Jack Edward Chinery

Jack Edward Chinery, age 93, previously from Saginaw, MI and more recently from Sanford, MI went home to Jesus on Jan. 11, 2026. His life reflected his love for God, and those who knew him, at church, in the neighborhood or at work, knew him as a man of integrity, and a man who tried his best to walk with God.
He was born March 30, 1932, in Saginaw, MI, the son of the late Grant and Kathleen (Doutre) Chinnery. His deep faith in God empowered his whole life's journey. He was a life long member of Community of Christ Church, where he served as an Elder in Saginaw's Community of Christ congregations; Jefferson Ave., Center Road and King Road. His service and leadership to these congregations included youth ministry, teaching, preaching and providing pastoral ministry to families in his faith, neighborhood and workplace. Since the passing of his wife, Donna in July 2016, he'd been attending the Community of Christ Bay City congregation, 3301 E. Midland Rd., Bay City, MI 48706.
He graduated from Saginaw High in 1950, followed by his enlistment in the Air Force for 4 years. He married his high school sweetheart after completing basic training, served in the Korean War and came back to live in Shields where he lived until moving to Sanford in 2017. He worked for McDonald Dairy in Saginaw and then moved on to enjoy 30 years working in several areas of management and sales at Burt Watson's car dealership in Freeland, MI. He was an avid reader of all kinds of books, especially books of faith, and history books. He could be found in his recliner reading for hours. Deer season was one of his favorite times of year and he enjoyed it even more when his wife, children, other family members or friends could join him on those outings. During the summer he could be found at the family cottage on Secord Lake fishing, enjoying family gatherings and reading Louis L'Amour books in a lawn chair.
Jack is survived by his children, Grant B. Chinery and Linda E. (Hoffman) Chinery of Saginaw, MI, and Renee M. Congleton and John C. Congleton of Midland, MI. He appreciated and loved time with his seven grandchildren, Melinda Chinery, Michele (Corey) Green, Nathaniel (Jessica) Chinery, Brian (Kristina) Hough, Benjamin (Danielle) Congleton, Christopher (Nicole) Hough, and Jeffrey (Carissa) Hough. His 18 great grandchildren, Darron Chinery, Taylor Chinery, Jayden (Haley) Bailey, Anthony and Katelynn Green, Madeline Chinery, Alayna and Abigail Hough, Makenna, Emmett, and Shelby Congleton, Louis, Sam and Nora Hough, Scarlett, Owen and Levi Hough, and Kinsley Strader, and 1 great great grandchild, Amelia Chinery.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, of 65 years, and his parents, Grant and Kathleen Chinery, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.
As per his request, cremation has taken place. His wishes were that there be no service at this time. The family will plan the spreading of ashes at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Community of Christ Church, 3301 E. Midland Rd., Bay City, MI 48706, or, American Heart Assoc.