Jack Curtis

John L. (Jack) Curtis, 82, of Athens, GA passed away Friday, September 26, 2014.
On March 19, 1932, Jack Curtis graced with his presence in New Haven, CT, his parents Anna S. Curtis and Dr. Lawrence C. Curtis. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Jennifer Lynn Curtis Byler and granddaughter Sarah Alexandra Byler in 2001. Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years Patricia (Patty) Curtis, daughter Alice B. (Ken) Noland of Atlanta and son John Alexander (Nan) Curtis of Watkinsville, his sister Dr. M. Julia Curtis of New York City and son-in-law Gary C. Byler of Virginia Beach, VA.
Jack is also survived by seven grandchildren: Amy Curtis (JT) Oliver of Stafford, VA, Laura Anne Curtis of Fredericksburg, VA, Georgia Cate Byler of Boulder, CO, Emma Grace Byler and Jonathan Levi Curtis Byler of Virginia Beach, VA, and Samuel Oliver Noland and John Charles Noland of Atlanta, GA.
After graduating from Moses Brown School in Providence, RI, he attended Pomona College in Claremont, CA where he met his future wife Patty. In 1955 he graduated from UGA, majoring in geography, gained a car (through marriage), and was commissioned in the US Naval Reserve, serving as Photogrammetrist and Intelligence Officer in a Tactical Air Control Squadron in Norfolk, VA. He and his new family (with the addition of son, Alex) moved to Athens in 1957 to further the sand and gravel business, along with farming and breeding angus cattle; L. C. Curtis & Son, Inc. As Jack often said, ""I retired when I came back from the Navy"", as he did what he loved best – farming and mining. In 1991 he opened The Stone Store in Watkinsville, providing products for landscaping, construction and do-it-yourselfers – ""The Best Rocks in the Business!""
For many years, Jack was active in the Athens community, serving in many areas. Believing in a two party political system and living in virtually a one party state, Jack and a handful of others worked to help to get the Republican Party viable, serving on the GOP State Central Committee, 11th District Committee and as Clarke County Chairman. The Clark County Commission appointed Jack to the Airport Authority where he was a member and chairman for a number of years during the expansion of the airport and the building of hangars for General Aviation. He and Patty sang in the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for a period of time while their children were growing up.
With many and varying interests, Jack participated in the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Athens Area Homebuilders Association as an officer, was a member of the Unification Commission of Clarke County, board member and guarantor of the Northeast Georgia Girl Scout Council, Board of Directors of the Bank of Greensboro, the Georgia and National Cattlemen's Association, and the Georgia Industrial Authority in the 1960's. For 31 years he was on the Board of Directors of the National Sand and Gravel Association. Jack served as President of the Georgia Mining Association and had historical photographs of early mining in Georgia restored. In 1980 Jack was a founder and Charter President of the Oconee County Rotary Club, after being a member of the Athens Rotary Club.
He and Patty enjoyed many years of exciting travel starting in 1998. Their travels have taken them on a sailing ship from Thailand to Greece, many river cruises in Europe and viewing the wonderful animals in Africa.
At Jack's request, there will be no formal services held. Those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to Oconee County Rotary Club PO box 76, Watkinsville, GA 30677, OCAF 34 School Street, Watkinsville, GA 30677 or Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 498 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30601.
Online and audio condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.