Jack Hamilton Gunn Jr.

Jack Hamilton Gunn, Jr., went home to be with his Lord and Father, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, March 11th, 2015. He was a loving, caring and generous man all his life. Jack was the son of Jack Hamilton Gunn and Catherine Moore Gunn and spent his early years in Greenville, SC, where he was born on July 18th, 1928. The family moved to Charlotte, NC, where Jack attended Central High School and played baseball. Jack attended his beloved North Carolina State University where he also played baseball. He remained a loyal fan of all their sports teams for his entire life; he loved them immensely when they won and supported them whole heartedly when they lost. After college and during the Korean War, Jack enlisted in the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne, attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He stayed in the Army Reserves for many years, first in Charlotte and then in Raleigh, NC.

Jack is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bonnie, and his children whom he adored: son, Steve Gunn and wife Sharon, daughter, Sharon Neece and husband Robert, and son Bryant Tant and wife Valerie. His grandchildren, Lara Neece and husband Brian Young, Bennett Neece, Tyler Gunn, Stewart Gunn and Corbett Tant, were his greatest gift, and he believed they were the smartest and best ever. Jack had one brother, Robert (Bob) Meredith Gunn and wife Dottie; nephew Robert (Bobby) Gunn and wife Rachel; nephew Mark Gunn and wife Layla with their son Lathan; a niece, Susan Goerke and husband Danny with their son Robert Daniel; sisters-in-law Nita Godwin, Dotte Bowman, and Trannie Bowman; nieces Heather Bowman and Candice Bowman; and a nephew Bryce Bowman.

Jack worked in the food industry his entire career. He was co-founder and co-owner of Associated Brokers, Inc. and Allegiance Brokers, Inc. He worked mostly in frozen foods and was on the broker advisory board for many companies such as Sara Lee, Ore Ida, Welch’s, and Pet Ritz. In 1986, Jack was inducted into the Distinguished Order of Zerocrates, an organization that honors individuals who maintain a leadership position in their trade association and have made significant contributions to the frozen food industry. In 1989, he was inducted into the Honorable Order of Golden Penguins for selected individuals who contribute to the advancement of the National Frozen & Refrigerated Food Association and frozen food industry. Jack was also co-chairman of the National Frozen Food Convention for five years with his friend Ardell Barns and served on the board of directors for the convention. Jack so enjoyed working with Nevin Montgomery and Skip Shaw who were president and vice president of the National Frozen Food Association, because he knew they both worked day and night tirelessly to promote the industry. Jack was inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 2006 for his lifetime contributions, one of the highest honors bestowed in the Frozen Food Industry. He felt so blessed to have such incredible employees and colleagues work with him throughout the years. Jack was proud when he, along with his partners, Jim Cresimore, Arlie Beal, and Bob McQuay, purchased the old Mary Elizabeth Hospital in Raleigh and renovated the building, which became the main office of the United Way. They also renovated the doctors building next door, which served as an office for both Jack and Jim Cresimore.

Jack and Bonnie attended Cary Alliance Church for the last 40 years. He loved his church, his prayer group, kinship group, and –as he said- “Clemson Pastor”, Mitchell Gregory. He felt every day was a gift from God and that he was blessed.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Clare Bridge of Cary for the care and kindness they gave to Jack and many thanks to Angie McKinnon for her care and kindness while sitting with Jack weekly. Jack will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Cary Alliance Church, 4108 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex, NC 27539. Interment will follow the service at Wake Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, NC 27502.

Donations can be made to the Lewey Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 and Cary Alliance Church, 4108 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex, NC 27539.

Condolences may be sent to www.ApexFuneral.net