Jack Hugh Ross
August 21, 1928 – March 23, 2013
Jack Ross, of Windermere, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 23,2013, at the age of 84. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather.
Jack was a fifth generation West Orange County resident and great, great grandson of Judge James G. Speer, Oakland's founder who was responsible for naming Orlando. Jack, like his famed ancestor, has been a lifelong
dedicated citizen of West Orange County.
He grew up in the Oakland Presbyterian Church where he offered his servant leadership as an Elder. Before graduating from Lakeview High School in 1946, he participated in the National Beta Club and on the football and
baseball teams. Jack graduated from the University of Florida with a BS degree in Agriculture and came back to the area to run the family citrus business.
As an adult he has served as president of the Orange County Farm Bureau and on the boards of the Florida Citrus Mutual, South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association, Growers Advisory Committee, and the Orange County
Planning and Zoning Committee. In 2010 he was recognized as a Winter Garden Heritage Foundation History Maker.
Jack was an avid supporter of the West Orange YMCA, Oakland Nature Preserve, Boy Scouts, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Oakland Presbyterian Church. Jack's knowledge of people, places and events of West
Orange County has been invaluable in several history projects including the writing of Sundays in the South.
Jack was a passionate ham radio operator having earned his license K4NTD. He was a life member of the American Radio Relay League and enjoyed going to hamfests with other Amateur Radio enthusiasts. Jack worked two
meters regularly from his own repeater housed at his barn. Jack may now be a silent key but he will be remembered
as a kind friend to all.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Catherine Ross. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Pease Ross; daughter, Brenda (Stan) Smith and son, Jim (Jennifer) Ross; grandchildren, Ross, Will, Sara,
Alli, Delanie, Ansley and Brayden.
Donations may be made in Jack's memory to the Oakland Presbyterian Church (oaklandpres.org) and to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Building Campaign (wghf.org/capitalcampaign).
Services will be held at Oakland Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 25 at 2 pm. For more information and to sign the guestbook, http://www.collisoncareyhand.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Pat Ross.
October 28, 2013
Jay Underwood
"You need to go see Jack Ross" I was told. It was 1966. I was 14 years old. I had built a ham radio receiver and I needed help to tune it up correctly. There were not very many ham operators in west Orange county back then. After I called Jack on the phone, I made a 3 mile bicycle trip to Oakland and met him for the first time. Jack patiently helped me to get my project working correctly and thus began a friendship that continued for decades. After he moved to Windermere, I would talk to Jack by ham radio on my way home from work at Disney in the 70's. He would invite me to stop by at his radio shack for a visit which I did many times over the years. When I talked to Jack on the radio, I would say "Hi Jack - don't say that in an airport!". It always got a laugh out of him. That's the way I remember him - laughing. Jack was an "Elmer" to me which is a special name for a mentor in ham radio. I am sure I was not the only one he mentored. I will fondly remember him always.
Jay Underwood
WB4WYJ
April 11, 2013
Maury Boyd
Remembering--- I remember the first time I met Jack. I was very young then ; he was working for South Lake Apopka and came into a family grove near Oakland.
Later years he loaned me his telescope and I saw the planet Saturan and it's rings for the first time.
He was always generous with people.
April 8, 2013
Dave Senko
I have fond memories of Jack who spent hours talking to me on ham radio (2 meters) while I commuted from Winter Park to UF in Gainesville. He was genuinely interested in my degree and career plans.
Dave Senko N4CMP (son of Bob & Helen Pease)
April 2, 2013
Paul Barnes
Jack was a great Ham radio operator and friend. He would have been a great engineer and was a great grower. He will be missed. Regards to the family from W4YRL.
April 2, 2013
Dick Brundage
Jack will be missed by many of his Ham friends. He was always ready to help anyone that heeded his help. We all enjoyed his 2 meter reperter and have many happy contacts on it. What a pleasure to have know Jack. My condolences to his family.
Dick Brundage WA4OFX
March 30, 2013
Beatrice Stein
We will always remember Mr. Jack Ross for the generous and kind support he offered our kids when they were younger and learning about citrus. I'll never forget the wonderful day we spent touring his groves and hearing about the history of the land and business. Our whole family sends our deepest sympathies to you all.
March 30, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss...we were out of town and not able to attend his memorial. Jack was an amazing man and much loved by many. We have such fond memories of Jack...............Dorene & Joe McClellan
March 26, 2013
F MacFarland
Your dad was a wonderful person. Please give my regards and condolences to Mrs. Ross
March 26, 2013
Francille MacFarland
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
March 26, 2013
Rosemary Gates
Jack was a wonderful neighbor and I was priveledged to know him. I often brought my dog, "Brie" with me as he enjoyed her company and her tricks! I loved hearing stories about Orlando and the Citrus Industry. He will be deeply missed.
March 25, 2013
Kim Barley
Jack was my special friend for more than 60 years. I will miss him so much.
March 25, 2013
Jerry Jackson
Mr. Ross was a wonderful man and a friend to all. Condolences to his family and closest friends. He will never be forgotten. Orange County's loss is surely Heaven's gain. But his footprints in Florida citrus groves will remain forever.
March 25, 2013
Willard Family
Brenda, Jim and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your online tribute was beautiful and allowed us to better know your father. We are praying that you find comfort and know that Easter offers hope to those who grieve.
March 25, 2013
Rebecca Harrell Mayer
Dear Family,
We have lost another angel. Your dad was so much apart of our lives. He will be missed. It seems a whole generation are now rejoicing in heaven my dad and mom. Mr. Roper and many others that we grew up with. It's hard to let go but we rejoice in knowing we will see them again.
March 25, 2013
Francine Postell
March 25, 2013
Bob Luman
Jack was always a good friend. We will miss him greaty.
Bob
W4MPQ
March 25, 2013
Gene M. Cline
Hewlett-Packard , retired
March 25, 2013
Megan Cloughley Daufeldt
I love theses pictures you shared. I see so many familiar faces and places. I will always remember your dad for his kindness and quiet sense of humor. He was a good friend to my family and all of West Orange county. He will be missed.
March 25, 2013
Karen Stokes
Jim and Family, I was so sad to read in the paper the loss of your father. The tribute online was wonderful to see all the pictures. God Bless you all. It was good to see you again. Karen and Russell Matthew Stokes
March 25, 2013
Kathee Pierce
Dear Brenda & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Each life is a miracle that changes the world, and leaves it a better place than before. May you know that your dad did exactly that. His spirit will live forever in your memories and in your heart. May you be comforted by the love that surrounds you; and, may faith in our Lord's great promise bring you peace and comfort now, and throughout the days to come.
Love you lots, Kathee
March 24, 2013
Patti Sprayberry
What a wonderful tribute to your dad in words and pictures! There is no doubt that he loved his family and was such a blessing to his friends, community and to the world we all share. Cherish his memory and celebrate a life well lived. Know that we are thinking of you during these difficult days and praying that you will experience the comfort and peace of God in your grief and suffering. We love you guys! Jim and Patti Sprayberry
March 24, 2013
It takes a special man to be a dad.
Thank you for being that special man.
Thank you for showing me how to live graciously
and greet death with dignity and peace.
All the stars in the heavens shine brighter with you there!
I love you and miss you!
Brenda
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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