Jack Ira Goodstein

Jack Ira Goodstein, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 14, 2024, at the age of 92. Jack lived a full and vibrant life, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and resilience that will be cherished by all who knew him. Born on February 3, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York, Jack was the son of Irving and Belle Goodstein. He grew up in a loving household where his artistic talents began to flourish. After graduating from Erasmus Hall High School, he earned an associate's degree in Commercial Arts. Jack's journey took him from the world of commercial art to the diamond district in New York City, where he worked alongside his father as a jeweler. With determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he opened his own diamond setting shop in Philadelphia, where he ran a successful business until his retirement in 1993. Jack's life was marked by deep familial devotion. He was married for 32 wonderful years to Maxine Goodstein, who preceded him in death, and later found love again, marrying Ruth Zuckerman on July 8, 2001, in Boynton Beach, Florida. Jack was a proud father to Michael Goodstein and the late Alan Goodstein and was a treasured stepfather to Lori and Karen Zuckerman. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Ruth Schwimer, as well as several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, including Jonathan and Mirabelle, who brought immense joy to his life.
Jack was truly dedicated to physical fitness and was a regular in the weight room, whether at Jim Correa's Gym in Cherry Hill or the JCC in Boynton Beach. Jack had a passion for cooking, whether grilling for family dinner on summer Sundays or forever searching for the perfect meatloaf recipe. His love for gardening kept his yard immaculate, and he found immense joy in creating intricate models, from sailboats and airplanes to functioning amusement park rides. Jack was an accomplished artist, making beautiful 3D reproductions of iconic images and posters which he shared with friends and family. He took much pleasure in music, playing both the piano and trumpet. Jack enjoyed keeping his mind sharp, doing the daily Jumble as part of his routine, and playing Rummikub nightly. He enjoyed traveling throughout the Caribbean, as well as places including the Canary Islands and Spain, while also taking his family to the Catskills for memorable winter vacations.
An adventurer at heart, Jack was a licensed pilot who loved the great outdoors. He loved to go fishing, whether at his friend Paul's mountain cabin, the Delaware Bay or on the open ocean. One of his proudest catches was a big salmon during an Alaskan cruise. He was an excellent marksman, and he was meticulous in the care of his cars. Jack was loved by animals, and he was passionate about his pets, including his beloved collies, Major and Duke, as well as his cherished cat, Schmoopy, affectionately known as Pud. Jack's love for family was unmatched, and he took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Jack had a mischievous sense of humor, and he loved a good laugh, whether dressing up as a witch for Halloween or pretending to spray whip cream in your hair during dessert. Although he loved a good joke, more often we would end up laughing at a mangled punch line. A lifelong sports fan, Jack cheered for the Eagles through thick and thin and became an avid supporter of the Dolphins and the Heat after moving to Florida.
Jack served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Germany, a testament to his dedication and service. He was also a volunteer fireman during his years in Cherry Hill, and regularly traveled to Israel to support the SAR-EL program, contributing to the security of the State of Israel alongside the Israeli Defense Forces. Jack's memorial service will be held on December 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel, located on Jog Rd and Woolbright Rd. The following day there will be a private burial for immediate family only at the South Florida National Cemetery. The family will be
sitting Shiva Wednesday through Friday from 3-6 PM and 8-10 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA and the Wounded Warrior Project, honoring Jack's love for animals and his dedication to service. As we say goodbye to Jack Ira Goodstein, we remember a man of many talents and an endless supply of love. His spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and his memory will be cherished forever. Rest in peace, dear Jackie; you will be profoundly missed