Jack Hilbert Walz

Known lovingly as “Uncle Jack” by his family, respectfully as “Captain Jack” by the Baltimore County and Florida sailing communities, and fondly as “Mr. Jack” by the staff at Oak Crest, he grew up in the Hamilton area of Baltimore.

He enlisted in the US Army during World War II and served in France and Germany. He earned the rank of corporal in the 45th Air Supply Squadron and served as a crane operator and truck driver.

Jack began his career as an electrician at Western Electric in 1955 and retired in 1986. He was part of the team that developed the lightweight ocean cable that was used to connect Florida to Jamaica in the 1960s.

In 1948, he married Ruth Naomi Blunt and the two were inseparable until her death in 2012.

They were, most notably, sailing enthusiasts. They took day trips and overnight trips up and down the Chesapeake Bay, and longer, more adventurous excursions to New England and Florida. Ruth and Jack were also bridge partners and bowling partners, world travelers, and gracious hosts to friends and family throughout their 64 years together.

They lived in Bel Air for much of their marriage and spent much leisure time at the Baltimore Yacht Club, where their sailboat, the Revery, became a mainstay. At the yacht club, the chef and servers knew – without asking – to offer up a crab cake and Bud Light whenever Captain Jack dined at the restaurant.

Jack was also a professional-quality photographer with his own darkroom, played for the Hamilton Post #20 Drum and Bugle Corps, was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, served in the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of the American Contract Bridge League, and held a key at Baltimore’s original Playboy Club.

He is survived by his brother Kenneth E. Walz, sister-in-law Evelyn Blunt, nephews Kenneth G. Walz and his wife Lisa, Ralph Blunt and his wife Maryellen, Ronald Blunt, niece Elaine Niemeyer and her husband Keith, six grand-nephews, two grand-nieces, six great-grand-nephews, and five great-grand-nieces.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Ruth, his brother William, sister-in-law Christine, and niece Joan Blunt. A celebration of his life will be held at a later time.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Oak Crest Resident Care Fund. Please call 410-513-2212 for details; or Oak Crest Benevolent Care Fund c/o Office of Philanthropy Oakcrest 8800 Walther Blvd Parkville, MD 21234.