Jack Albert Pell

Jack was born on September 9, 1941, to Margaret (nee Owens) and Harley Pell. The youngest of six children, Jack grew up in the mountain town of Walhalla, South Carolina surrounded by siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He enlisted in the Army in 1963 at the age of 21. After Jack’s basic and career training, the Army sent him to Washington, DC to serve as a telecommunications technician in the White House.

After a two-year tour at the White House during the Lyndon B Johnson administration, Jack completed his military service and began his career in federal contracting. In May 1966, Jack joined a project in Vietnam setting up a communications system for the Department of Defense. After six months, however, Jack’s time in Vietnam was cut short when he fell ill with Rheumatic fever and had to return home.

After returning from Vietnam, Jack ultimately settled in the DC area. His roommate’s girlfriend had a roommate named Diane Runyan, with whom Jack built a lifetime relationship. Jack and Diane were married in 1968 and went on to have four children: Jason, Christie, Karen, and John. As the children grew up, Jack enthusiastically supported their interests, after school activities, and educational pursuits. He continued to support their interests, ambitions, and relationships through their adult years. Jack also got to know his childrens’ friends, many of whom came to see him as a father figure as well.

In July 1970, Jack joined some of his trusted colleagues to found IDEAS, Inc. Jack found early success in this venture and was promoted to Senior Vice President in 1971. As IDEAS thrived in the systems engineering industry, Jack continued to climb the ranks and direct larger programs. His customers included NASA and the NSA. His last role at IDEAS was President of the company’s largest operation, Defense Systems. IDEAS’ Defense Systems sector was ultimately acquired by SAIC, Inc. Jack continued work as a program executive there until his retirement from SAIC in 2001.

In the years following his retirement, Jack enjoyed camping, fishing, and - above all - doting on his five grandchildren. His grandchildren affectionately called him Pop Pop, and he spent as much time with them as he could - babysitting, attending soccer games and school functions, taking them camping, teaching them to fish, teaching them to drive, and sharing grandfatherly wisdom to help them as they grew. He nurtured his relationship with each grandchild and made it clear they were deeply loved simply for being themselves.

Known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, Jack was quick to help those in need however he could. He would readily lend tools, labor, advice - whatever the occasion called for - with good humor and plenty of Dad jokes.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Harley; siblings Jerry Pell (Mildred), Clara Nicholson (Cole), Pius Pell (Kat), Harley Pell, Jr (Verna), and Edward Pell (Shirley); nephews Billy Pell and Jerry Pell, Jr (Judy); and son-in-law Michael Salek (Christie).

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Diane Pell; children Jason Pell, Christie Salek (Michael), Karen Pell, and John Pell; grandchildren Brett Pell, Jarret Pell, Jake Pell, Lilly Salek, and Emma Salek; nieces Donna Pell, Geneva Quarles, Ruby White, Carolyn Pell, Ruby Ann Smith, and Linda Wheeler; and many dear friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.robertevansfuneralhome.com for the Pell family.