Jack Herndon Upton

Devoted Christian husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jack Herndon Upton, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Jack was born in Fayetteville, NC on June 9, 1941, to Nancy Elizabeth Upton and Stephen Richard Upton, and lived a short while in Tampa, FL before moving to Smithfield, NC where he grew up and embarked on a life journey that touched many hearts. Jack’s mother passed away when he was a toddler, and he was blessed that his father met and married Hazel Bulla Upton, who was a guiding force and pillar of strength for all of her children.

Jack began dating Jackie, the love of his life, in high school, courted through college, and they were happily married for 58 years. They had two daughters, Brooke and Blaire, and together, as a family shared many beautiful memories including spending time at their beach home at Litchfield on Pawleys Island, SC.

Jack's story unfolded with purpose and dedication to his family, church, community, and career. Over the years, family, friends, and colleagues were blessed with special times traveling with Jack. Family vacations to London, Italy, Disney, Boston, Wine Country, the NC mountains, and traveling cross-country for pharmacy conventions were some of his fondest memories.

A sports enthusiast and avid Carolina fan, Jack found joy in activities like walking and going to the gym. He loved taking long walks on the beach, the Battleground trails, and the Bicentennial Gardens, exploring all the beauty of nature and his love for all animals. On his walks, he often took pictures of nature and wildlife that he shared with those he loved. Not only did he spoil his granddogs Sampson, Winston, and Annabelle with people food, but he also loved to feed the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and sometimes raccoons.

Jack found great solace in West Market Street Church, where he and Jackie became members in 1965. His gratitude for life's blessings and growing faith were undeniable in his later years, and his passion for music was evident in his love for the music ministry.

His academic achievements were noteworthy, serving as President of the Student Body and Salutatorian of his high school Senior Class in 1959. Jack pursued his passion for pharmacy at UNC-Chapel Hill, beginning a lifelong commitment to healthcare. His tenure at Moses Cone Hospital, starting in 1963, spanned 45 years, and his impact was indelible. The shared experiences with his colleagues created enduring connections and lifelong friendships.

Beginning as a staff pharmacist, Jack's career trajectory led him to become the Director of Pharmacy and Material Services. He pioneered the Pharmacy Residency Program, elevating clinical pharmacy services. Jack's influence extended to the creation of an I.V. Team and overseeing medical supplies, purchasing, and administration, showcasing his multifaceted dedication. He took on a broader role in Hospital Administration serving as the Chief Resource Officer. In this capacity, he collaborated with various medical and professional teams, including Medical, Surgical, Nursing, Radiology, Lab, Physical Therapy, and Environmental Services to reduce overall healthcare costs.

Beyond the hospital walls, Jack was a leader in the pharmacy community, serving as President of the Guilford County Society of Pharmacists and the North Carolina Society of Pharmacists. His commitment earned him the North Carolina Hospital Pharmacists Achievement Award and the Cone Health Pharmacy Award of Honor.

Retirement didn't quench Jack's spirit; he immersed himself in volunteerism. His contributions to West Market Street Church were vast—Worship Ministry, Consolation Ministry, Finance Committee, Membership Care, and more. Jack's organizational prowess and managerial acumen shaped the church's initiatives, from Staff Parrish to outreach missions. He loved volunteering at the Shepherd’s Center, delivering mobile meals, helping the homeless, and serving on the Board of the Adult Center for Enrichment. He chaired the first Pancake Day to support our Habitat for Humanity house-building program.

Jack was the “world’s greatest dad”, to Brooke and Blaire, and grandfather, “Jackie Boy”, coined by his granddaughter, Lauren, and had an unwavering love for his family who brought him so much joy. He selflessly offered wisdom and encouragement in times of uncertainty and was committed to the well-being and happiness of his children. Jack was immensely proud of Jackie's teaching career and found strength in the balance their differences brought to their marriage.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Brooke (Eric) and Blaire (Rocky); granddaughter, Lauren, brothers, Steve Upton (Joyce) and David Upton, nephew Richard Upton, and numerous cousins. Jack was predeceased by his mothers, Nancy Elizabeth Upton and Hazel Bulla Upton, sister, Harriet Jane Upton, niece, Catherine Elizabeth Upton, and wife, Jackie Bridges Upton.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home located at 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at West Market Street United Methodist Church at 302 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 at 1:00 pm. Pastors Otto Harris and Jeremy Benton will be officiating.

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ, Our Lord. - Romans 8: 38-39

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Jack’s honor to West Market Street United Methodist Church at 302 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.

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