Maumee, Tim (Suzanne) Courtney of Toledo, Laura Courtney of Dublin and Tricia (Daniel) Tischler of Waterville; grandchildren, Sonya, Stacey, Benjamin, Sara, Samantha, and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Courtney, Dillon, Sara, Lucy, Piper, Lincoln, Ellie, and Maggie Jo; step-children, George, Patricia, and Rocky Piacentino; step grandchildren, Rocco, Gina, Kayla, Kacie, and Jennifer; along with siblings, Bernard, Thomas Patrick and Shirley.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Laura; wives, Rosemary and Pat; siblings, Alden, Jane and Catherine, and step-son, Mike.
The family would like to thank all the doctors at Ohio Health Marion, Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, and the home health care providers for the excellent care Jack received.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s honor to St. Mary Church, Marion, Saints Peter and Paul Jesuit Church of Detroit (where Father Gary Wright SJ presides) or The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center www.wexnermedical.osu.edu/ways-to-give.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Church, 251 North Main Street, Marion on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 10:30 am with Fathers Gary Wright and Thomas Buffer concelebrating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service and burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Jack’s family. Online memories and condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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