Jack Michael Harja

Jack was born on March 30, 1948 to delighted parents Tauno and Alice (Hakkinen) Harja of Detroit, Michigan.

After Jack graduated from Cass Tech High School, he served his country as a sharpshooter in the US Marine Corps Reserves. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University in 1972. He enjoyed a rewarding career in healthcare administration, retiring in 2016 as Director of Special Claims Processing at Humana.

Jack met the love of his life, Mary Beth, in 1968. The two were married in 1974 and went on to have one daughter, Kelsey Marie. They proudly celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past April with a nostalgic return trip to their honeymoon destination.

Jack loved reading, boating, fishing, traveling, and anything milk chocolate. He had a true talent for using his mind and hands, which fueled his passion for classic car restoration. Jack, however, was happiest of all simply spending time in the company of his family and friends, whom he adored.

Jack was predeceased by his parents, Tauno and Alice Harja, and brother, Bobby Harja. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Beth (Pollard) Harja, daughter, Kelsey (Harja) Robinson (Patrick Robinson), two grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace and Maddox Robinson, sister, Sally (Harja) Walston, and brother, Kenneth Harja (Mark Gorelczenko).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. He and his daughter are eternally grateful for this organization’s role in saving the life of his beloved wife.