Jack was born in Miami, FL to Al and Mary Zapf. He enjoyed the city of Miami and always joked that every day there was just another day in paradise. He lived there until 1994 when he retired from the Biscayne Bay Pilots. He loved being a harbor pilot for 31 years and was acknowledged by his peers as an outstanding ship-handler. He was appointed by Florida Governors to multiple terms on the Florida Board of Pilot Commissioners and served as Chairman of that board and the Biscayne Bay Pilots.
He was a proud US Army veteran and an active member and Deacon at North Shore Baptist Church, Miami and at Deermeadows Baptist, Jacksonville.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Al Zapf. He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 66 years, and his sister, Nita Robinson. Helen and Jack were sweethearts since they met in Junior High School. They were married for over 66 years. He said the greatest blessing in life was his family, Helen, their children, Julie and John and their spouses, his four grandchildren: Katie Graden (Brian), James Hynes, Gretchen Jacobs (Shay), and Jackson Hynes, and three great grandchildren: Kai Graden, Adeline Jacobs, and Ansley Jacobs. He will be deeply missed by all.
His Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Rd, 32256. He will be laid to rest at Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.
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