Jack K Peck

Jack K. Peck, 80, longtime Rootstown resident, passed away on Wednesday, January 12 at Kentridge Assisted Living where he lived for the past three years. Born on May 15, 1930 in Akron, he was the only child of Margaret (Durst) and Ernest Peck. Following graduation from Rootstown High School, Jack served with the United States Army near Mt Fuji in Japan. He worked as a carpenter and on numerous construction projects before joining the maintenance division of the Ohio Turnpike Commission where he was employed for nearly 30 years. Jack married his neighbor and best friend, Mary Ann (Sorrick) Busse on October 4, 1975. He was the official kitchen taste tester and occasional assistant in creating homemade baked goods. His favorite dessert was apple pie, although he did not discriminate and enjoyed all kinds of sweets. Together he and Mary Ann enjoyed socializing with many friends, serving on church committees, and helping with various political campaigns. They also loved to travel, especially to New England and to the western United States, often visiting friends along the way. Two of the most memorable vacations were a trip to Europe in 1995 and an Alaskan cruise in 2005. He was known for his collection of ball caps obtained on vacations and those received as gifts from friends and family. A wonderful grandfather who was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Papa Jack will be greatly missed by Drake and Kenlee Danner and his namesake, Jack (J.R.) Mitchell. He leaves daughter Lee Ann (Busse) Danner and son-in-law Dr. Jeff Danner of Canton, and daughter Jennifer (Peck) Mitchell and son-in-law Justin (J.J.) Mitchell of Rootstown. May he be free from pain and no longer need the assistance of a walker or wheelchair. May he enjoy dancing once again with Mary Ann to their favorite song "Misty." Calling hours will be held on Friday from 6-8 PM and again on Saturday from 1 until the 2 PM service at Shorts-Spicer-Crislip Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel. Chaplain Wayne Enders will officiate. Interment will be held in Homeland Cemetery, Rootstown.

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