John D. Jack, 49 of Knox went to be with his Lord on Sunday February 8, 2015, following a long period of ill health.

Born March 8, 1965 in Oil city, he was the oldest child of Mary Anna Longnaker Truitt of Lamartine and the late Ray D. Jack. Educated in the Allegheny Clarion Valley school district, John was a 1983 graduate. He was a finalist for an NROTC scholarship his senior year. While in school he participated in choir and art club.

Following graduation he attended Penn State University majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He later transferred to Clarion University graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art in 1989. During his years at Clarion University he was employed in the Special Education Department where he formed many close friendships.

He was later employed by the US Postal Service in Lamartine for many years as Officer in Charge. He then joined Keystone Smiles Americorps first as a volunteer and then as a staff member, retiring from there due to his disability.

A single parent, he was a devoted dad to his two children who survive to cherish his memory. His children are Christopher R. Jack, at home and Melissa A. Cunningham and her husband, David of Knox along with four grandchildren, Alex, Carter, Brody and Autumn.

John was a talented artist, musician, community volunteer and an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins.

He devoted his life to helping others and mentoring many young people who were his students. His home was always open to anyone who was in need. John was a gentle soul and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, including his dog Lucy.

John was a faithful Christian and was a long time member of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his mother, children and grandchildren, John is survived by his dad, Larry P. Truitt, of Lamartine; one brother, Todd A. Jack and his wife Cindy of Cranberry; two sisters, Lisa A. Renfrew and husband Randy and Lara L. Bell and husband, Shawn of Knox and a half-sister, Kelli Vroman and her family of Titusville. John is survived by several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and his maternal grandmother, Muriel Yvonne Jack.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Emma Longnaker; paternal grandfather, Alfred L. Jack; paternal grandparents, Leslie and Grace Truitt and a nephew Michael Andrew Renfrew.

At John’s request there will be no viewing.

Family and friends will be received from 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015 in the sanctuary of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church, 169 Valley Church Road, Emlenton.

A Memorial Service celebrating John’s life will follow at 1p.m.with Pastors Jay and Sue Montgomery officiating.

A reception will follow in the Weaver Memorial Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Nickleville Presbyterian Church, 169 Valley Church Road, Emlenton, PA 16373.

Online condolences may be sent to John’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the William N. Rupert Mortuary, Inc. of Knox.