Jack Griffin Tesh

Jack was born on March 1, 1940 to Jack Vermont Tesh, and Edna Griffin Tesh in Norfolk , VA, with his early life spent in Newport News VA.

Jack is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his children Jackie and Bryan and their families: Jackie Tesh Stout and her husband Mike, Bryan Sturdivant Tesh and his wife Sarah, grandson Simon Tesh and granddaughter Natalie Tesh. Other surviving family members include his sister Jean Jones, brother-in-laws J. Colin Campbell and Franklin Sturdivant, nieces Julie Dudley (Kelly), Cathy Keys (David), Kim Jones, Nancy Sturdivant, Janie Sturdivant, Beth Sturdivant, nephews John Campbell (Donna),Douglas Jones, Dutch Sturdivant, and Frank Sturdivant.

In the early years, Jack was a fierce competitor and talented athlete. In high school, his team won (3) State basketball championships. Jack was recruited by baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates to pitch right out of high school but chose a football scholarship in order to attend Wake Forest in Winston Salem. He played RB for Wake and held several records for years. Jack majored in Philosophy and Religion at Wake Forest then attended the Baptist Seminary in the town of Wake Forest. He also received a Masters of English literature from Wake Forest University.

Jack met the love of his life, Mary Jane Sturdivant at Wake Forest. They celebrated 59 years of marriage on June 1, 2022. They have spent the last 20 years traveling, enjoying their family and attending as many functions as was possible with their grandchildren.

With his fondness of literature and sports, Jack became a dedicated teacher and coach in the public school system for 40+ years. He was honored with many awards over the years but said the greatest joy in his career was being able to teach and coach his son Bryan. Jack also enjoyed publishing a community newspaper in the 80’s.

“Once upon a time” started many a good story from a young man to his son and daughter. There was a myriad of fantastical adventures including wardrobes, princes and beasts. These fun stories had his children question in later school years how Shakespeare knew of their one-eyed Beowulf. Along with his ability to make us all laugh, Jack always showed his faith in Christ through his prayers of thanksgiving every single day. Lately, he ended every prayer with “Have a Good Day Lord, Thank you. “

Jack was a Master Storyteller, a very proud Poppy, an author of beautiful love letters and notes and the kindest of souls. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.

A private family memorial service was held on January 1, 2023.

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina is assisting the Tesh family. Fond memories and online condolences for Jack may be left at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.