Jack Armstrong
Lansing, MI
Born July 19, 1945 in Port Huron, Michigan to Robert and Theresa (Recker) Armstrong, Jack died from leukemia on January 25, 2011 surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends. Jack spent 41 years working for the Catholic Church primarily as a youth leader, 32 years of which were devoted to the Catholic Community of St. Jude in Dewitt. He was known as the "grandfather of youth ministry" in the Catholic Church in Michigan. Jack was a gifted and compassionate community activist working as a Freedom Rider to register voters in Mississippi in the 1960's and later for Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes, Ele's Place and Mother Teresa House. He developed and taught a course in media ethics for Lansing Community College. Jack graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Seminary in Detroit (where he later taught), and also earned a MS degree in communications from MSU. He was a Knight of Columbus, 4th degree, and past Grand Knight. Jack has been the guardian of his two grand-daughters since his son and daughter-in-law died.
Jack was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Paty Sheehan; and his son, Paul. He is survived by his second wife, Sharon Marshall Hoerr; his daughter, Joana; son, Ben; grandchildren, Brontae, Coreena, Braylon and Callum; and Jack's brother, Chuck Armstrong. Visitation will be held at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt, MI Friday January 28 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the church on Saturday, January 29 at 11 a.m. with a one hour visitation preceding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the college trust fund for Coreena and Brontae, in care of Sharon Hoerr, mailed to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 507, DeWitt, MI 48820.
The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.gorslineruncimandewitt.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 27, 2011
Lisa Turk
My deepest thoughts are with the Armstrong family. Jack and his granddaughters meant a lot to me. He will be greatly missed by many.
February 4, 2011
Michael Peterson
I was a student at LCC for Jack's ethics in media class. Not only did his teaching style and personality make him instantly one of my favorite instructors from the first day, the topics covered in his class opened my eyes to aspects of ethics and morality I'd never even begun to consider in my young adult life. My condolences to the family, he was an extraordinary person.
February 2, 2011
Zey Ustunol
Dear Sharon and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. with my deepest sympathy,
January 31, 2011
Leo and Barb Henning
Dear Family,
We are sorry to hear of yet another loss for you-our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Hopefully, the memories you hold deep in your hearts will be a comfort in the months ahead. Jack will continue to be a great gift to many he inspired along the way!
Fondly, Leo and Barb Henning
January 31, 2011
Carole Eipers
Dear Sharon, Joana, Ben and children,
I got to know Jack thru youth ministry years ago, and we spent a lot of time together when I did the parish mission at St. Jude's a few years ago. What an amazing person he is! I know you all treasured your time with him, as I treasured the few days in his presence. I am sure many of us will carry on some kindness, some work of service, or perhaps we will make someone smile or laugh--all in memory of your husband, father, grandfather. Thank you for sharing him with so many people! Carole Eipers, New York, NY
January 30, 2011
Joan Tirak
Jack was a an inspiration to us all, and an incredible mentor of what it means to live and walk in the shoes of the Fisherman Jesus of Nanzareth. He had a great soul and a huge heart - his love for his family and his friends, for ministry to the youth and service to the poor, for teaching and learning, for working for peace with justice, for the loving and supportive St. Jude Community, and for good music and merriment were constants in his life. But beyond that he had an incredible capacity for dealing with suffering and personal loss, patiently weathering the far too early deaths of his dear wife, son and dauthter-in-law. If love overcomes all, Jack was the supreme example of how that is even possible. If we but practice a fraction of what he lived, we will all be much better people. With love and healing prayers to his precious family - Your Friend Joan Tirak
January 29, 2011
Taryn & Tibor Lanczy
Cory, Brontae, Joana, Ben and Sharon you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will all miis him dearly....he was a man of great love, compassion and faith. We are all truly blessed for having known him. His dedication and love for the youth at St Jude was a gift to us all. We all know he is sharing his gift of music and playing the pizza song in heaven. May God hold you in the palm of his hand comforting you with his love.
January 29, 2011
Jamie Olivarez
What a loss for both his family and the community. My heartful sorrow goes to both Brontae and Coreena, who were students at Verlinden Elementary while I taught there...Brontae in my class for both 4th and 5th grade. May Grandpa rest in peace.
January 29, 2011
Shelli Pfeifer
Sharon, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you and your family comfort during this difficult time.
January 29, 2011
Nancy and Jim Sheehan-McCulloch
To the Armstrong Family,
May special memories of your Dad, Pipi, and Husband carry you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim
January 28, 2011
Jerry and Shelah Hockman
Jerry Hockman and Jack Armstrong go back a long way. Jerry is saddened by Jack's death and has many great memories of shared activities.
Jerry has had a bad year and asked me to convey our sympathy to Jack's family. Our prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace.
January 28, 2011
Joan Overway
There are not enough words to express how much Jack meant to so many people. Everyone he ever encountered in this life felt his special aura. I treasure my memories of our many varied works together over the years. I look forward to meeting my friend again in eternity.
January 28, 2011
Patricia Hanley
We were so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Jack made it possible for our two oldest sons, who are wheelchair users, to attend Jamboree and other events, and for that we will always be grateful. He was a large part of all three of our sons parish life at St Judes. Jack was an amazing and compassionate man who we are humbled and thankful to have been privileged to know. He selflessly gave of himself to the Catholic Church, his family, and all who knew him. He was truly a gift from God to our community.
John & Patty Hanley, George, Ken, Michael & Emily & Charlotte
January 28, 2011
Chandler Benn
My condolences to the Armstrong family for the loss of Mr. Jack Armstrong, he was a wonderful man. I was a good friend of his son Ben Armstrong during our high school days back in the early ‘90s. Jack always tried his best to make sure Ben and I were not skipping school, and doing any other foolish activities. Jack wanted us teenagers to be the best we could be. I miss him like a father….Chandler Benn
January 28, 2011
Jack was such an inspiration to me as I began my journey to become Catholic. I will never forget the kind, patient way Jack would share of his knowledge and devotion to St. Jude. He will be missed by many......
Prayers to his family
God Bless, Greg and Debra Smith
January 28, 2011
Jennifer and Antonia
Jack was an inspiration to me during my time of difficulty. He helped me learn to tell my story. He will live through every life he has touched! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!
January 28, 2011
Teri Reisner
Armstrong Family, It was a great pleasure being a neighbor of yours. I have the fondest memories of Jack playing instruments with all us kids on your front porch. He and Patti and Paul will forever be in my thoughts. And to all of you, my thoughts and prayers to you. You were blessed with such an honorable man. Love to you all! Teri Wiezorek-Reisner
January 28, 2011
Gene Klco
I didn't know Jack very well. I first met him a year and half ago when he visited my mother (Marion Klco) in the hospital before her heart surgery. He was very encouraging to her. I ran into him a few times after that. What a great man. He obviously cared a lot for others and will be missed. Gene Klco
January 28, 2011
Frank Fear
Jack was a bright light in the world, and that light will shine forever.
January 27, 2011
Neely Stasik
Jack was such an intense, unique and inspiring individual. I will always remember the rare strength and amazing love he had for his family, his friends, for Sharon, and for life. His passion was contagious. Sharon, Chris, Joana, Ben, Brontae, and Coreena.. my heart and thoughts are with you. All my love, Neely
January 27, 2011
Dobie Moser
Dear Armstrong Family. I was saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He was a mentor and wisdom figure to me and many others. At every national conference and event for the last 20 plus years, he would give me an hour of his time and share his wisdom, gentleness, and deep love of God. Jack's faith and sharp mind and appetite for great books always brought him closer to others and gave him new ways to love and care for all of God's people. I knew your family stories through Jack, and he shared them with gratitude for how God was working and present at all times, including through the pain and losses. Jack was a lover and a child of God, and I and many others are much better for him. Jack - greet our communion of saints and wait for us. One day we will be together and what a joyful day that will be.
My love and prayers are with you.
Dobie Moser, Cleveland OH
January 27, 2011
Linda Kahler
Jack - we are all better people of faith because of your loving presence in our lives - we will miss you! Thank you for the gift of yourself (your legacy)- and helping so many find and love God! The world is definitely a better place - because of you!
January 27, 2011
Lisa Stechschulte
To The Armstrong Family,
Jack was such an incredible person. I was blessed to meet him while he was working at IHM with my cousin Msgr. Stotenbur. Since that time, I learned so much through Jack, as he had such a love for all he did. Heaven's gain is our loss. May he rest in peace.
January 27, 2011
Caryn (Knapp) Drenth
Jack was an inspiring leader whose faith and passion for Youth Ministry touched many lives. There are so many of us who spent time with him through the youth programs at St. Jude, the Lansing diocese and even national conventions. I feel blessed to have known him. Thank you, Jack, for all you brought to this world. It is a better place for all your contributions.
January 27, 2011
Dan Gast
Jack was always for me a living assurance of God's grace in all of life. I trust his family knows the respect he has from so many who work in Catholic ministries, nation-wide. Anything he touched was made better, anyone whose lives he touched came away a better person. God love you and hold your family tight, Jack.
January 27, 2011
Lupe Castillo
Dear family members of Jack, my deepest condolences to you all. I have always admired and respected Jack for the love of youth and church. You are all in my prayers. Thank you Jack for being a part of my life.
Lupe Castillo CYM Cristo Rey Church
January 27, 2011
Bernadette Moline
To the Armstong Family: Jack's death is a great loss to the Diocese of Lansing. He was the one I went to if I wanted to know something. We saw each other frequently at meetings and conferences. He was one of the smartest and one of the best people I knew. This is truly a sad day. May God comfort you. (I was the former DRE at St. Mary, Williamston)
January 27, 2011
Greg & Margaret White
Our thoughts and prayers.
January 27, 2011
To the Armstrong family
I am very sorry to hear the passing of a wonderful man to others and in service. I will never forget the first time that I met him while working at one of the high school jamboree's, His words was stick with me kid and you will learn, I had just moved within the that first year from Memphis and knew no one, it was Jack that taught me after we spoke that I did not and do not believe in cliche's and his words will always remain with me, from him wearing his many hats, to teaching about the colors we are, his memories will always remain, as you will in my prayers,
I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral as I will be involved with the children's cancer winter camp for Special Days, it is St.Jude that always put on a dinner for camp every year and that will be what finds me this weekend, again you all will remain in my prayers, Sincerely Tammy King, Lansing Mich.
January 27, 2011
Fr. John Byers
I am grateful for Jack's faithful witness to our youth and our adults. He took seriously his baptismal call to holiness. I will offer a Mass for the repose of his soul. May he rest in peace. Fr. John Byers
January 27, 2011
Lacey Freeman
Dear Armstrong family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with you all. Jack was a wonderful person and I am so blessed so have spent time with him and all of you.
If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lacey (Hamrick) Freeman and family
January 27, 2011
Deborah Sudduth Garland
Brontae, Coreena, and Armstrong Family, I am sadden at the passing of Jack. What an unforgettable person Jack was. I will always remember his love for his girls, Brontae and Coreena, that he showed us every week, along with the wonderful soup for potlucks! Know that he with God and safely home. Please be blessed and I will keep you in my prayers.
January 27, 2011
Linda Pung
Jack will be greatly missed by all of us at the Community of St Jude. He has been a huge part of our parish. He dedicated so much of his time to the youth of our community.
RIP, Jack
We will miss you.
Dale, Linda, and Tori Pung
January 27, 2011
Tami Wiezorek
we are going to miss you deeply Jack, i will never forget you. enjoy the rest of your eternal life with Patti. i will always keep joana and ben in my prayers and especially Corena and Brontae!
Tami Wiezorek
January 27, 2011
Anne Smiley
Jack was an amazing Dad! We had the pleasure of serving Jack and his young family at the "Family Growth Center" where Jack spent many hours playing his guitar for the children.
January 26, 2011
Joe Reed
Dear Sharon, Joana, Ben, and grandchildren,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He was one of the kindest, most caring people I have known, and was a good friend to me for many years. His deep faith, despite his many hardships, was always an inspiration to me. I always looked forward to seeing him when I came back to DeWitt. He made such an incredible contribution to the Church and to the world, and will be sorely missed. I can only imagine how important he was to all of you. Be assured of my prayers for you in this difficult time. I hope that you will be comforted by the knowledge that you will see him again one day, and that, for now, your memories of him will help to console you.
January 26, 2011
Bob,Darla, Hannah, Stephanie Padgett and Seth Swanson
To the Armstrong Family,
May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time. We will miss him greatly at St. Jude. My kids still remember the songs he used to teach them at Vacation Bible School. Our love and prayers are with you all. God Bless you Jack!
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