John "Jack" Evans Timberlake III passed from this life on November 14, 2019. Born December 16, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA to John and Forrestine Timberlake, Jack spent his youth in Pennsylvania and was a 1947 graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School.
He received his cum laude economics degree from Princeton University in 1951 and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1965. As a young man Jack spent two summers on the Great Lakes as an ordinary seaman with the Midland Steamship Company, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Jack served his country from 1953-55 in the Korean War. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps and an instructor in leadership and transportation.
Jack’s love of trains led to his railroad career working for the Pennsylvania, New York Central and the Rio Grande Railroads. He worked his way up the ladder, beginning as a switchman, moving on to trainmaster, consultant, various management positions and ending his successful career as the Director of Unit Train Operations.
He and Mary Greer (deceased) were married in 1955. Together they had two children John (deceased) and Sarah. Jack and Ruth Griffiths Cook were married in 1976 and enjoyed 43 years together. Jack and Ruth made their home in Littleton, CO, Clearwater, FL and Colorado Springs, CO. They enjoyed traveling and made many friend along the way. Their home was always open to friend and family. Along with travel, Jack’s hobbies included music (he played a mean harmonica), model building and collection (trains, cars, ships and planes), sailing and reading. He was most recently a member of First Presbyterian Church, Garden pf the Gods Club and El Paso Country Pioneers. He is survived by his wife Ruth, Daughter Sarah Sharpe (David), stepson David Cook (Young), stepdaughter Diane Sibole (Wes) and sister Mary Ellen Neave. Jack was blessed with many granddaughters and was affectionately known as Grandpa to Kendra; Papa to Allie, Lauren and Heidi; JackPa to Paige, Nyla, Kimberly and Rayna. Jack is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who all regard him with great affection. Jack was always generous and never shy to express and opinion with great conviction!
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Music Department (219 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903). The family expresses heartfelt thanks for the loving care provided by Morningstar at Mountain Shadows and Adie, of Abode Hospice.
