Dr. Jack E. Lighton Sr.

1938 - 2016

Dr. Jack E. Lighton Sr. obituary, 1938-2016

Jack Lighton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 8, 2016.

Dr. Jack E. Lighton, of Jupiter Island, Florida, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 4th, 2016. He was 77 years old.

Dr. Lighton was born in July 1938, in Muskegon, Michigan to George and Myra Lighton. A very hardworking young man, he assisted his mother with her finances by working multiple paper routes after the sudden loss of his father George.

From a very young age, Dr. Lighton was always fascinated by the healing art and science of medicine. He attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, pursuing a degree in pre-med and went on to attend the Chicago Collage of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Lighton interned at St. John's Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where he pursued general and vascular surgery. Upon completion of his residency, he established his medical practice in Mount Clemens, Michigan, at Mount Clemens General Hospital (now McLaren Macomb).

During his early years as a surgeon, Dr. Lighton met his loving wife, Marilyn, and together they built their life around family and friends, including a dynamic network of philanthropic support for Mount Clemens General Hospital. Together Dr. Lighton and his wife Marilyn Lighton created fundraising events within their network, raising first-of-their-kind scholarship funds for exceptional medical students and for the procurement of advanced medical equipment.

Dr. Lighton was the Chairman of the Department of Surgery and Chief of Vascular Surgery at Mount Clemens General Hospital. After receiving his fellowship in Vascular Surgery, he went on to build one of the largest and most well-respected general and vascular surgical practices in the Midwest.

Dr. Lighton's surgical accomplishments were second to none. He is noted for leading some of the most complex surgical procedures ever conducted internationally, saving the lives of thousands of patients. One of Dr. Lighton's most advanced surgeries was, "A Complete Traumatic Hemipelvectomy." A case-review of this procedure was published in 1974, celebrating the survival of the patient and Dr. Lighton's profound surgical skills.

Dr. Lighton and his wife, Marilyn Lighton, raised their family in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. A longtime member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, he was an avid boater and advanced marine navigator. Dr. Lighton enjoyed his summer boating vacations where he would spend time with family and friends, navigating throughout the Great Lakes, with a favorite stop-over at Beaver Island. The Lighton family has a long history on Beaver Island. When describing this special island in the middle of Lake Michigan, Dr. Lighton's stunning blue eyes would light up with joy; he truly cherished his "island time."

Dr. Lighton loved to sing and was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. His Chorus was featured in the 1991 International Competition in Louisville, Kentucky. His connection to Kentucky didn't stop at the International Barbershop Competition, Dr. Lighton was proud to be honored as a Kentucky Colonel.

Dr. Lighton retired with his wife Marilyn in the 1990s and moved to their home on Jupiter Island, where they became very involved in the community as
members of the Maltz Jupiter Theater and Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

During his retirement, Dr. Lighton became one of the world's most preeminent experts and educators on wound care, educating more than 5,000 doctors in his role as Senior Leader of Education at National Healing Corporation (now Healogics). Dr. Lighton was appointed to the speaker's bureau of the prestigious Association for the Advancement of Wound Care Education Lectures and helped pioneer advancements in non-healing wound care therapies, technologies, and treatments. Dr. Lighton taught at The Ohio State University (though a rabid University of Michigan fan) and traveled the world visiting wound care centers to educate, train, and deploy the latest advancements in wound care technology - improving the quality of life for thousands of patients and their families.

Dr. Lighton was appointed Clinical Associate Professor at Michigan State University in the Department of Osteopathic Surgical Specialties and was a well-known lecturer, teacher, and mentor to many doctors and residents.

Dr. Lighton lost his wife, Marilyn, ("the love of his life") to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) but went on to lead an active life centered around his family. He also traveled internationally with his dear friend, Marilyn Driscoll and created a significant philanthropic legacy within his community.

Dr. Lighton was the acting President of the Beach Road Association of Jupiter Island, a member of the Maltz Jupiter Theater, supported veterans, advocated for autism, and was a member of Loggerhead Marinelife Center's Circle of 100.

Dr. Lighton's love for life was apparent by all who met him. He took great joy in relaxing with his dog "Captain" while gazing at the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, cherishing each sunrise and sunset; often capturing stunning images of earth's magical beauty which he shared with those he loved.

Dr. Lighton was preceded in death by his mother and father, his beloved wife Marilyn Lighton, and his dear friend, Marilyn Driscoll.

Dr. Lighton is survived by his sons Jack Jr. (Giovanni "G"), Richard (Karlyn), his daughter Mary Shafer (Tom), his grandchildren Katie, Elliot (Killeen), Eva-Louise, Jack, Ryan, his cousins Norman (Jean) and Shirley, and his rescued West Highland White Terrier, "Captain."
No services are planned and in lieu of flowers, Dr. Lighton requested donations be sent in his memory to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida. Loggerhead Marinelife Center has set up the Dr. Jack E. Lighton Science & Technology Fund, a fund designed to support the center's sea turtle hospital and the procurement of the latest technology. Loggerhead Marinelife Center can be reached online at www.marinelife.org or via phone: 561-627-8280 extension 103.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Lighton

What is your first memory of Jack?

Share a favorite memory you have of Jack.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Jack.

Describe a time when Jack made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Jack?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Jack.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Jack.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Jack.

What is something you learned from Jack?

Not sure what to say?

4 Entries

February 16, 2016

Sandy Kuohn

Dear Mary and Family,
Your father sounds like he was an amazing individual who touched so many lives. Not only was he an expert in his field, it is clear that he had a huge heart and would do anything to help others. I am sorry that I did not know him as I'm sure he made the world a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the wonderful memories keep him alive in your hearts forever!
Sincerely,
Sandy Kuohn

February 9, 2016

Susan Martinez

Dear Jack,G and Mary.My name is Sue Martinez.I use to scrub,his vascular.Cases
on the afternoon shift.At Mt.Clemens Gen.I always knew when,the case was gonna,be a long one.Your dad would order,Jets Pizza.And hum the night away.While he was working.Fond memories,of him.I always was amazed.How he worked,on his patients.For hours,and never seem tired,or ever gave up.Dedication
that man had.Rest in peace,Dr.Lighton

February 9, 2016

Susan Martinez

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

February 9, 2016

Dear Jack, G, and Mary
As a long time neighbor of your Dad's, we have swapped many stories and glasses of wine. We have discussed the Passages and he has counseled me with his sage advice. My heart breaks for all of you and please extends my condolences to your entire family. He will be sorely missed here at the Passages and by me. Your Dad was quite a character! If there is something I can do please let me know. Prayers, hugs and love to you.
Denise LeClair-Robbins

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Jack Lighton's name

Memorial Events
for Jack Lighton

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center - Jupiter

1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458

How to support Jack's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jack Lighton's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more