Jack Robert Pettycrew

On January 9, 1942, in Hubbard, Ohio, Jack Robert Pettycrew began his journey to grace the world with a heart as big as his infectious laugh. On March 19, 2025, in Garland, Texas at the age of 83, Jack’s laughter transcended earthly bounds leaving cherished memories forever. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Elton Pettycrew and Gertrude Rubosky, along with his well-loved son, Justin Michael Pettycrew.

Jack left behind a legacy of love, laughter and an indelible sweet spirit that resonated with everyone he met. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barbara Landolt Pettycrew of Garland, Texas, his daughter, Wendy Travis and husband Cavin of Edgewood Texas, and brother James Pettycrew and wife Eileen of Portland Oregon.

He was a proud grandfather to Mason Travis of San Diego, Chandler Travis and wife Katelin of Waco, Cassidy Pettycrew Resnick and husband Jacob of Edgewood, Jessy Pettycrew of Fort Lauderdale Florida, and Ashby Jack Pettycrew of Atlanta Texas. Great grandchildren are Presley and Stetson Resnick and Kason Travis.

Spending his early life with Aunt Jo, Uncle Bill, Bill and Chuck after his father died, Jack was known for wandering off, causing his mother and the rest of the family to constantly search for him. During his high school days in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and Poland Ohio. Jack was gregarious and popular, as he was involved in a number of school activities, including the football team until a knee injury permanently sidelined him. His senior year at Poland Seminary High School, he performed with other football players in a tutu, two bosomy balloons, and a leg cast during the “Senior Spectacular”. Jack’s ’47 DeSoto was well-known in the area, ferrying friends around, and sometimes as friends helped push it home.

He attended Kent State University until his stepfather’s death, returning home to help his mother and transferring to Youngstown State University. He began his business career at Mahoning Valley Supply, where he excelled in both inside and outside sales for several years.

Jack married Barbara at St. John’s Episcopal Church on May 7, 1966, after literally sweeping her off her feet with his love for dancing to the music of the Big Bands. He joined the Episcopal Church, beginning a life-long service to his faith. Jack served the church with Barbara in four states, filling many roles, including Junior Warden. They also attended prayer meetings to support the AIDS patients at a mission run by a favorite priest. Jack was known for his servant’s heart and unwavering Christian faith.

Jack was recruited by Johns Manville Corporation, and moved Barbara and their two year old daughter, Wendy, to Louisville, Kentucky, where, during the next four years, he was very involved in neighborhood activities, supper club, Wendy’s Indian Princesses organization as Medicine Man (headdress and all) and many trips to Louisville Downs. Prospering in Kentucky, the company moved Jack to Oklahoma where he traveled four states for Manville, served his church, coached and refereed youth soccer. While in Oklahoma, the family adopted 6 year old Justin. Moving his family on to Texas, Jack’s territory expanded even more, although he maintained his extensive involvement and warm relationships in his church.

Shortly after moving to Texas, Jack suffered a cerebral aneurysm that profoundly affected his memory and took his senses of taste and smell. Unable to maintain his duties at Manville, Jack started at Sundown Ranch, an adolescent treatment facility in Canton, Texas. He quickly became a favorite of residents as he moved into an Assistant Counselor position. Having become a friend of Bill W, Jack was able to share his journey in recovery, leading others into AA. Over twenty years later, he retired.

Moving with Barbara to Brookdale Senior Living in Garland Texas, he found more warm relationships, but suffered a stroke from which he never fully recovered. In their third year at Brookdale, Silver Stone Hospice began a year of loving care for Jack at his and Barbara’s home. He died peacefully with Barbara and his nurse by his side.

Those closest to him will always remember his special “I love you” hand signal, a silent but meaningful reminder of his deep love for family and friends. Jack’s kindness, faith, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 on Sunday March 23, 2025 at Brookdale Club Hill, 1245 Colonel Drive Garland TX.