Jack L. Bruce, 93, formerly of Fairmont, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. He passed away peacefully at WVU Medicine at Fairmont Medical Center with his daughters by his side. Jack was born on July 3, 1927, in Mannington, to Mary Elizabeth Masters. He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 70 years, Jean Ann Bruce.
With an everlasting love for the people of Mannington, Jack was a proud 1945 graduate of Mannington High School. While there, he was a football teammate of Jack Haugh and Jack Yoho. They earned the nickname of “The Three Jacks” during their football playing years, making many headlines, all while wearing leather helmets. They became life-long friends. Jack played in the 1945 North-South football game and left directly from the game to enter the Army. Returning in 1947, he continued his football career at Fairmont State College where he graduated in 1951. In 2000, Jack was awarded the Letterman of Distinction by the FSU Lettermen’s Association. Reminiscing this summer about his earlier days, Jack could recall each season, specific teammates and opponents and could name every one of his coaches and usually the opposing coach as well.
Jack’s work was in lumber management, primarily Brown’s Lumber in Fairmont. His ability to add a long list of numbers in his head came in handy during inventory season. He enjoyed golf, bridge (if he had the right partner), listening to music, assisting with the high school reunion committee and, at one time, he even was a Sunday school teacher. He found value in the second commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Wherever he resided, he was an exemplary neighbor assisting others beyond measure.
Jack is survived by his daughters, Becky Mattern (Ted), of Morgantown, Jan Ellen Brown, of Charlotte, N.C., and Amy Carpenter (Jeff), of Fairmont. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Patrick Weaver (Chanda), of Morgantown, William V. Weaver (Meredith), of Morgantown, Jay Carpenter (Anna), of Morgantown, Jenny Potter (Jesse), of Poland, Ohio, Kerry Carpenter, of Fairmont, Kelly Jean Brown (Mark), of Charlotte, N.C., and Erin Brown, of New York City. His great-grandchildren are Ashlyn Thorn Weaver, Kyle Patrick Weaver, Michael Bruce Weaver, Quinn Hardy Carpenter, all of Morgantown, and Weston Ryan Potter, of Poland, Ohio.
He leaves behind a brother-in-law, Larry Hall, of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; an uncle, Nassif Rohanna, of Mannington; and cousin, Emily McDowell, of Fairmont. Jack was also preceded in death by an uncle, Elmer “Punk” Masters; aunts, Betty Rohanna and Louise Snider; and his mother-in-law, Edith R. Hall, who lived with Jack and Jean Ann in their home for over 40 years. With a wife, three daughters and mother-in-law in tow, Jack commented frequently that he was always surrounded by women.
The family extends its thanks to Dr. Peter Ang and staff and vascular surgeon, Dr. Mohit Srivastava; Executive Director Peggy Smith and the staff and residents of Elmcroft of Maplewood in Bridgeport, where Jack resided in the Independent Living apartments; to Fitzwater’s Assisted Living for its compassionate care; and the medical staff of WVU Medicine at Fairmont Medical Center (the old FGH) for Jack’s outstanding care in his final days.
The family has requested memorial donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 1100, N. Bethesda, MD 20814 or fightcf.cff.org, or to Fairmont State Foundation/Friends of Football, 1300 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554 or fsu.foundation.org
Jack’s deep love and appreciation for family was never doubted. The immediate family plans to gather July 3, 2021 to celebrate with stories about the man also known as Jackie Lee, Jabo, Bruce, Daddy and beloved PaPaw.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford Funeral Home, R.C. Jones Chapel, 1410 Country Club Road, Fairmont, WV 26554. There will be no public services.
Condolences:
www.fordfuneralhomes.com
