John P. "Jack" Pease

EAST LIVERPOOL – John P. "Jack" Pease, 94, of East Liverpool, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025-leaving behind a lifetime of stories, steady love, and the kind of humor that could catch you off guard and make you laugh even when you tried not to.

Born April 29, 1931, in East Liverpool, he was the son of the late Margaret (Beiling) Pease and Harry Story Pease, Jr. Jack graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1949 and remained proudly connected through the East Liverpool Alumni Association Leadership Society. He took classes at Beaver Community College of Business and Kent State University, later earning his real estate license-always someone who believed in learning, improving, and staying sharp.

And sharp he was. Even at 94 years old, he was completely independent. Jack was a true puzzle and crossword master-someone who could fill in the answers faster than most people could find a pencil. He loved a good brain-teaser, but he loved a good laugh even more. Jack's sense of humor was part of his signature-quick, playful, and often delivered with a twinkle in his eye.

In high school, Jack met the love of his life, Shirley (Bickle) Pease. They were married on September 7, 1951, and shared 67 wonderful years together-devoted partners through every season of life-until Shirley's passing on October 30, 2018. Their bond was the kind of love you could feel in the room: faithful, enduring, and full of quiet strength.

Jack was a member of the First Church of Christ in East Liverpool and proudly served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army from 1950–1953. He worked for the Crucible Steel Company for 32 years, retiring in 1982, and later continued with International Mill Service until 1993. He also was a member and partial owner of Deer Trials Country Club in Industry, PA, where he spent many happy hours on the golf course with his buddies, especially Gary Weekly -swapping stories, enjoying the game, and, naturally, delivering a few well-timed jokes. He also dearly loved the time he spent working alongside Tom Paisley for many years, a bond that continued well beyond retirement and was cherished deeply.

If you were looking for Jack, there was a good chance you'd find him at his favorite restaurant-Hoge's in Calcutta-where he'd been a familiar face for the past 78 years. He wasn't just a regular; he was part of the place. Known for his friendly nature, Jack frequently was joined by others.

Above all else, Jack treasured his family. He especially loved holidays and get-togethers, frequently found playing with the kids. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren take part in sporting events and had a soft spot for his great-grandchildren-who will always remember the joy of "Papa Jack crackers" that he saved from his soup at Hoge's, always given with a grin and plenty of love.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Diann Eskra (Greg) of Leetonia, Ohio, and his son, Mark Pease (Michele) of Columbiana, Ohio; three grandchildren, Michaela Good (Andrew) of Columbiana, Austin Eskra (Audra) of Massillon, and Haley Stratton (Tyler) of Columbiana; and four great-grandchildren, Kendall and Ellie Good, and Ember and Heath Eskra. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Betty Pease, Kathi Pease, and Arlene Bickle, all of East Liverpool, and one brother-in-law, Robert Bickle of Bradenton, Florida.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jack was preceded in death by an infant son, David John Pease; and five brothers, Harry III, Glenn, William, Ronald, and Joseph Pease.

Friends may visit Tuesday, December 16, at the Dawson Funeral Home, where the family will be present from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Pastor Chuck Adkins will conduct a funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where Tri State Veterans Burial Group will conduct military honors. There will be a private burial at Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the ELHS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 2646, East Liverpool, OH 43920.