Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jack Harkness Obituary
On June 19, 2016, God decided He wanted to liven Heaven up a bit, and he called Jack A. Harkness, 83, of Sarasota, to return to Him after a brief illness. Born March 20, 1933 in Webster, Wisconsin, to Ashbury and Winifred Harkness, he was the younger of two sons. After serving his country in the Air Force, he attended college courtesy of the GI Bill and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in industrial education, thus beginning a lifelong love of all things black and gold.
In 1956, Jack became employed at Dynamic Corporation. In 1967, he purchased the company from its founder, Robert DuBois. The company, known for producing stainless steel braking resistors, grew to control 25% of the market for this product in North America. Eventually, Jack sold the company to his friend and former employee, Dennis Owen and Jack became a full-time resident of Florida.
Jack loved to travel, enjoying Germany, France, Israel, China, Hawaii, India and many places throughout the United States. His frequent travel companion was his son, Paul, who will miss him deeply. Jack was a pilot whose greatest joy was seeing the world from above. He and his brother Harley built a kit plane called an Air Cam from scratch and flew it safely and successfully. Jack continues to look down upon us even now.
Loving husband, devoted father, confidant, and mischievous raconteur, Jack is survived by his wife, Rose; children and stepchildren: Margaret Switzer, Jacquelyn Harkness, Lucinda Skoog (Pat Schrems), Marc Kerssemakers, Paul Harkness, Tina Phong; seven grandchildren: Scott Kerssemakers, Kristopher Switzer, Brandon Switzer, Jason Elliott, Gabriel Skoog, Jonah Skoog, Emma Schrems, and Jack Schrems; and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary; wife Margaret (2003); brother Harley (2014), stepson Jeff (2000), and stepdaughter Bridget (2011).
A funeral service will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3375 Fruitville Road, Sarasota at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2016. As an alternative to flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Huntington Disease Society of America in Jack's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Harkness
Sponsored by Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park.
5 Entries
Robert & Stephanie Drake
June 23, 2016
We send our love and prayers to the family of Jack A. Harkness.
Kirk Elliott
June 22, 2016
Pop...As I write this all the memories and fantastic selflessness you always showed me rushes through my mind.Your perfect sense of humor and your jokes of course, still ring in my ears. You loved us all as your own! Shared all you had with out a second of hesitation and on many occasions counseled me with your wisdom over the phone after I lost Bridget. As you look down on us today know you are loved as much as you loved us and your leaving, although a celebration for you and your Jesus, still leaves a small hole in each of our hearts! You will be greatly missed but never forgotten Pop!
Calvin Hoyle
June 21, 2016
You will be missed my dear friend and mentor. I have missed having our Wed lunches together the past few years. I know where you are and I will again see you there. May the good Lord watch over and comfort your family. You will truly be missed. Sometimes our disappointments are God's divine appointments. This was yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Terrina Wu
June 20, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 19, 2016
May GOD's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time PSALMS 29:11
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Jack Harkness's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Jack Harkness
Funeral services provided by:
Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232
How to support Jack's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Harkness's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
