John Harkins

John Joseph “Jack” Harkins, age 80, of Marietta, Georgia passed away on November 22, 2024. He was born on April 17,1944 to Patrick and Mary Sweeney Harkins in Paterson, New Jersey. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Economics, he had a successful career in sales for pension and retirement solutions for various insurance companies. He led the establishment of sales offices in Pittsburgh and Atlanta for Unum. In his spare time, Jack rode the highs and lows as a passionate sports fan rooting for the Atlanta Braves,Cleveland Browns, and Notre Dame football. He also enjoyed playing golf with family and friends, often recalling stories of caddying as a teenager. Active in his children’s lives, he was especially proud of coaching baseball for his sons’ little league teams. He was deeply passionate about his family and cherished family gatherings.In honor of his first car, an MG convertible, Jack later purchased a vintage model which he enjoyed driving top down on beautiful days. A lifelong Catholic, Jack was a faithful communicant of The Catholic Church of St Ann in Marietta, Georgia. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Sr. Rose Marie Harkins, OP, Kathleen Harkins, Sheila Dunlop Mutch, Patricia Murphy and Eugene Harkins and nephew James Dunlop. He is survived by Mary Ann Harney Harkins, his wife of 58 years, his children Scott (Amanda) Harkins of Amsterdam, Netherlands, Keith (Wendi) Harkins, of Davie, Florida, and Lara (Jacob) Pickerel of Marietta, Georgia and grandchildren John Martin Harkins, Patrick Harkins, Mary Harkins, Sean Harkins, Rebecca Harkins, Vernon Pickerel, and Bridget Pickerel. He is also survived by sixteen beloved nephews and nieces. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate. A memorial service is scheduled for December 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church.