He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School and later went on to earn his bachelor's degree in both aeronautical and structural engineering, followed with a PhD. Jack was also in the Peace Corps and had a passion for helping the locals in Peru. He was an avid reader, spoke several languages, loved doing crossword puzzles, was a part of Heart of America Free Flight Association (HAFFA), cherished going on hiking trips with Dropstone Outfitting in Montana, and especially loved working on his amazing car collection.
Anyone who knew Jack knew he was a kind, gentle, and humble man who had great stories. Jack is survived by his nephew Eric Vetter of Kansas City, Missouri; niece Karen Hargrove (Steve Carmine) of Virginia, great nieces and nephews, extended family in Germany, as well as several dear friends and caretakers who were with him to the end.
A celebration of life will be held at the Westwood Community Room in Westwood, KS City Hall on July 14, 2026, from 5-7 pm, as Jack chose to be cremated.
