Jack Duane Mearns

Jack Duane Mearns, lovingly known as Jack and "Jackie" in his younger years, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026. He was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved wife, Shirley Mearns, and reunited with his Heavenly Father, family members, and dear friends who had gone before him.

Jack was born on August 27, 1934, in Tioga, West Virginia, to Monid Burl Mearns and Laverna Crew Mearns. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. As a boy, he spent countless hours hunting, exploring, and roaming the hills and forests that would inspire his lifelong love of the outdoors.

A gifted athlete, Jack excelled in both football and basketball during his years at Richwood High School. His speed and talent on the football field earned him the nickname "Touchdown Kid." After graduating from high school, he briefly attended college on a football scholarship before proudly serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. Jack completed his military service with honor, carrying the values of discipline, dedication, and patriotism throughout his life.

Following his time in the Marines, Jack moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he met the love of his life, Shirley Curry. The two were married on February 8, 1957, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades. Together they built a loving family, welcoming daughter Debby, son Jeff, and daughter Julie.

In 1962, Jack and Shirley embarked on what would become one of the greatest adventures of their lives when they moved their young family to Punta Gorda, Florida. There they established Curry Moving & Storage, a business that became a respected part of the community and reflected the hard work, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit that defined them both.

Throughout their years in Florida, God blessed Jack and Shirley with an extraordinary group of friends who became much more than friends—they became family. Together they shared countless adventures hunting, fishing in the Florida Keys, lobstering, beach trips, holiday gatherings, celebrations, and unforgettable parties. These friendships filled their lives with love, laughter, support, and memories that will be cherished forever. The impact of these special friendships extended beyond Jack and Shirley, touching the lives of their children and future generations. The bonds they built together created a lifetime of treasured memories and helped shape the family they loved so dearly.

Jack was perhaps best known for his passion for hunting and the outdoors. An avid huntsman from childhood through his later years, he spent decades pursuing the sport he loved. He treasured his prized bird dogs and eagerly anticipated each hunting season. While he hunted many places over the years, Babcock Ranch held a special place in his heart. The woods, wildlife, and friendships found there brought him some of the greatest joy of his life. Jack was deeply honored to serve as one of Fred Babcock's private hunting guides, a distinction that reflected both his expertise and reputation as a skilled outdoorsman.

Above all else, Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and mentor. He lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty, adventure, and love for those around him. Whether sharing stories, enjoying the outdoors, celebrating with friends, or spending time with family, Jack made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Mearns, and his cherished daughter, Julie.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Debby; his son, Jeff Mearns (Diane); and his grandchildren, John Haga, Lana Zeeman (Chad), Megan Hecker (John), Sierra Shore (Brian), Katie Mearns, Shannon Nevling (Carol), Brandon Nevling (Alexis), and Ryan Nevling (Christy).

Jack was also blessed with a wonderful group of great-grandchildren who brought him immense pride and joy: Jacek, Hazel, Lawson, Kenny (Daphne), Savannah (Trenton), Wyatt, Colton, Kendall, Piper, and Freya. His greatest legacy lives on through each of them and the values, stories, and memories he shared throughout his life.

The Mearns family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thank you to Ruby and Richard, who lovingly cared for Jack during the last year and a half of his life. Their kindness, compassion, friendship, and dedication brought comfort and peace not only to Jack, but to the entire family. Because of their care, Jack's final months on this earth were filled with dignity, comfort, and love. The family will forever be grateful for the extraordinary blessing they were in Jack's life.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing that Jack is once again reunited with Shirley and Julie, surrounded by the love of those who went before him. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the friendships he cherished, and the family he loved beyond measure.

Jack's life was a life well lived—full of faith, family, friendship, adventure, and love.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life on Monday, June 8, 2026, at New Life Church, located at 507 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, Florida. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 1:00 p.m. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life of Jack Duane Mearns. Interment will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens and Mausoleums in Parkersburg, WV.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."