May
22, 1914 - Feb. 12, 2009ELKHART - A bright shining star dimmed here on earth, but now Heaven is shining ever brighter. Jack G. Sumption passed away in the early morning of February 12, 2009 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born May 22, 1914 in South Bend, IN, to George E. and Agnus C.(Saberniak) Sumption. His parents were early descendents of St. Joseph County Indiana that first settled in South Bend in 1820 in an area known as "Sumption Prairie". He is survived by his wife Terry (Otis) Sumption, his faithful companion who added much love and joy to the last years of his life. His nephews, Robert A. (Diane) Sumption of Cassopolis, MI; James A. (Susan) Sumption of South Bend, IN; niece, Mary G. Persyn of Valparaiso, In; great- nephews, Arthur, Dan and Michael Sumption; great nieces, Jennifer Sumption-Reed and Deanna Sumption-Jordan. His stepchildren, Jimmy R. (Catherine) Otis of South Bend and Doug Otis of Mishawaka. His special friends Maury Cocquyt, Bev Jacques, Rita and Dave Weiss, Bob Harwood, Jay and Boyd Harwood, Loretta Schmidt and the entire Rose Brick family. Jack was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother, Arthur J. (Ila) Sumption and sister, Geraldine (Henry) Persyn. On October 23, 1944 in Baltimore, MD he married Clare Rita Miller who later died in August 1981. On December 10, 1985 in Edwardsburg, MI, he married Peggy Reese who later died on April 19, 2002. Jack, very lively and social, began his long and fulfilling career first at the Studebakers Corporation where he learned the basics of hard work and dedication. During WWII he worked for U.S Rubber on the production of liners for airplane fuel tanks in Baltimore from 1942 to 1947, where Jack met his first wife Rita. After returning to South Bend he went to work for the Ullery Coal Company in 1948. In 1961 Rose Fuel and Materials acquired Ullery Coal Company and their best salesman ever, Jack. The Rose's became like a second family to him and an important part of his life. During his time at Rose Fuel he recruited and mentored his very special friend Bev Jacque. He worked for Rose Fuel and Materials until his retirement in 2007. During his long career Jack formed lasting relationships in the Home Builders Association with special friends Dave and Rita Weiss, Bob and Brenda Ross, Jim and Jane Cerney and Jim Arendt. Jack was a member of the Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley for 55 years. In February 2008 Jack received a special award for his 50 year membership of the National Association of Home Builders. In 1968 Jack won the "Top Spike of the Year" award for selling more NAHB memberships than anyone else in the e ntire nation. In 1969 he pushed his sales even higher and became one of only seven members in the United States to earn the coveted Red Coat award. Jack helped to build the Holy Family Catholic Church in South Bend where he was a long time member and volunteer. Jack's motto was "life live to the fullest" which he proceeded to do in full force and never stopping. His love for life was contagious and his laughter and sense of humor infectious. Jack was an avid Notre Dame Football fan and was a season ticket holder for over 50 years. He could say that he knew Knute Rockne and loved to say he was commonly mistaken for Lou Holtz Sr. and enjoyed signing autographs for the ladies. He could be found at most every tailgate with beer in hand and around fun loving crowds. Jack prided himself in being a connoisseur of fine foods and would always be seeking out the locally owned restaurants. His favorite places to dine were Rocco's, Simeri's and Sunny Italy. Jack's favorite place of all time was Maury's Pub (formally known as Pat's Colonial Pub) where he met Maury Cocquyt who became like the son that he never had and his best friend. It was also the excellent staff at Maury's Pub that made it his favorite restaurant. At Eagle Lake, Jack enjoyed dining at Stacy's, where he had a table dedicated with a plaque in his honor. He enjoyed visiting with the owners Kevin (Fish) and Stacy along with his good buds Tom (Cub) Williams, Dave & Maryann Taylor, Leslie Paul, Billy, Dennis, the great staff and a host of many others, too long to mention. His newest favorite hangout was Betweens the Buns in Granger where he made fast friends with the manager, Phil, and his pleasant staff. Jack enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and walking with his special canine companion, Casey. He loved riding around in his convertible, top down and sun shining with Terry and Casey, ball caps and sunglasses on. Jack spent many a lunch out on the town with his caretaker, Kim Garland, who's company and care helped keep him going. He could be found in the summer taking leisurely boat cruises around Eagle Lake with his friends and family or just sitting on the patio watching the boats and the sunsets with Terry. Where there was fun and good times, Jack was in the middle of it. He attracted people wherever he went and made so many special friends during his long and fulfilling life. Jack will be missed very much by all that knew and loved him. His smile and charm will live in our hearts always. When asked once about his love life, he said "I have enjoyed the hell out of it and I love to meet new people. Life is good-you just gotta live it!" In the recent months the news of the economy effected Jack and his concern for the people in the community, as he had experienced much of the same during the depression. To honor Jack's memory the family requests that you help us "Stuff a Bus" of non-perishable foods or money donations to help our community. Please join us in celebrating Jack's life by bringing items to the funeral home on Sunday. Other donations can be given to The Pet Refugee or Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg, Michigan. Visitation will be held Sunday February 15th from 2 to 8 pm at McGann Hay Funeral Home 13260 SR 23 (enter off of Cherry Rd) Granger, In. The funeral service will be held Monday February 16th at 11:00 at Our Lady of the Lake 24832 US Hwy 12, Edwardsburg, MI. A viewing will be held one hour prior to service.