Jack E. Sells

Jack E. Sells. “Home is the sailor, home from the sea; And the hunter home from the hill.” – Robert L. Stevenson. Jack is now home, at peace after a long, valiant, and hard-fought journey. Jack was born October 2, 1930, to the late Marvin Sells and Lillian Sells West in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Mifflin High School and served in the US Navy. This was the beginning of a life marked by public service. Jack was a firefighter and paramedic for the Columbus Division of Fire from 1959-84. During this time, he earned the distinction of being in the first class of advanced paramedics trained in 1969 to provide diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, staffing the original “Heartmobile.” The program, a joint venture of the Columbus Division of Fire and The Ohio State University, was highly successful and in 1971 evolved into the present day Columbus Emergency Services System. Jack also served as firefighter for the Mifflin Township fire department for several years and as Chief from 1963-75. He also worked as paramedic at The Ohio State University Emergency Department from 1984-92. Jack was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying many field and stream excursions to the western states and Canada with his brothers-in-law, Dick, Dan, and Jerry, and other buddies. He was active in bowling and golf and played in fire department leagues throughout his working years and into his retirement. Always a loyal Buckeye fan, Jack spent many football Saturdays cheering on his team at home. Jack will be remembered with great love and respect by his family and friends who include: his devoted wife of 33 years, Sara Mercer-Sells; children, Lorraine King (David) of Prescott, Ariz., Jacqueline Linger of Columbus, Tina Eyster (Gordon) of Bellville, Tammy Helman (Kevin) of Londonderry, New Hampshire, Tara Paredes (Mike) of Johnstown, and Shawn Sells (Cindy) of Cheasapeake, Virginia; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Eleanor Conrad (Dick); brothers, Marvin Sells (Maryann), and Jim Sells (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Kathy Mercer Irwin; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Mercer (Carol), Danny Mercer (Martha), and James Mercer (Joann). Jack was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Nancy Calentine Sells, daughter Valorie Sells Gillum, grandsons Brian Stouffer and Donnie Linger, and beloved beagle Sadiedog. Jack was proud and appreciative of his medical training and service. He wished to give forward by donating his body to The Ohio State University to support continued medical education and research. The family requests no flowers, but cards would be welcomed. Jack requested that any memorial donations be made to either: Central Ohio Fire Museum, 260 N. 4th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215; or Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio 43055. The family wishes to thank: Dr. Roy St. John and Debbie Kline R.N. for many years of excellent medical care; the staff of Hospice of Central Ohio, especially Pam, for all of their compassionate care and support; the Johnstown Kroger Pharmacy for the efficient and caring service; and many special friends and family who provided loving support throughout Jack’s illness. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. Visit www.schoedinger.com for updated service information or to leave condolences.