Jack W. Stunkel

Jack was a wonderful gift to his mother, Gladys, and father, Henry when he was born on Gladys’ birthday, October 18, 1932 in Greeley, Colorado. He grew up on a farm with his parents and two older brothers, Jim and Jerry. Jack met his cherished wife, Maggie at Colorado A & M in 1951 and they married soon after in 1953. The two lived in “married housing” to finish their degrees. After graduating in 1954, they moved to China Lake, California, where Jack worked as a mathematician and first learned to program a computer. Their son, Mark was born in 1955, followed by their daughter, Judi in 1957. Soon after, Jack got a new job in Boulder, Colorado. Although Jack and Maggie loved California, they would always speak fondly of their time in the Colorado mountains. Shortly after moving to Colorado, Jack and Maggie had their daughter, LeaAnne in 1961. In 1963, Jack started working at IBM where he was employed until his retirement in 1993. Eventually, Jack, Maggie and their children headed to New York state for Jack to continue his career at IBM. They lived in Poughkeepsie, Apalachin, Brewster before they built a house in Pawling. In 2017, they moved to live on Cape Cod to be closer to family, and to be near the ocean where they could take relaxing walks and watch dogs on the beach.

Jack was always a hard worker and learned his work ethic from growing up on a farm. He was always very skilled with computers. Many photos of Jack hard at work at IBM can be found, along with photos he kept of the early computers he helped to develop. Even after retirement, he always kept busy in his study, and was always up to date with the latest computer technology. He was a highly organized person and took pride in organizing their many photos and treasures. The family jokes about the “map of the basement” detailing the contents and location of every box on every shelf.

Jack's most important and favorite role was that of a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Despite thrilling vacations around the world with his family, he always said that his favorite destination was Nantucket with his family. His family cherishes the times spent looking at photo albums, home movies, and listening to stories of the good times. The family also always had a special dog family member, which started with their beagle, Duchess, who accompanied them on many family vacations, including camping. He liked to tell stories about the mischief that Duchess would get into. The family went on to enjoy Morty, Rocky, and Reddy. Jack was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found on the golf course, ski slopes, with a fishing pole in hand or taking a walk with Maggie and one of their many beloved dogs. He taught his family the importance of staying physically active, and inspired many to have a love for the outdoors, sportsmanship, and nature. He loved the outdoors and appreciated its beauty. Jack would always light up when others shared their love of the outdoors with him.

Jack and Maggie were a devoted couple who showed their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren what true love looks like. They were approaching their 72nd wedding anniversary this summer, showing everyone around them that a fairy tale love story is possible. It is difficult to put the essence of their relationship into words. They traveled around the world together, often including their children and grandchildren in their adventures, taking the grandchildren on a trip of their choosing when they reached age twelve. Judi said it best, "There are very few individuals who are as close to their grandparents as our children are." Jack and Maggie were seen continuously holding hands until they were separated temporarily by Maggie’s death, and their family takes comfort in knowing they are once again reunited.

Jack was always a sentimental man who loved celebrating with his family. To celebrate their love story, the family traveled near and far for anniversary trips, including a cruise to Bermuda for their 50th, followed by their own private celebration in New York City. On their 70th anniversary, they had an ice cream truck for everyone at Stafford Hill Assisted Living to enjoy and celebrate their special bond. Their priorities were always to each other and their family. They were also both exceptional friends and had friendships that lasted for decades. Jack joined the Boy Scouts at the age of twelve and started attending reunions in 1994. In 2007, the entire Stunkel clan, including the "California Stunkels" attended a family reunion in Newport, Rhode Island.

Jack was truly dedicated to his family and friends. His face would light up talking about Maggie, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his friends and his dog family members. He took a genuine interest in what everyone was doing, and was always up to date on everyone’s lives, always sharing activities with everyone, and teaching unforgettable lessons and knowledge. Jack’s children and grandchildren often speak of how much of an inspiration he has been in their lives.

Jack always put others before himself. After he retired, he volunteered at a local food pantry and his grandchildren have fond memories of joining him and learning the importance of giving to others. He also managed the financial books for a local church-based child care center. After retirement, he and Maggie traveled throughout Europe and beyond. He recorded their travels in photos which are meticulously organized. They especially enjoyed their travels to Japan and loved skiing in Austria. In Jack’s classic organizational fashion, he also kept a pinned world map showing every destination they had lived and travelled to. Seeing this map is truly inspiring.

Jack was predeceased by his wife, Maggie in 2025, his son, Mark (Karen) in 2024, his brother, Jerry in 2010, his mother, Gladys in 1991, his father, Henry in 1959 and his brother, Jim in 1947. He is survived by his daughters, Judi (Mark) and LeaAnne; grandchildren, Sarah (Brian), Anna, Michael, Melissa (Haydon), Jack (Emma) and Brian; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Natalie and Teddy. He was looking forward to Melissa and Haydon blessing the family with a little girl later this year.

In essence, none of Jack's family or friends would be who they are without his support, guidance, love and influence. We know he is at peace holding Maggie’s hand alongside his parents, and brothers, listening to Mark playing music and spending time with all their dogs. His passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved him, knowing that there is a part of him still guiding us through our lives. Jack always had a special message for everyone when he said goodbye, and would always end every visit with shared love. Talk to him, he can hear you.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Stafford Hill Assisted Living, as well as Cranberry Hospice for the unwavering kindness and support throughout their time with Jack and Maggie and our family.

There will be Memorial Service for both Jack and Maggie on July 26, 2025, 10 am, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Sandwich MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Ste. 326, Plymouth, MA.