John Theodore "Jack" Fey

John Theodore "Jack" Fey 3/10/1917 - 4/29/2015 Jack was born in Hopewell, Virginia, the only child of Raymond and Ruth Fey. From Hopewell, the family moved to Cumberland, Maryland where Jack spent a vigorous childhood, exploring the rugged Allegheny Mountains with his buddies Runt Rupert and Horsey Hast and shagging fly balls for Babe Ruth and Bill Dickey. Jack grew up during the depression era in a family of modest means, but of great love and support. Despite his being an excellent student, college was not an option until a local benefactor provided Jack the funds necessary to attend Washington and Lee University. While Jack thrived at Washington and Lee, his wanderlust took him to UCLA and the University of Maine before he finally received an LLB from the University of Maryland in 1940, followed shortly by an MBA from Harvard University in 1942. During World War II, after training in the Marine Corps' last Cavalry class, Jack served as an artillery Captain in the Pacific Theater, including Okinawa and the Marshall Islands. After the War, Jack continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserves, retiring as a Colonel in 1970. Upon returning to practice law in Cumberland, Jack married Jane K. Gerber (deceased) in 1947 and started a family one year later with the birth of a son, John Theodore "J.T." Jr. Jack continued his practice while serving in the Maryland Legislature from 1946 to 1950 and becoming an adjunct professor at George Washington Law School in 1949. After obtaining a JSD from Yale in 1952, Jack moved the family to Washington, DC where he began a long and illustrious career spanning government, education and business. In 1953 Jack served as Dean of George Washington Law School and from 1956 to 1958 as Clerk of the United States Supreme Court. From Washington, Jack became President of the University of Vermont (1958-1963), then on to the University of Wyoming (1964-1966), also as President. In 1966, Jack's career moved into the world of business, first as President of National Life Insurance Company of Vermont from 1966 to 1974, then as Chairman of the Board of the Equitable Assurance Society in New York until his "retirement" in 1982. During the next two decades, Jack served in a number of capacities, including Chairman of Westminster National Bank U.S.A., Fidelity Union Life Insurance Company and of Saint-Gobain Corporation, as well as being a board member of the Sarah Lee Corporation, Certain-teed Company, the Norton Corporation and the Getty Museum. Jack earned honorary degrees from Middlebury College, the University of Vermont, Elon College, Washington and Lee University, Alma College, St Augustine College and Pitzer College. Retirement years took Jack from Stowe, Vermont, to Jamestown, Rhode Island, Park City, Utah and, finally, to Tubac and Tucson, Arizona with his wife, Deborah Fitzgerald Fey (deceased). Jack's passions included sailing, snow skiing and travel adventures of all kinds. Jack lived a full and rewarding life of 98 years. His professional and personal success were both founded on his dynamic presence and facile intellect, balanced by a strong moral compass, good humor and humility. Jack was truly grateful for all that came to him in life and never forgot his humble beginnings. Jack is survived by his son, J.T., daughter-in-law, Cass and granddaughter, Christina, all of Tucson; former wife, Mary Callimanopulos Fey and two stepdaughters, Andrea and Kim, from his marriage to Barbara Jaffe Fey (deceased). Jack was a man of strong faith and fellowship and was active in the Episcopal Church throughout his life. His life will be remembered and celebrated at St Michael and All Angels Church in Tucson on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please support the Tucson Community Food Bank. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.