Jack Charles Krings

He was born in St. Paul, MN on July 31, 1928. While attending St. Agnes High School, he met his wife Mary Niles and they were married June 18, 1949 sharing a special love that strengthened each of their 72 years. Together, they raised a large family of 4 boys and 4 girls.

Having relocated several times in the Midwest, Jack’s career landed them in Jacksonville in 1977 where he enjoyed Florida sunshine, warmth and blue sky while keeping in close contact with family and friends who still preferred snow shovels.

Jack was a dedicated husband and father. Jack was a man of integrity, a man of consistency and a man of his word. He was a tireless worker, household handyman and meticulous organizer, always ensuring the gears of life were oiled and working smoothly. To say he loved singing would be an understatement. He relished his time as a member of Holy Family Catholic Church’s choir and the FCCJ Concert Chorale. He never shied away from leading a song – whether family, friends or a complete group of strangers. Jack also enjoyed golf, BBQing on his Weber and just sitting on the porch listening to classics.

After a 37-year career at General Motors, he put his skills and knowledge to use working for a local independent insurance provider. After which, he volunteered at St. Catherine Labouré Senior Living as a Eucharistic Minister. Though he loved some tasks less, he knew and accepted his role/responsibility as family leader and provider. No one went hungry, wore dirty clothes or lacked life’s necessities.

Jack was blessed with 8 children and 19 grandchildren - Kathy: husband Horst; Jeanne (preceded): husband Greg (preceded), children Chris and Jeff; John (preceded): wife Barbara, children Michelle, Tim and David; Steve: wife Judy, children Mary Kay, Jack and Tom; Dennis: children Adam and Mary; Joe: wife Teresa, children Mallory and Stacey; Mary Ann: husband Jeff, children Melissa, Jeffrey Ryan, Marshall, Dustin and Maggie and Carolyn (preceded): children Nick and Brooke, along with 17 great grandchildren.

Jack so missed Mary after God called her on December 16, 2021. She was, and remained, the love of his life. It is both comforting and joyful to know that they are once again reunited in Heaven ageless, holding hands, smiling and sneaking a kiss. He, like Mary, is not gone…but rather, an angel that will be called upon daily.

Viewing will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 9800 Baymeadows Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 12 PM. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 1 PM followed by a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery located at 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. In lieu of flowers, we humbly ask that your loving contribution be directed to St. Agnes School, 530 Lafond Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103-1693 (www.saintagnesschool.org/support-us), in memory of Jack and Mary Krings, who supported St. Agnes annually for more than 75 years.