FOX
Jackie Eugene Fox, known to friends and family, as Jack or Grandpa Jack, 88, of Lewisburg, WV, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2021.
Jack was born in Mt. Hope, WV to the late Genevieve and Joseph Fox. He spent most of his youth in Rainelle, WV and graduated from Rainelle High School in the Class of 1949. He graduated from Concord College in 1952. He also attended Notre Dame in the School of Law; however, his heart always led him back to the field of education. Teaching was his passion.
On May 27, 1953, on the eve of his 21st birthday and on a blind date, Jack met Prudence Elwinger and knew before midnight that she was the one. Prudence was invited on the blind date by her twin sister, Penelope, who at the time was dating a Marine who happened to be a friend of Jack’s at Camp Pendleton. The wedding of Jack and Prudence took place on June 30, 1956 at St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, CA. They were married for 57 years, with the passing of Prudence on March 27, 2014.
Sargent Jack Fox served in the United States Marine Corp from 1954 – 1962. He also taught and coached in Alderson, WV, followed by Western Kentucky State and as a graduate student at University of Arkansas. Jack’s Master of Education thesis was on the writings of William Faulkner. Jack enjoyed all literature; yet, had an affinity for Faulkner and truly identified with his main characters and style of prose. Jack was a gifted writer, poet, and from a very young age, a student of the Scriptures.
For many years, Jack coached hundreds of young people in baseball, basketball, and football. He built connections with his young athletes from Alderson, WV; Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, TN; to youth sports leagues in Needham, MA. In his later years, Jack continued to hear from many of his former athletes, as they spoke of the wisdom and ever-present commitment to never quit, which he instilled in them. Throughout his lifetime, Jack loved sports and the many powerful life lessons offered.
As he continued to serve in the field of education, Jack worked for many years in the college textbook publishing industry for the following firms: Houghton Mifflin in Boston, W.B. Saunders in Philadelphia, Wadsworth Publishing, and International Thomson Publishing, until retirement in 1995.
In 2004, Jack’s faith and devotion to daily reading and teaching of God’s Word led him to further study and complete the process of becoming an ordained pastor at Fairlea Baptist Church. After his ordination, Jack went on to teach Bible study and assisted with fellowship at Fairlea Baptist. He also traveled to churches throughout West Virginia, where he delivered sermons and connected with parishioners as an itinerant and interim pastor.
Jack’s passion for the Word of God also led him to many assisted living facilities, where he would gather with residents for Sunday service or evening prayer. It was through an invitation for Prudence to join the choir at St. James Episcopal Church that Jack devoted his final years as a deacon, reader, and servant of the Lord within this caring community. He believed in and loved Jesus Christ.
Jack’s passion for running was endless. Just like his earlier coaching of youth, he personally exemplified an ever-present commitment to never quit. Throughout his 88 years and in many states, Jack consistently laced up his running shoes and put one foot in front of the other. He was known, by many, as the consummate runner and advocate for a fitness lifestyle. He ran through the hills of West Virginia and various states from the time he was a boy until the summer of 2020. Jack was, and will always be, an inspiration for many.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Prudence. He is survived by his son, Joseph Fox of Winter Haven, FL; and three daughters, Cynthia Fox Barney of Annapolis, MD, Rita Fox of Millville, NJ, and Judith Cole of Lewisburg. He was the proud Grandpa Jack to eight grandchildren, Daniel Flynn, Rhiannon Hayes, Chelsea Fox, Jackson Fox, Joseph ‘Tyler’ Contarino, William Contarino, Dylan Cole, and Amelia Cole. He also had four bonus grandchildren, Phil and Jeff Alicea and Robert and Alicia Barney. Grandpa Jack also joyfully celebrated the births of fourteen great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will take place on June 19th at 1 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 468 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV 24901. A reception will follow and more information will be provided.
McCraw Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of the arrangements.
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