Jack was born on August 31, 1935 in Newburgh, New York to George and Jane Andrews. He spent his childhood with his brother Dick in Cold Springs, New York. He attended Storm King Prep School in Cornwall, New York, where he was an accomplished athlete in baseball, basketball and football before he moved on to Middlebury College. He loved spending summers at the family house on Wanaksink Lake, swimming and sailing.
In 1958 he joined the Marines. After discharge, he began working for Beneficial, a job which eventually would take him and his family across the state before he retired after nearly 40 years.
On October 5, 1963, Jack married Rose Velez in Highland Falls, NY. They were married for 48 years. Soon after the wedding they moved to Kalispell, Montana and eventually Wallace, Idaho where they raised their family for 45 years. They moved to Liberty Lake, Washington in 2008 to be closer to family. Rose passed away in the fall of 2010.
Jack was a family man through and through, enjoying the endeavors and accomplishments of his 5 children, Paul, Patricia, Pam, John and Pat. He umpired little league games, attended wrestling matches, football, baseball and basketball games, dance recitals and more. He enjoyed family trips to Twin Lakes, and trips back home to New York to visit family and his beloved Wanaksink.
In Wallace, he enjoyed bowling, and was an active member of the local theater group, taking the lead role in several performances. He was an avid civil war historian and enjoyed collecting coins, movies and other memorabilia. A master with words and trivia, he loved jumbles, crossword puzzles, jeopardy, and cheering for the Mariners and Seahawks. He always treasured his days at the lake, and spending time with his family.
Jack had a deep, resounding laugh, talked to others with ease, and was a great storyteller who introduced his grandchildren to “the Great River,” family tales and traditions. He taught us the importance of family, a strong work ethic and how to laugh and enjoy life. He will be missed.
Jack is survived by his brother Dick (Barb), his children: Paul (Melissa), Patricia (Chuck), Pam (Ron), John (Ann), Patrick (Lena), his grandchildren: Kami (Chris), Alicia, Kyle, Amanda, Kira, Katie, Joseph, Elly, Sam, Mandy, Anthony and Jeremiah, and great-grandchildren: Kaylee and Cayson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose, and his parents, George and Jane.
A joint memorial service for Jack and Rose will be held September 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Spokane Valley at Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery.
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