Jack Marsh, to some he was Mr. Marsh, others Jack, to the other kids Pop or Dad and to the grandkids he was Grandpa. But, to me he was Daddy. He was kind, patient, smart and a true southern gentleman. His politeness knew no bounds. He welcomed guests into his home with either an handshake or a hug always asking "Can I get you something to drink?". He worked the crossword puzzle daily without the use of Google. Just the good old fashioned way clue by clue, letter by letter. He never had a cross or unkind word for anyone. He encouraged us all to be the best that we could be.

Daddy left this world a better place imparting a strong work ethic and love of family, golf and Gator football on his children and grandchildren. Every night when I say "I love you Daddy" I can still hear him say "I love you too Sugar, thanks for coming by."

I love you Daddy.

Patti

Although my grandfather has been a huge role model in my life, we are innately very different. But he has taught me a lot, but two things in particular I shared with him were golf and being in a social fraternity.  My grandfather taught me the game of golf and the lessons that come along with it. Through this game, he taught me patience and temperance. We also have in common that we were both members of social fraternities. Although we didn't join the same fraternity, we shared a lot of the same values between organizations. The largest of these values being to treat all others with respect and dignity. To end, I would like to quote the first line of the Sigma Chi Creed, the fraternity he was a part of. “I believe in fairness, decency and good manners.” Jack Marsh was one of the most fair, most decent and most well mannered men I have ever met and ever will meet. I know that he keep the words of this creed in his heart, just as I keep my creed in mine.

Jack Marsh is one of the greatest men I have ever known. I was lucky enough to call him Grandpa, and I will be forever grateful for the memories we shared and the family he built around us. We had a few wonderful years to learn so much from Grandpa.  The good times, the bad times, I'm thankful for them all. Whether it was sharing a couple chocolates or talking about how Ralph was winning the golf tournament, we were lucky to have had such a remarkable person for a grandpa. I'll miss pullin' his leg, joshin' him, joking about swinging on the chandelier, and even being told "that'll put hair on your chest". 

Jack Marsh will be remembered for being a loving father, savvy business man, intelligent friend and to us a wonderful grandpa. I know that Grandma and Grandpa are taking a break from a round of golf, chardonnay in their hand, and are smiling down on those who love them. I don't think there's anything we could do to ever repay them. I love you so much Grandpa. Thanks, for everything.

Jack Marsh, the Man, the Myth, Grandpa, the Legend 
  
Jack Was a great Dad, Great partner Great Grandfather And my BEST FRIEND.

Jack Marsh the man could be found taking his young son Greg to the movies so that his first wife could have some peace and quiet.

Walking first Patti then Kalle down the aisle to expand; welcoming each new member of our family with a smile and warm embrace.
  
I first met Jack in 1972; he married Bonnie and the merged Marsh family began, not only did I have a new Man in my life; I had two new brothers, a new twin sister to go with my baby sister Kalle.

As children, life with Jack was unique, in times of friction he would be calm, his demeanor unchanged and the outcome predictable. He would articulate your mistake, confirm you understood not to replicate the event and then because he never got upset we would experience severe remorse for disappointing him and Bonnie.
As the kids got older he imparted three constants, you should play golf, you should be educated and you will get a job.

The education was easy, you would be a Florida Gator, fan, follower or graduate. You would bleed orange and blue.  For birthdays, we would get Gator shirts and at Christmas it would be Gator jackets. No pressure just Orange and Blue.     And Jack's Gator pride was always on display. When we ended our daily meetings we would say “It's great to be a Florida Gator and growl  ...  Go Gators!”

Jack Marsh the myth. 
Many of Pops casual friends will say he was quiet or reserved and with Bonnie Marsh, who had never met a stranger, by his side getting in a word could be a challenge.  But the reality is, Jack was an introvert.  And contrary to popular opinion an introvert is not silent or always introspective. An introvert hates idle chatter. Chit Chat is wasted time.   Silence is not a sin but a gift. A pause in conversation allows everyone to have the best answer to the question, not necessarily the first.   And spending the rest of my life with Chris who is an introvert I have learned, introverts are never eager to be first but they always strive to be right.  Jack Marsh was brilliant and wise if you gave him the time and listened. He was an AWESOME listener.  He could say more with his thoughtful expressions than I could say in minutes.

In Jacks business years he had many nick names; in the 60's it was club champion, the drink was a martini or maybe  two, in the 70s, he was Action Jackson and the drink was  a J&B on the rocks followed later in the evening by a stinger. In the 80s I called him Jack T and the drink was Jack Daniels and I am not sure why but he called me JD. WHEN THE WORLD DIDN'T END 1999 he became Grandpa Jack. And the drink became a Shirley temple 

Grandpa Jack
As kids growing up in the Marsh household was an adventure. Every day there was another project to discuss another function to attend, dinner hour was never at a set time but it was family time and we never ate dinner until all members of our family were present. My brothers and sisters provided our Dad with happiness but the grandchildren and their Shirley Temples were the real love of his life.  Including dinners with Carson and Colton; Jake's weekly ball games to John Travis' unending train set, or the weekly visits to Chucky Cheese and the dance recitals with Kelsey and Victoria. As children of Jack and Bonnie my brothers and sisters were treated well, as Grandchildren of Jack and Bonnie, our children were treated to every experience the Grandparents could assemble. 
Water skiing,  ice skating,  trips to New York, fairs, art, dance recitals, plays, parties, movies, mermaids, birthdays, Halloween, Easter and Christmas extravaganzas and golf were all part of the tapestry of being a Grandchild of Jack Marsh.   He provided them all with an opportunity to play golf. 

Jack Marsh. The Legend
Batman & Robin, Donnie & Marie, Len and Fay, Ronald and Nancy, Tom & Peg; All great men have partners and all partners play a significant role in the couples success. Don has Marie, Ronnie had Nancy, Tom Terrific has Peg the Irish warrior, and Jack had Bonnie.
Mrs. Jack T. Marsh died in October of 2013.  Our Batman had just lost his Robin, whom he loved with all his heart. In 42 years of marriage he never considered she would go first and his spirit never recovered.   Bonnie's death started him down his journey to eternity.  

Our family lost a Great Dad, the world lost a great Man, and I lost my best friend.  Our Dad, Bonnie's Husband, Grandma Jack taught us all life is a journey, we are put on this earth to make it a better place and Jack Marsh did that daily until the very end.

POP, I want to thank you, for everything that you did for me in my lifetime. For a man who owed me nothing; you paid for my college and taught me lessons that  I can never repay and were my  true friend until the day you left this earth. The goodness and happiness you brought to my life and those around me will be treasured forever. Please hold my Mom close, tell that her we miss her and we are looking forward to seeing you both once more.

In closing, 
I loved you while you were here and I will love you until we meet again in heaven.

Your Son, your Friend,
Donnie

Jack was one of the nicest people I have ever met and I enjoyed working with him for many years at Altamura-Marsh & Assoc.
From Judy Schmalz

Jack you are back with the love of your life my sister, Bonnie.  RIP 
We love and miss you but we know you are in a far better place.

Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family and friends. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Jack was the most gentle soul I have ever known. I got to spend time getting to know Jack on our many lunch outings when Bonnie was in the hospital. He was a gentleman to a fault and great company. I will miss him greatly. Knowing he is with the love of his life again brings great peace.  Hug Bonnie for me. Love you.

I was very sad to hear about Jack. He had a great personality and everyone enjoyed his sense of humor. He enjoyed his golf and brought in so many clients to the agency helping to make it one of the best insurance agencies in the state. He will be missed. God bless Don and his family and help to give him comfort through this very difficult time. Terry Maddox

I could not have asked for a better partner and friend than Jack. His experience and wisdom helped me get through the early days of when we formed Altamura, Marsh & Associates back in 1973. I can't remember ever having one argument or disagreement with Jack. We made a good team and we were proud of the success we attained over the years. 

Rest in peace partner.

Len Altamura, Oldsmar, FL

I am deeply saddened to learn of Jack's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Jack throughout his years at Altamura, Marsh. He was a wonderful man and certainly lived life well and enjoyed his family and friends. He will be missed. I extend my sympanthy to Don and all the family. May knowing he is now home with the love of his life, Bonnie, give you comfort.

Jack will always be fondly remembered, as I was a member of the Altamura Marsh Insurance Agency for 21 years and enjoyed working with Jack.  He was kind, easy going and well liked.  I extend my sincere condolences to his family.

Brother Jack Marsh was always a wonderful man who was very kind to everyone he met. God Bless his memory and God Bless his entire family.

OBITUARY

Jack Marsh

December 23, 1928 – November 20, 2014

Gonzalez Funeral Home

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