John James "Jack" Sassaman II

John "Jack" James Sassaman II, of Salisbury Township, on October 2, 2022, after a successful show day spent doing one of his favorite things and sharing time with so many people who meant so much to him, Jack, 63, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He was born in Allentown, PA on October 29, 1958, to John James and Grace (Kozo) Sassaman. Known for his heart of gold and his willingness to help everyone, he leaves behind many broken hearts. Anyone who knew Jack knew they could count on him. A flip phone legend, many already miss his phone calls. Jack was a 1978 Graduate of William Allen High School; he worked for the City of Allentown and was a current employee of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. Known as Big Jack to family, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and poppy to his grandpuppy German Shepherd, Kilo. One of his biggest passions, body building, began when he started competing in high school. His love for it stayed with him his entire life. Through the years he helped organize and promote competitions like Big Cat Classic and NPC Lehigh Valley. He traveled up and down the East Coast where he met countless people and competitors. He'd come to love so many of them along the way, and his family is comforted knowing that so many in the community felt the same. He loved cheering on the Eagles, spending time rough housing with Kilo, relaxing at home with his pet cats and wearing crazy printed pants. Jack also loved his many pet birds over the years. Jack was so very proud of his children and fiercely supported all of their endeavors. He loved his wife of 32 years more now than the day he married her. Their loving home will be quiet without his antics, but they will continue to carry on his legacy with love and laughter. The Sassaman family is very grateful for the outpouring of love and support in the short time since losing Jack so unexpectedly. In his honor, they encourage you to be the kind of friend Jack always was.

Jack is survived by his wife, Lori, son, Jack, daughter, Melanie, mother and father-in-law, Edda and Ron Schaedel, brother and sister-in-law Rick and Trena Schaedel, brother, Shawn, nephew, Alex, niece, Lauren, half-sister, Gayle Kelley, her husband Jack, and many friends and family who will miss him dearly. Jack was preceded in death by his father, John, mother, Grace, and half-sister, Ann Hanley

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. in the Scottish Rite Cathedral 1533 W. Hamilton Street Allentown. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in the Cathedral. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. Condolences may be offered at: www.jsburkholder.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack's memory to a charity of one's choice.