Jack J Ames

Jack J. Ames, 91 of Gaylord, died peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Tendercare Gaylord.

A Gaylord resident most of his life, Jack was born on April 13, 1923 in Flint, the son of John and Hazel (Coultes) Ames.

Jack served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. It was during this time that he met a young English woman, May Banham, who would become his wife. They married in England after the war. Jack returned home with his young bride, they lived in Detroit and Flint before returning Gaylord.

Skilled in working with metal, Jack worked at Beaver Tool, Champion and Tiger Trailers. He also founded JD Body Shop on Dickerson Road with his brother, Dick. Many people will remember Jack’s skills in sharpening anything with a blade. He was a skilled knife maker, gunsmith and gun collector. He enjoyed gun shows and hunting and for many years he taught hunter safety in the area. Jack was a founding member of the Northland Sportsmen’s Club and a past recipient of their Sportsman of the Year award. He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans and the National Rifle Association.

Jack is survived by his wife, May; his children, Marjorie (David) Lee of Sarasota, FL, Steve (Jackie) Ames of Gaylord, Greg (Mary) Ames of Phoenix, AZ, John (Linda) Ames of Las Cruces, NM, Ken (Laura) Ames of Gaylord, Cathy (Jim) Grenke of Gaylord and Susan (Ed) Lyk of Tampa, FL; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; sisters, Charlene (Richard) Theisen of Gaylord, Arlene Bailey of Alden and a sister-in-law, Esther Nelson of Gaylord. Jack was preceded in death by a sister, Anabelle and a brothers, Dick and Gene.

The family will gather with friends to celebrate his life from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Avenue. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Northland Sportsmen’s Club.