Bernard Joseph Jacks

He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Gustav and Bernice Jachimowicz (née Wroblewski) on February 3, 1930 where he grew up. He attended the University of Detroit where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then went on to graduate as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Michigan, class of 1955. There he met his wife, Catherine “Kay” Jacks (née Flint), enrolled in the dental hygiene program.

He served in the U.S. military providing dental care to the indigenous population of Zuni, New Mexico, where the first two of his three sons were born. After his service, he established a practice in Waterford, Michigan and eventually, a home in Clarkston, Michigan, where his three sons grew up.

Bernard’s cousin introduced him to fishing in the Florida Keys; this is where he and his wife would eventually retire from practice in Islamorada, later moving to Central Florida. He loved gardening, sports (especially hockey), and was an adept and strategic card-player. Though his favorite phrase was that “the first hundred years are the hardest”, he made the most of 96 he was given.

He is preceded in death by siblings Delores, Joseph, and Virginia, his wife Kay, and son Michael. He is survived by two sons and their spouses, Christopher and Phyllis, and Paul and Tana, a daughter-in-law, a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A mass and memorial to celebrate his life will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Coral Gables, Florida at 10:00am, June 12th, 2026. The Neptune Society will serve the family of Bernard Jacks and he will be inurned at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, beside his late wife, at a later date.

Bernard was most at peace on the water, fishing the open ocean. He was also deeply interested in space exploration and discovery. These passions are evident of a heart guided by adventure, curiosity and faith. Facing great expanses of the unknown, Bernard was sure he would find food for the body, heart, and soul if he sought it. May he rest in peace and his spirit live on through those who loved him.