Lansing, MI
Born July 19, 1945 in Port Huron, Michigan to Robert and Theresa (Recker) Armstrong, Jack died from leukemia on January 25, 2011 surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends. Jack spent 41 years working for the Catholic Church primarily as a youth leader, 32 years of which were devoted to the Catholic Community of St. Jude in Dewitt. He was known as the “grandfather of youth ministry” in the Catholic Church in Michigan. Jack was a gifted and compassionate community activist working as a Freedom Rider to register voters in Mississippi in the 1960’s and later for Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes, Ele’s Place and Mother Teresa House. He developed and taught a course in media ethics for Lansing Community College. Jack graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Seminary in Detroit (where he later taught), and also earned a MS degree in communications from MSU. He was a Knight of Columbus, 4th degree, and past Grand Knight. Jack has been the guardian of his two grand-daughters since his son and daughter-in-law died.
Jack was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Paty Sheehan; and his son, Paul. He is survived by his second wife, Sharon Marshall Hoerr; his daughter, Joana; son, Ben; grandchildren, Brontae, Coreena, Braylon and Callum; and Jack's brother, Chuck Armstrong. Visitation will be held at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt, MI Friday January 28 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Saturday, January 29 at 11 a.m. with a one hour visitation preceding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the college trust fund for Coreena and Brontae, in care of Sharon Hoerr, mailed to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 507, DeWitt, MI 48820.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel.
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