Jack was a loving husband, father, foster father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a revered family member and friend to many.
Growing up, Jack never missed a day of school, and excelled at carpentry classes, basketball, and running track. He always wanted to fly, and he earned his pilot’s license as a young man. During World War ll, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a pilot (which later merged into the Air Force), but due to an overage of pilots at the time, his versatility was leveraged and he became a Staff Sergeant crew chief/mechanic working on B17 planes. Throughout his life, Jack was a very patriotic American and was proud of his devotion to our country.
Jack married and left the military after his son Randy was born. He built the family home all by himself and added on to it, making room for foster nephews Richard, Eugene and John when they joined the household.
Not only was he a role model at home, but he was a Scoutmaster and Commissioner of the greater Kansas City area Boy Scouts. He helped his son Randy achieve Eagle Scout and receive his “God and Country” recognition.
When daughter Linda arrived, Jack made special efforts to spoil her. He would stop on the side of the highway to pick flowers she liked, even if they were weeds. He encouraged her creativity, protected her, and taught her skills throughout her life that encouraged her independence.
He was a lifelong entrepreneur. He was a self-employed contractor for most of his adult life, but also sold real estate, insurance, and even went to barber school. He worked odd-jobs and moonlighted to make ends meet.
In 1986, Jack married Melva Jane, and had a loving marriage for 34-years. They enjoyed many things in common together, but most importantly they shared the love of family and friends.
Preceding Jack into God’s heavenly grace were his parents John & Nellie Cobleigh, nephew (foster son) Richard Houtz, and beloved niece Vicki Thurman.
Jack is survived by his wife Melva Jane Cobleigh of the home, son Randy Cobleigh (Beth), daughter Linda Cobleigh, sister Mary Jane Browning, brother Alan Cobleigh (Pat) step-daughter Belinda Ashley (Mike), step-son David Snodgrass (Dawn), nephew (foster son) Gene Houtz (Jan), nephew (foster son) John Houtz (Barb), four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Jack would love to be remembered for always being helpful. He took great care of family and friends and anyone who needed a hand. That included elderly people who had no family. He loved animals, and was an outdoorsman interested in conservation. He’ll be missed greatly here, but will live on in our hearts forever. In his own quiet way, he made the world a better place for all of us.
On Thursday, October 15th, there will be a drive-through visitation at Mt. Moriah South Funeral home from 10:00am - 11:00am. Private services to follow.
The family would like to give special thanks to dear friend Charlotte Paige, and Village Hospice for their loving care in Jack’s last days.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the link below or by mail to the following address: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
