Jack Bozarth (Aug. 7,1924 -Feb. 11,2019) was born in Elmer, NJ; the fifth of six children.
He grew up in southern New Jersey at the end of the Great Depression without much money in
a rural farming community. He claimed he was named after the family dog, Jack, a German
Shepherd he loved dearly.
As far back as he could remember he had some kind of job. Working for the Elmer Times in high
school was one he remembered fondly.
At 17, Jack joined the U.S.Army and fought in World War II. As with so many war veterans, his
time serving his country overseas changed his life. Through Jack’s stories and remembrances
his family learned how much these experiences affected his view of the world and his
relationships. The men he fought with stayed in his heart and mind throughout his lifetime.
Because Jack served in France, Germany, Eastern Europe and Japan he said he went “around
the world in three years.”
When he returned to civilian life he completed the requirements to go to Bucknell University in
Pennsylvania. He studied Journalism and Business earning a Bachelor of Science degree. In
1950 he married Patricia Ann Jones who also was a student at Bucknell. They were together for
65 years, until Pat’s death in 2015.
In the decade between 1950 and 1960 Jack worked in Philadelphia and then Manhattan in
advertising. He was an Account Executive with a number of agencies including N.W.Ayer,
Young and Rubican, and Sports Network. Pat and Jack had two daughters, Amanda and
Susan, during this period. The family moved multiple times including residing in two different
apartments on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Jack loved to tell stories about his time in New
York City and his encounters with celebrities and powerful business associates.
The decade from 1960 to 1970 they had a third daughter, Jacquie, and built a large home on
four acres of land in Morristown, NJ. This home was their pride and joy. Unfortunately shortly
afterwards his career took a different turn. He moved the family to Florida to pursue other
avenues. Pat and the girls struggled with the many moves and changes but Jack always
provided and kept the family together.
After working as an executive and consultant for different companies in Miami and Jacksonville
Jack left Florida to work for Scripto in Atlanta then onto Chicago for a new adventure. It was
back to the East Coast to Connecticut and New Jersey in the 1970’s and all the while he loved
his work and the people he met. Along with his work in business Jack always had a place in his
heart for teaching and Journalism. He taught at Rutgers University and later at Mount St. Mary’s
and Frederick Community College. In retirement he also was substitute High School teacher.
Jack and Pat spent several years working in Portugal for a time share organization. While
overseas they traveled to Spain, Paris, London and Austria. By this time they had grandchildren
back in the States so they were glad to return and make a new home in Frederick, Maryland
and begin yet another chapter. They both worked as substitute Innkeepers around Maryland.
Jack also did Agriculture surveys, worked as a director for the local Cable News Channel, was a
hospital volunteer as well as being “Oompah” to his five grandchildren.
In 2007 after Pat lost her sight due to Macular Degeneration they moved to the lower level
apartment in their daughter and son-in-law’s house in Washington, DC. He was still working as
a consultant using his computer at home. From there they moved into their own apartment at
Friendship Terrace in Tenleytown, DC.
Again Jack continued to work from home and get involved in various aspects of the Retirement
Community. He was very active in the Residents Association and enjoyed driving around DC.
He went to Jury Duty more than once in his 80’s and attended meetings of the Association of
the Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia. He continued to work on his computer in
sales until a few months before he died at age 94. Also Jack continued to volunteer with the
Chevy Chase presbyterian Church Transitions Assistance Program (TAP) .
Jack never stopped working or telling stories about his experiences and the people he knew. He
read voraciously and especially enjoyed World War II history and the politics of the moment. He
was generous and loved to give small gifts to his doctors and caregivers as well as friends and
neighbors. He loved his collection of birds and his Bonsai Tree.
Jack, Uncle Jack, Oompah, Bobo, Dad will be missed by his daughters, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and all who came in contact with his humor, curiosity and stories.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:45 pm, Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church 1 Chevy Chase Circle, Washington DC with a reception to be held afterwards at Friendship Terrace Retirement Community 4201 Butterworth Pl NW, 5th Floor Washington DC 20016 Memorial donations can be made in memory of Jack to TAP (Transition Assistance Program, c/o Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church) a program he volunteered with for several years.
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