John RISE

1947 - 2021

RISE, John Joseph III "Big Jack" from Tampa, FL, passed peacefully in his sleep December 12, 2021, at the age of 74. He fought a courageous fight to live in spite of many health conditions and limitations. Born in April 1947, in Long Branch, NJ, he attended LBHS, Thomas Edison College, Rio Grande College, and Ohio University, where he met his wife, Bobbi Kaufmann Rise, and they were married for 52 years. He earned his Bachelor's degree and had a 45-year career in the HVAC industry, rising to the top and dedicating himself to improving it. He started his own business doing technical training nationally. He did webinars, podcasts, served on NATE committees, and authored three books for the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). He was also a career-long member of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). Jack was considered one of the most positive, generous, and funny people to his friends and family, not taking himself too seriously, and yet his passions ran deep with his commitments including the Wounded Warriors. He had a strong work ethic as well as an amazing love for his family and friends, especially, his daughters and grandchildren. Everyone loved his edgy quick wit, his big, kind heart and his strong sense of right and wrong. He loved his Paradise Club golf buddies, a good cigar and a stiff Captain Morgan. He always enjoyed making people laugh when he would tell them how good-looking he was. Jack was predeceased by his mother, Bernice Wagner Rise and his father, John J. Rise Jr. Surviving are his wife, Barbara (Bobbi) Kaufmann Rise; his daughters, Wendy Rise Rios and Amy Rise Cross; and six grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Tom Rise, Kim Rise Somerville and Dawn Rise. The family will honor his wish to have no funeral service, but instead, to have a celebration of his life at a later date.