John Bright Obituary
Jack proudly served his nation in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, had a long career in the graphic arts and retired to Caledonia.
Jack will be missed by his many friends and his fellow collectors of fishing memorabilia.
Jack is survived by his six children, Christopher J., Timothy R., Melissa A. Zinkosky, Cynthia E., Michael P. and Amy B. Stubblefield; he was the grandfather of Elizabeth Bright, Theresa Bright, Nancy Bright, Timothy Bright Jr., Jonathan Bright, Abigail Stubblefield, Sarina Stubblefield, Nick Bright, Jake Bright and Cody Bright.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Geraldine.
Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, at the Stroo Funeral Home in Grand Rapids. The family will receive friends on Monday from noon until 1 p.m. at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th Street, SE; www.stroofuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donald Champion
October 22, 2008
I always looked forward to seeing Jack at the ORCA conventions. I enjoyed just sitting with him, talking about nothing in general while he smoked his cigar. His company was always pleasant. I know he was very proud of his daughter as he told me so several times.
Bill Kingsley
October 16, 2008
Jack, what a great guy. Always friendly and willing to help. I had a table @ the 2007 National Convention in Louisville. I had Terry McBurney and Jack at the table. I talked to Jack for a couple days and learned quite a bit. He will be missed a great deal by so many, reel & lure collectors alike. Condolences to the family. Thanks Bill
Stew Onstott
October 15, 2008
Just talked (email) to him a on the 4th on some reels I found. He always seemed eager to help me. I'm very sad at his passing,...... but all his fishing buddies & family that have gone before him are greeting him & he's probably already hollering "fish on". He not only helped people but truly went out of his way to help people with straight, honest advice. He inspired me to be a better collector of fishing tackle as well as a caring human being. He is & will be missed.
Tight lines Jack,....save a few for me.
My deep condolenses to the family.
Stew
Dan Uchytil
October 15, 2008
I always enjoyed Jack's contibutuion to the sites I frequent. I never got to meet him, but could tell he was one of the great reel collectors out there. My condolences to his family and the whole reel collecting community. We all lost a great guy, and I am sure he is in a great place with lots of fine reels now.
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Dr. Todd E.A. Larson
October 15, 2008
Jack was one of the best. He was, of course, a knowledgeable collector, beloved family man, and dedicated angler. He was also a fine writer; he wrote several pieces for my blog and I have two more he sent me that I haven't published yet but will soon. He was a great friend and I looked forward to hearing from him every week. I am certain he is in a better place today.
Brian Funai
October 14, 2008
It was great to get together in person with Jack at the two Old Reel Collectors Assoc. Nationals that he and I both attended. In between the mad frenzy of reel hunting, it was a pleasure to pull up a chair and just have a nice visit with someone who was clearly enjoying life. Jack, I'll forever cherish what you taught me about how to sit back, soak it all in and just enjoy the moment. Aloha Oe my friend - until we meet again.
Linda Cote
October 14, 2008
Mike,
Sorry to hear bout the loss of your dad. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Jason Andrich
October 13, 2008
Tim- I am sorry for youe loss.
Jim Madden
October 12, 2008
To the Bright Family: I roomed with Jack two years ago at the Dowagiac ORCA show. I learned more from him about reels in those three days than I did in the last three years, but more that that, he showed me how he enjoyed life to the fullest. I will always remember that. May God's peace be with you all. Jim Madden ORCA Director
Richard Lodge
October 12, 2008
My sincerest condolences to the entire Bright family. Jack was a good friend at ORCA conventions and just a downright charming gentleman. He was generous to a fault, was a great listener and a fine storyteller and, from everything I've heard, a darned good fly fisherman. I'll miss him and will be putting a tribute to Jack in the next issue of the Old Reel Collectors Association magazine, The Reel News.
October 12, 2008
Jack,
Absolutely no one will ever make a martini like you! (No need to sign this)!
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