Jack Drew

Jack Drew
Frankfort, MI
December 31, 1930 - November 29, 2023
Jack Drew of Frankfort, Michigan passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023, about one month shy of his 93rd birthday. He was preceded in death by his sister Barbara (Ken) Kocher and his parents, Ben and Hermena Drew. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara and his two daughters, Cheryl (Mike) Goggins of Hastings and Michelle (Scott) Valdez of Kentwood. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Erin (Jason) Slaughter, Megan Goggins, Joseph Goggins, Eric Dubois, Ty Dubois, and Zac (Kelly and great-granddaughter Violet) Valdez, as well as his nephews and niece, Timothy (Darlene) Kocher, Bill Catlin and Leslie (Dave) Sherrin. We should also mention Rudy. You all know Rudy. Jack was a gifted, passionate, and relentless educator. After serving in the Navy during the Korean War, he began his teaching career with Wayne-Westland Community Schools in Industrial Education. Jack was ahead of his time, making sure boys took home economics classes and girls took wood shop classes. By 1965, Jack was serving as the Director of Vocational Education. In 1970, Jack had the opportunity to move himself and his family to Traverse City to become the Vocational Implementer for the Intermediate School District. In this position, he ensured the passage of the millage needed to open the first Career Tech Center in Grand Traverse County, which served the five-county area. He then oversaw the design and implementation of the Tech Center and continued as the director for the rest of his career. Throughout his time in education, he positively impacted numerous students and educators, including inspiring his daughters to be teachers. Jack retired after almost 40 years in education, but never really stopped being a teacher. He and Barbara continue to impact young adults in their community. Jack had many hobbies over the years that varied because he always wanted to learn new things. He sang in a barber shop quartet, worked with stained glass, and was always inventing gadgets and making improvements. He spent hours fishing in Lake Michigan and surrounding lakes, where most knew him as Jolly Jack. Of all his hobbies, one constant was working in his wood shop. Jack was very creative and loved to give away items that he made. You will find his creations in homes and establishments everywhere. Jack was a long-standing member in the community of Frankfort, frequenting the American Legion, the Eagles, Scott's glass shop (Crystal Lake Glass), Dinghy's, and Frankfort Hardware store. He always had a bright smile and a story for anyone he encountered. Friends and family can gather to honor and remember Jack on Saturday, December 30, 2023 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the American Legion Post in Frankfort, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's name to Northwest Education Services Career Tech Scholarship Fund ( Pat Lamb, 880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686). Another way you can honor his memory is to follow his advice and remember to "Have fun!" Arrangements entrusted to Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia.