Jack Ginther, lifelong Ithaca, Michigan resident passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024 following a short illness, surrounded by love and family. He was born September 20, 1926 in Ithaca, the son of Loretta (Borton) and Irvin Ginther. Jack lived all of his 98 years in the hometown community he loved.
On April 18, 1947 he married Avis Andrews in Pompeii, Michigan. She survives. Jack is also survived by two sons, Larry (Susan) and Mike (Cheryl) of Elkhart, IN; four grandchildren, Cara (Ryan) Sample, Erin (Jason) Gibbs, Glenda Ginther, and his namesake, Jack Ginther, as well as six great grands, two great great grands, and special niece Jacqy (Dave) Jackson. Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Theda LaFontaine.
A gifted three sport athlete, Jack's high school education and athletic hopes were cut short when he was drafted for WW II in February of 1945.
He regretted he was never able to graduate with his class in 1945, but he was invited to walk with Ithaca's class of 2011 and was finally awarded his diploma.
Jack exemplified the best of the Greatest Generation - a small town boy who came home from WW II, made a good life, raised his family, worked hard and never left his hometown. A true "people person," he could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He was a trustworthy and steadfast friend, and quietly earned the respect of those who crossed his path. In 2016 he was named Ithaca's Citizen of the Year, an unexpected honor he cherished.
Visitation for Jack will be Thursday, October 10th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Barden Funeral Home. His Celebration of Life will take place at the Barden Funeral Home on Friday, October 11th at 1:00 p.m. with an hour of visitation from noon to 1:00. Burial will follow at the Ithaca City Cemetery with full military honors. Barden's Funeral Home, 225 West Center Street, Ithaca, is in charge of arrangements. At 3 pm, there will be a reception at the Ithaca Senior Activities Building, 1011 East North Street, Ithaca.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in honor of Jack may be directed to the Ithaca Senior Activities Building (address above) where Jack and Avis were founding members and involved for many years.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.