John "Jack" Huffnagle

John D. "Jack" Huffnagle age 90, beloved husband of Madeline (nee Covey) for 65 years passed away at his home on Sunday, November 10th. Son of the late William and Marie Huffnagle (nee Walko), Jack was father to Karen Coulter (Kevin Coulter), William (Kate), Richard (Susan Kikkert), and Mark (Laurie); grandfather to Robert, Alexander, James, Michael, Megan, Drew, and Luke; brother of Marlene Zucker and the late Jerry Huffnagle; uncle to many.
Jack was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed engaging in discussions with his children and grandchildren regarding their academics, interests, and professional endeavors. He especially enjoyed hosting his children and grandchildren during the holidays.
Jack grew up in Chesterland, OH graduating valedictorian from West Geauga High School in 1952. He obtained his bachelor's degree and master's degree in economics from Kent State University and went on to earn his PhD in Economics at the University of Illinois in 1964. He became a tenured professor during his 10 years of teaching at Kent State University before joining General Tire and Rubber Co. in 1974. He stayed with General Tire for over 20 years, appointed as Director of Strategic Planning for 15 of those years. He went back to teaching, this time at John Carroll University where he taught economics and statistics until his full retirement. An avid learner throughout his life, he spent free time reviewing and practicing educational subjects including calculus, economics and statistics. Jack and Madeline lived in Kent OH from 1964 to 2005 when they moved to Avon, OH.
Jack was a talented athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track and field at West Geauga High School and went on to play varsity baseball at Kent State. He participated in training camps with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians. Soon thereafter, his athletic interests shifted to golf, which became a lifelong passion. He enjoyed many trips to Pinehurst with close friends. He completed a round of golf including 3 pars at Muirfield Village Golf Club at the age of 88.
Jack and his wife are also known for running the "Huffnagle Skate" on Sunday mornings at the Kent State Ice Arena. Over many years he and Madeline taught power skating to hundreds of aspiring young hockey players even though Jack never played the game himself.
Jack maintained lifelong friendships with schoolmates, teammates, fraternity brothers and neighbors in Kent and in Avon. He never passed up a chance to crack open a beer and share a laugh with family and friends. Jack's honor, passion, commitment, and humility in life will be greatly missed but cherished and continued by his loving family.
Interment private. Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. www.BerryMcGreevey.com
Berry-McGreevey-Martens Funeral Home and Cremation Service
26691 Detroit Road, Westlake, OH 44145
440-617-1911