John C. Curtiss

John (Jack) Charles Curtiss, 86, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday May 8, 2008, at Caretel Inns in St. Joseph. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday May 31, 2008 at St. Joseph United Methodist Church 3003 Leco Ct., St. Joseph with Rev. Wade Panse officiating. A private burial will follow at a later date. Memorials may be made to Health Ministry at St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Jack Curtiss was born September 9, 1921, in Chicago, IL to Charles & Mary (Helps) Curtiss. He graduated from Tilden Technical High School in Chicago and then attended Albion College where he received his Bachelors Degree in Engineering. On August 27, 1946, he married Jeanne (Kittinger) Curtiss from Albion. Jacked worked for Clark Equipment Company as a project engineer for 32 years, retiring in 1986. While with Clark, he lived with his family in Belgium for two years and later France. Jack served with the Navy during World War II aboard the USS Crosby and saw fierce action in the South Pacific. He later joined the Naval reserve and reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander before retiring. Jack was commander of the Benton Harbor Naval Reserve for three years. In his spare time he enjoyed sailing, traveling, gardening and reading naval history. Jack spent the last 5 years at Caretel Village where he made many friends with staff and other residents. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Caretel and friends in the community for their many visits, love and care for Jack. Jack is survived by his three sons David (Dianne) Curtiss of Mooresville, IN, Charles Curtiss of Freeland, MD and Daniel Curtiss of Nova, OH; two daughters Jan (Brian) Taylor of Ann Arbor, MI, and Caroline (Kirk) Ritchey of Woodstock, NY; one brother Bill (Beverly) Curtiss of Thousand Oaks, CA; one sister Joanne East of Wheaton, IL; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is preceded by his wife Jeanne Curtiss and one son Tom Curtiss.