Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John Michael Bretz Jr. "Jack"
1994 - 2017
John Michael Bretz Jr. "Jack"
1994 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1994
DIED
2017
John Bretz Obituary
Jack, 22, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at Novant Health Presbyterian Main in his home town of Charlotte, NC. He was in the company of his loved ones. Born January 17, 1994, he was the son of John and LuAnn Bretz, brother of Kaitlyn Bretz, grandson of Andy and Lucia Burneson and Henry and Kathe Bretz, and nephew of Steve and Janet Wetta, Don and Cheryl Lee, Tom and Laura Lee, Bill and Kathy Bretz, and Jim and Rona Bretz.
Jack was studying finance with a concentration in accounting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. His brothers provided a foundation of support and encouragement through its JACKed-Up philanthropic events for the American Cancer Society.
Jack dedicated his life to the study of martial arts. He held a black belt in the United Fighting Arts Federation, Chuck Norris System (formerly Chun Kuk Do), and red belt-two strips in the World Hanguk Dang Soo Do Federation, Tang Soo Do discipline. In 2014, Dream on 3 granted Jack's wish to meet and take a selfie with Chuck Norris.
Jack led by example and his hard work and perseverance inspired everyone around him. Those who knew him best admired his unwavering positivity and ability to find humor in the bleakest of circumstances. He will always be remembered as someone who gave more than he received.
A service to celebrate Jack's life will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Calvary Church located at 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte, NC. Calvary Church will also host a visitation Friday, January 6th from 6:00-9:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jack's name may be made to St. Jude Children's' Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Dream on 3 4311 School House Commons Rd. Harrisburg, NC 28075
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John Presti
December 30, 2022
Great person from a great family, When I met him, I felt Ive known him for some time. To this day, I still carry his memory stone in my briefcase.
Nancy Kalinoglu
January 12, 2017
Lucia, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Jack was in my prayers everyday. Now you and your family will be in my prayers too.
January 9, 2017
May the God of tender mercy grant the family peace and comfort during this difficult time.(2Cor. 2-4)BD
Diana Meadows
January 9, 2017
Lucia,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Carrie Von Hoff
January 9, 2017
Lucia, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Briggs Schuett
January 8, 2017
My heart is heavy at the loss of your son. John Sr. and I were childhood friends. The Bretz family has been a blessing to my family and we are praying for your strength. Jack was an amazing young man. God's blessings from your Orchard Avenue neighbors...
SISTER SHELISA COOK
January 8, 2017
..SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
January 7, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Bretz family for your loss.
Sam and Debbie Eudy
F. Taylor
January 7, 2017
To The Bretz Family,
The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a human can face. At times, the loss may seem unbearable. Mourn and grieve as you must, and do not be afraid to cry, because crying serve as an emotional release. "For everything there is an appointed time, even...a time to weep." Ecclesiastes
3:1,4. With Peace and Loving-Kindness,
Linda and Gene Murray
January 7, 2017
Lucia, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. He was such a beautiful young man, and although we had never met him, he was obviously beautiful on the inside as well. Our hearts are with you and your family, and may God bless and comfort you during this very difficult time in your lives.
January 7, 2017
Lucia, We are so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your son. He was a beautiful young man, and although we had not met him, he obviously was a beautiful person inside as well. May God bless and comfort you and your family, and help you through this very difficult time.
Linda and Gene Murray (Charlotte, NC)
Jaclyn Anthony
January 6, 2017
Mr. & Mrs. Bretz
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jack. He was a great person. Always had a smile on his face. I am glad I got the pleasure to meet him and get to know a little about him. He was a kind an gentle soul. He will truly be missed. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
David Karen and Sarah Johnson
January 6, 2017
Dear John, LuAnn and Kaitlyn,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We haven't seen you since the girls soccer with little John running around. He will be forever be that energetic, smiling, sweet boy in our minds. Prayers of peace and healing for you during this heartbreaking time.
God bless you all.
Karen Johnson
Christie Herding
January 6, 2017
Lucia, although I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and your loss. May God bless you and your family.
robin ascoli
January 6, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Bretz Family. I had the honor of meeting Jack when he roomed with my son Steven at the Edge. My son has always said what a truly great guy Jack was. I know he is honored to be a fraternity brother and friend to Jack. May God Bless you and watch over Jack and your family.
Alex Mills
January 6, 2017
Jack's uplifting spirit and gentle kindness will remain an inspiration to us all. As a devoted Brother, his influence on our chapter was profound and indelible. Jack was loved and will be dearly missed. On behalf of the Alumni and Volunteers of Sigma Phi Epsilon, we humbly offer our prayers for solace to Jack's family.
Tom Berlin
January 6, 2017
Lucia, I am very sorry that you and your family lost Jack. Even though I never met Jack, I feel I know him well through you talking about him. May God bless you and help get you through this difficult time.
The Pisacano Family
January 6, 2017
Our sincere sympathies for the Bretz family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Bill + Aunt Kathy Bretz
January 5, 2017
We had prayed for Jack for the longest time and our hearts are broken here in Cleveland at the loss of this beautiful son.
At this difficult time, we rely on our Christian faith, now more than ever, to help the family through this difficult time.
Matthew 4:5-
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Clark & Carol Marolf
January 5, 2017
Our sincerest and deepest sympathies to the Bretz family. It was our pleasure and honor to know someone with such unwavering spirit and fortitude. Peace by with him and you all. You are in our prayers.
Stephanie Ayers
January 5, 2017
Lucia, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sonshine
January 5, 2017
I had the pleasure of being Jack's hairstylist, but also considered him a friend. We laughed til we cried, we talked about his experiences with his fraternity, and his friends. He once brought me a picture of Tom Brady and I remember us laughing, who doesn't want to look like Tom Brady. I was honored when he asked me to shave his head during this fight. I'm grateful for knowing him and will continue to pray for your family.
Gail Peplinski
January 5, 2017
Lucia, I'm so very sorry about the loss of your son. My condolences to you and your family.
Jerry Coy
January 5, 2017
Kimberley and I want to give our deepest sympathies to Jack and your family. We probably only met Jack once or twice and we always saw what a fine person he was. He was a deep friend and Sig-Ep brother to our son Ben and had a major influence on his life. Even though we live in Fayetteville, we could see from a far the great bondage that Jack and Ben had, and was also shared by their Sig-Ep fraternity.
Jack will be greatly missed but will always be fondly remembered within the Coy Family.
John Presti
January 5, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Bretz family. Jack was a great young man. The family needs to know that UFAF loves how you stood by him, and brought all of us into your life. I only wish I could visit with you at this time. I will forever have great Face Book memories of Jack!
JE Jackson
January 5, 2017
Jacks kind and generous presence will be missed by so many. please accept my sincere sincere condolences.
Debbie Merritt
January 4, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers to you in your time of sorrow. God Bless.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Make a Donation
in John Bretz's name
How to support John'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 John Bretz'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
