Jack R. Junkin

JACK R. JUNKIN, 68, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne after a brief illness. Born in Hammond, Ind. on Feb. 17, 1944, he went on to serve his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War before embarking on a long career in sales, from which he retired in 2008. He married his beloved late wife, Mary (Louagie) Junkin, in 1970; and together they raised their son, Jeffrey and daughter Melissa (Curtis Shaw). He is also survived by his siblings Carl Junkin, Carol Miller, Charlene Hoffman, Sharon Turner and their many loving children. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary; parents, Carl Junkin, Irene Grisso and brother Bill Junkin. "Above all, he was a kind, loving and devoted family man." He loved Notre Dame Football, show choir, painting, musical theatre and most of all helping others. "Recent years have found Jack volunteering at Arena Dinner Theatre, enjoying his weekly bowling league with Jeff, and leading the ovation for Melissa and Curtis at whatever musical, play or concert they were involved in. The last seven months of his life were devoted to adoring his first-born grandchild, Maddox Jack Douglas Shaw. Now reunited with the love of his life, Mary, Jack Junkin lived a life of love, generosity and humor to the very end." Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church at 1502 W. Wallen Road with Calling one hour prior. Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home at 6131 St. Joe Road, with Vigil Service at 3:30 pm. Burial at the Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Homestead High School Show Choirs "Jack R. Junkin Memorial Scholarship" fund at 4310 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, Ind. 46814 or to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.