Jackie Sterling Goss

Jack was always one who was up for an adventure. Whether it be a trip across the country on his beloved Harley or an adventure across the world to bowl he was always willing and eager and would never turn down the challenge. Jack was a member of the high marching band at Manual High School and joined the US Navy at graduation where he served as a communications specialist with a top-secret clearance. While in the military he was presented with the opportunity to bowl on the Naval bowling team, which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world and compete with those from all walks of life. While in the navy, Jack also caught the bug for scuba diving and was able to become certified.

Once Jack returned home from the navy he entered the police academy for the Indianapolis Police Department, where he completed a long and very adventurous career. Jack was a member of the color guard, the IPD Motorcycle Drill Team, the Drunk Driving Task Force and other committees. During his tenure with the department, he was assigned to several high-profile details including the Presidential detail for President Ronald Reagan, area security for Zambelli Fireworks during the Fourth of July fireworks for over a decade and VIP security for the 500 Festival Parade.

Jack had a deep-rooted love for racing and was lucky enough to find himself in a position to run the IPD police command trailer during all racing events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he met so many people from every walk of life. Also, during his tenure with IPD, Jack participated in the International Law Enforcement Games on numerous occasions one of which took him to Sydney, Australia in 1988 where he and his 5-man team took the gold medal for bowling.

Upon his retirement from the police department after 34 years, Jack became a reserve officer and continued his association with the department for another 10 years. After his retirement Jack could be found fueling his need for adventure through long Harley rides to places like Tunica, MS; Niagara Falls; and even the Tail of Dragon. He was never afraid of an adventure including scuba diving, snorkeling, zip lining or taking a run on a “banana boat” in the Bahamas. Jack also loved to gamble and go to the casino…the man never met a video poker machine he didn’t like. But he also was an avid and serial lottery player. Little known fact, Jack was on the Hoosier Millionaire show in 1999 where he won $17,500.

Through everything Jack was an extremely humble and simple man! He lived a wonderful life and loved hard. Although a great adventurer, there was nothing more important in this world to him in this world than his “girls”. Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother. He would always make sure everyone was taken care of before himself and most importantly that everyone had a smile. And if you ever saw him and said, “Hi Jack!” he’d make sure to tell you that you shouldn’t say that on an airplane.

Left behind to cherish his memory are: his daughter, Mickelle “Micky” Sullivan; a brother, Harry Richard Goss (wife, Leslie); two sisters, Connie Trimmer (husband, Thomas) and Bonnie Birtchman (husband, Timothy); a granddaughter, Kenzie Jo Goodsman (husband, Joshua); and a great-granddaughter, Palmer Jo Goodsman.

Jackie was preceded in death by: his wife, Rochelle “Rocky” (Williams) Goss; his parents, Harry and Willie Goss; his son-in-law, Kevin Sullivan; and a brother, Larry Jo Goss.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 2nd from 4:00pm – 7:00pm at FOP Lodge 86; 1525 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Neptune Society has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/jackie-goss-13063032