On Thursday, March 5, 2020, John “Jack” Birren loving husband, proud father of three children and doting grandfather to 6 passed away peacefully at Trustbridge Hospice of Jupiter surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born on September 13, 1951 to the late Alex “Bud” and Esther “Johnnie” Birren.
Jack received his Mortuary Science degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1971 where he worked for many years in his family’s funeral home business Birren and Sons Funeral Home which was the oldest funeral business in Chicago. Jack later became a carpenter and was a proud union worker and a member of local union 250 for nearly 30 years. Jack married his wife Paula on June 7th, 1975 and had three children. Jack and his family moved from Chicago to Antioch in 1981 where many days were spent boating on Loon Lake, fishing, hunting and days spent on the beach with his family. Jack was also an active member at the Antioch Moose Lodge #525 where he was past Governor and enjoyed his time volunteering. Jack retired to Jupiter, Florida in 2013 where he has enjoyed fishing (primarily on Black Dog Fishing Charters), golfing (particularly Golf Club of Jupiter), enjoying the local restaurants, live music (especially the Blues) and craft beers (especially Civil Society Brewing.) Jack also spent many days serving as the handyman for his Pinecrest family and enjoyed planning many parties and barbequing.
Jack is preceded in death by his father, Alex “Bud” and Esther “Johnnie” Birren and his 2 brothers, Alex “Lexy” and Richard Birren.
He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Paula; his 3 children, Jack (Lisa) Birren of Nashotah, WI, Jason (Joan) Birren of Las Vegas, NV and Becky (Brian) Fries of Ingleside, IL; his 6 grandchildren, Nicholas, Alex, Tristan, Caden, Brenden and Alexis; his sister, Mary (Jeff) Birren; his “favorite” sister in-laws and brother in-laws; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jack loved being a Father and always shared how proud he was of his children and he was so grateful to have 6 grandchildren and being the best “Papa.” He loved sharing his stories, his knowledge, his opinions and his jokes. He also finally shared Jack’s “famous” secret beef jerky recipe to his sons which will hopefully now be passed along for generations to come. Those who knew and loved Jack will miss his infectious spirit, his kindness, his generosity, his humor, his BBQ and his one of a kind personality.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 9th at 11:00am at Jupiter First Church, 1475 Indian Creek Parkway, Jupiter, FL 33458. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Jack’s memory. Arrangements are being handled by Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18