Jack Worth Mace

Jack Worth Mace

Jack W. Mace's life of earthly service to the Lord came to its full completion on March 8, 2026 in Norfolk, VA. Jack was born August 27, 1930 in Petersburg, VA, to Earl James Mace and Ruth Derring Spratley. He is predeceased by three brothers, Earl, Jr., Bernard, and William Mace and niece Margie Dean Robins and her husband Ray. He is survived by a niece, Joanne Deveney and husband Michael and a nephew William Mace, Jr. and wife Mary; a great niece, Denise Robins Hudson and great nephew, Brian Robins. Jack's legacy of service to God and the community will be an example to the next generations, Matt and Megan Deveney and children Liam and Abigail, Melissa Deveney and son Alexander Gorchynsky, Mary Beth Mace, Shannon Mace, Daniel Hudson, Briana Hudson, Lucas Robins and Mason Robins. Denise and Briana held a special place in Jack's heart.

Jack graduated from Maury High School, Norfolk and then served as a Navy reservist for eight years. He earned his BA in Business Administration at Old Dominion University where he served as President of the Alumni Association in 1965.

Jack served the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce as director of Civic Affairs and represented the Norfolk Chamber at the Institute of Organization Management sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce. Jack began his service to the maritime industry as Executive Assistant in the Hampton Roads Maritime Association in 1965. He was later elected as its Executive Vice President. In 1971, the Hampton Roads Shipping Association (HRSA) was established and he was elected as Executive Vice President of that employers' association, a position he held until his retirement in 1990. The Hampton Roads Shipping Association was composed of employers both direct and indirect for the purpose of negotiating contracts with the International Longshoremen Union. As a representative of HRSA, Jack regularly attended meetings of the Council of North Atlantic Shipping Associations until retirement. During his tenure he chaired the 24thAnnual Virginia Conference On World Trade in 1972, was a member of the Virginia Export Council and president of the Hampton Roads Foreign Commerce Club.

Jack's faithfulness is evident by his long-standing commitment to the Episcopal Church. At the age of 11 he began serving Christ and St. Luke's Church as a member of the boys' choir, as an acolyte, and active member of the Youth Group. His life-long commitment to Christ and St. Luke's continued with serving on its Vestry and many years in positions of leadership as Junior and Senior Warden. He oversaw numerous major projects with an eye to the future such as restoration of the stained glass windows and rebuilding the organ. A special passion for Jack has been to provide opportunities for the youth of Southern Virginia through his work and avid support of Chanco on the James, the Episcopal Diocesan retreat and camp center.

Serving all of God's people, Jack worked for the youth of Norfolk and in particular homeless families by his work with F.O.R. kids (Family Opportunities and Resources). He served as President of the Board from 1997-2000.

Tenacity, a hallmark of Jack's life, is further evidence when he became a 50 year Honorary Member in the Masonic Fraternity, Ruth Lodge, No. 89 A.F.& A.M.

Sailing his boat on the Chesapeake Bay or crewing on friends' boats anywhere from the Virgin Islands to Bermuda to Maine lit up Jack's eyes. Always one to respect and promote safety, Jack was active in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. He will be remembered fondly by those with whom he shared that passion.

A memorial service celebrating Jack's life will be held at Christ and St. Luke's Church, Norfolk on March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Jack will be buried with other members of his family in the older cemetery in Waverly, VA in the afternoon.

Contributions honoring Jack's legacy of service to God and community may be made to Chanco on the James through their website or mailed to Chanco on the James, 394 Floods Drive, Spring Grove, Virginia 23881.