John Stevens

John E. Jack Stevens - SAVANNAH - After a nearly year long battle with the aftermath of a stroke, John Jack Edward Stevens died peacefully at Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice early Saturday morning. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on December 5, 1930, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Arthur Stevens. He graduated from Bentley Accounting School in Boston before joining the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Fort Knox, where he was in the Finance Corps and was in charge of soldiers' payroll, which at that time was paid in cash. He was the first enlisted man to become a certified cashier in the US Army. He graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He worked in the forest products industry his entire career. For many years, he was in charge of the Texas wholesale operations of Bradley Plywood Corporation. Jack was a Rotarian for over 50 years, having been one of the youngest members ever admitted to the Downtown Houston Rotary Club. Later, in 1991, he joined the Downtown Savannah Rotary Club where he became both a Will Watt Fellow and a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1980 he became President of Kirby Forest Industries until it was acquired by Louisiana Pacific. In 1991 he became Chief Operating Officer of Bradley Plywood Corporation, at which time he and his wife moved from Houston to Savannah. During his career he was Chairman of the National Forest Products Association as well as Chairman of the Southern Forest Products Association. There were numerous meetings at the White House, often on the issue of Canadian lumber subsidies. President Ford appointed him to go to China on a trade mission to establish business relationships between the Chinese and American forest products industries. Jack was an avid runner, having completed several marathons, including Boston, Galveston, and Crowley, Louisiana. He was proud to say that during the entirety of his running career, he ran more miles than the circumference of the earth. When his knees finally protested, he took up golf at the Savannah Golf Club, finding great camaraderie with his golfing buddies. He was an active member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, serving as the Finance Chairman for 17 years. He also served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister. In recognition of his service to the Cathedral, he was presented the prestigious Bishop Gartland Award. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gaynell Mouton Stevens, and two sons, John Edward Stevens, Jr., of San Francisco, California and Gregory Mouton Stevens of Austin, Texas. He is survived by a sister, Dorothy Stevens, and a brother, Robert Stevens, both in Boston. Also a niece, a nephew, a great niece and four great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Eleanor McCarthy, and a brother, Donald Arthur Stevens. The family wish to express their gratitude to the caring staff of Spanish Oaks Retreat and Hospice. And to the many friends who showed such loving support throughout this past year. Visitation will be from 5-7 o'clock on Monday, December 1, with recitation of the Rosary at 6 o'clock, at Fox and Weeks, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive. A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 2, at The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 10:00am, 222 East Harris Street. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Cathedral Heritage Endowment Foundation, the Savannah Philharmonic, or the charity of your choice. Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News December 1, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.