John Edward "Jack" Bishop

John Edward “Jack” Bishop, 82, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009. He was born December 11, 1926 in Edgecombe County, son of the late Jesse Oscar Bishop and Maude Clarke Bishop. He was preceded in death by his brothers, J.O. Bishop and Felix Clarke Bishop. Jack attended Rocky Mount City Schools, Edwards Military Academy, and Wake Forest College where he received his B.B.A. in Business in 1950. While in college he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order – Social Fraternity and Delta Sigma Pi – Business Fraternity. Jack was an Eagle Scout and a World War II veteran in the United States Navy where he served on the USS Waller and the USS Champlin during the Pacific Theatre from 1944 to 1946. During his tour of duty, he was awarded the American Area Medal, the Asiatic –Pacific Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Jack lived in Rocky Mount his entire life. He was a strong leader and successful business man. He devoted his life to service to the city of Rocky Mount. During those years, he had several business affiliations: primarily, Ferebee - Bishop Enterprises, Bishop Industries and an investor in the hotel industry. Jack was a dedicated and active member of his community. He served on many boards and commissions: Appointed by Governor Jim Martin as board member of the Department of Transportation 1985-1988, appointed to the National Boating Safety Advisory Council by Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole 1987 – 1989, appointed member of Rocky Mount Planning Board 1972 – 1988 where he sat as Chairman 1973 – 1988, appointed member of Edgecombe County Draft Board 1966 – 1969, elected Rocky Mount City Council 1959 – 1964, and Mayor Pro Tem. Starting in the mid 1960s until present, he was a member of the advisory board of the Bank of Rocky Mount that was later known as Wachovia Bank. Other community involvement includes: first PTA President of Fairview School which is now known as D.S. Johnson School, past Chairman of the K.A.B. (Keep America Beautiful) committee, and member of Lakeside Baptist Church and former member of First Baptist Church. He was a civic leader that chaired the Historical Preservation Association in Bath, NC from 1979 – 1984. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club and past member of the Jaycees, Moose and Elks Clubs. In 1989, Jack was honored with receiving the “Distinguished Citizen Award” and in 1990 he was the recipient of the “Boy Scout Distinguished Citizen of the Year” award. Jack will be greatly missed by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Marie Ferebee Bishop; five children, Christie Bishop Barbee and husband Will, John E. Bishop, Jr and wife Grace, Stephen F. Bishop and wife Gail, Carolyn Bishop McCosh and husband Alan, and Maude Clarke Bishop. He also leaves to cherish his memory twelve grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009 at Lakeside Baptist Church with Rev. Jody Wright officiating. Visitation with the family will be at 217 Cobblestone Ct. and immediately following the service at Lakeside Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Arrangements are by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeside Baptist Church or the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America, District 11, P.O. Box 1698, Kinston, NC 28503. Online condolences may be sent to the Bishop family by visiting www.wheelerandwoodlief.com