James Archibald Jack

77 years. Passed away at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital on September 19, 2013, surrounded by his family. Beloved wife of Judith Anne Jack. Predeceased by his first wife Patricia Jack. Loving father to Cynthia (Jonathan) Chesler, Pamela Jack and Dave Dalpe, Maureen Jack . Dear Grandpa to Christopher and Emma Beaucage. Pops to Mona Galinski, Robert Carter, Frank Carter, Wendy Boreham, Jennifer Turner (Brian) and Amy Tunks. Great Papa to Ayonnah. Dear brother to Ernie Jack. Predeceased by his brother David and his sisters Valerie and Beverly. Cremation has taken place. A Service to Celebrate the Life of James Jack will take place at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, donations to the The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) Museum, 701 Oxford St E, London, Ontario N5Y 4T7 would be appreciated by the family.

ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE FAMILY AND CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF JAMES JACK ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2013 FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. AT THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH #143, 1570 MARENTETTE ROAD, WINDSOR. A VETERAN SERVICE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE WVMSC WILL BE HELD AT 6:00 P.M.

James Archibald Jack, RCR

Jim shipped out to Germany October ’53 during the Cold War. He served with NATO as a peacekeeper after WWII. His Commander made them do a forced tour of Bergen Belsen, a concentration camp used in the Holocaust, the masses of graves of Jews, Russians, gypsies, with the acid bites and stoves still there. This remained forever in his mind.

When a student asked if he would do it again he replied in a heartbeat - I would serve tomorrow if they called, why? because of my love of for this Country.

Jim was one of the most respected members of Windsor Historical Society - Veterans Memories Project. Others will sing his many praises but we would like to offer a just sampling of Jim's narratives while speaking to new Canadians and to students at Massey High School and University of Windsor.

Jim's epitaph may very well read:

"We’re not just peacekeepers we’re first peacemakers then we’re peacekeepers. Lest we forget …that’s the reason. If we forget, we’ll do it again. The best way to prevent war is to remember it.”

Bob Kelly, RCR recants his and Jim's military duty while serving together.

In 1953, Jim set sail from Val Cartier Quebec with the 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, headed for Germany. He was 19 days at sea aboard the HMS Queen Frederica. His first stop was Horka Holland where he then was transported by train to C5 Soest Germany. Jim spent 2 years at this base then transported part of the way by convoy and the remainder by train to Woolwich England where he served in the special forces unit for 3 months. After this time he returned to Germany to resume peace keeping duties. When the tour of duty was completed, Jim sailed back to Canada on the American Cargo Ship SS Cynthia, again 19 days at sea. Jim was disembarked in Val Cartier, Quebec, and he convoyed back to his home base in London, Ontario after serving 3 years abroad.

Bob and Jim never re-connected until 55 years later when they met again at the Windsor Historical Society - Veterans Memories Project.