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John Balcom Obituary
He was born in Lowell, MA on October 3rd, 1949 to Jeanne (Lindsey) Balcom and the late Rev. John M. Balcom. He was raised in Newton, MA and graduated from Newton South High School.
Jack attended the US Navy Academy in Annapolis, MD Class of 1971. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1971 - 1977 as a 1st Lt and received an honorable discharge for his service. After earning his MS in Engineering from University of Southern California, he went on to a long career as a logistics engineer.
Jack represented District Hillsborough 21 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2014-2016, serving as Vice Chair of Education for the 2015 legislative session. In addition, he served as a Merrimack Village District Commissioner. He was a member of the Masonic Benevolent Lodge No 7, Milford, NH. Jack was an active member of the community over the years, coaching youth soccer and performing in local theater and concerts.
Along with his father, Jack was pre-deceased by his sister, Dianne (Balcom) Manning.
He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife Marie (Mendelow) Balcom; his mother, Jeanne Balcom; daughter Lindsey and her husband Theron Melchior and their three children, Camille, June and Ella; son Jon Balcom and his wife Sung and their three children, Henry, Louisa and Wesley; sister Adrianne Balcom and a nephew, Benjamin Balcom Onthank with an extended network of friends.
Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a walk-thru visitation at the Rivet Funeral Home, 425 Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack on Tuesday, June 29th from 4 - 7 PM. A graveside committal service will be held at the NH Veteran's Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen on Wednesday, June 30th at 10 AM.
For those who wish, memorial contributions in Jack's memory can be made to Harbor Homes at harborcarenh.org
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Balcom
Wendy Greenland
August 2, 2021
I am just hearing of Jack's passing. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Jack was always a kind soul and a gentleman. I first met Jack when we sang in the Merrimack Concert Association together. He always had a smile on his face and a welcoming presence. From the first year we met, and every year thereafter, Jack made it a point to meet my family after the concert and converse with them to ask how each of them were and what was going on in their young lives. Jack was very involved in our community and, during election season, was always at the polls to welcome you with a warm smile and hug. My entire family will miss his warmth and friendship. Rest in peace Jack, you will be sorely missed. The Greenland Family: Bruce, Wendy, Lauren, Stephanie and Bradley.
Susan Ruggeri
July 20, 2021
I remember Jack so fondly. He was such a staunch supporter of public education, and a huge support to me when I was president of the Merrimack Teachers Association. I will always be grateful for all the encouragement he gave me during some very difficult years. His warmth, sense of humor and compassion made him so special.
Nancy Rose
July 5, 2021
So sorry to hear about Jack. We first met him as our landlord (2009-10) and then Jack and I worked in collaboration on trustee projects including updating 4 Merrimack School libraries, supporting computer / programming education, and remote learning during this year. It was always a pleasure to see Jack. He ALWAYS asked about the kids. A benevolent soul and public servant like no other. Nancy Rose, Jim McGhee and family
Guy Grafton
July 3, 2021
Our condolences to Jack, Marie and the family. Guy and Jennifer Grafton, Stanley and Nancy Hayes, Tim and Nikki (Grafton) O'Donnell.
Tom Cleary
July 2, 2021
Belated and sincerest sympathies to Jack's Mom and beautiful family. I met Jack during his time as an engineer and Program Manager at Kollsman in Merrimack and Nashua while working as a DoD engineer on military programs. He always impressed me as a very dedicated and caring person. He certainly exemplified the highest ideals of the Naval Academy of service and honor to country and his beloved local community of Merrimack. Semper Fi Jack!
Dawn Morrill
July 2, 2021
Jack was a beloved friend, always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. I always enjoyed Jack's singing and antics! He will be greatly missed!
Bill Wilkes
July 1, 2021
Marie, I thoroughly enjoyed serving with Jack as a town trustee. He was always upbeat and friendly! My prayers go out to you and your family.
Lenette Peterson
June 30, 2021
My deepest condolences on your loss. I always enjoyed talking to Jack and serving with him in Concord. He will be missed by many.
Russ Fontaine /Darrell´s Music
June 30, 2021
Remembering all of the years of music evaluations at the store. Jack was truly interesting person and will be missed by many. My condolences Marie to you and your family.
Tasha Parker
June 30, 2021
Jack was one of the most cheerful, kind, and knowledgeable people we know! He truly was remarkable! Our children take weekly piano lessons at his house from his wife, Marie, and therefore saw him regularly! He always supported our musical children by driving long distances to hear them play with the symphony, conducting and managing a plethora of recitals, and giving of his time and means to support the talents of many many other students! We will miss standing outside election locations with his “Vote for Jack Balcom” signs and hearing his cheery voice greeting us on those piano mornings! He is our faithful friend and we know we will see him again! He lives still and is waiting and watching over his sweet Marie! We love Jack and will miss him dearly! Prayers are going up for our dear sister and friend, Marie, and her family! Love you!!
The Parker Family
(Jim, Tasha, James, Julia, Anna, Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob, Adeline, Brigham, Louisa, Abigail, Isaac, and Rachel)
Vesta and Al Stenta
June 29, 2021
Our condolences to Marie and their family. Jack was a positive and kind person who will be missed by many.
Jeanine Notter
June 29, 2021
My favorite memory of Jack goes back to when John McCain was running for President. The John O'Leary Center was full of people waiting to meet the famous man. Jack was asked to talk to the crowd. He kept us entertained. He talked about some town committee he was on, maybe Zoning Board. He made it sound exciting. The way he said, "No one comes to our meetings...." made everyone in the room laugh. When McCain arrived, Jack stopped in mid-sentence and looked his way. Even that made us laugh. There is so much more to say about Jack. He was a good man with a big heart. He cared about our state and he was brilliant. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal.
Donna Curtin
June 28, 2021
I was sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I knew Jack from the State Advisory Committee for Children with Disabilities through the NH Department of Education from 2015-2017. He was wonderful to work with and I will miss him.
Sincerely, Donna Curtin, MBA CAGS, M Ed
Louisa Mandile Bohannon
June 28, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Jack was a very giving , kind and loving person. You will be missed by everyone that ever new you Jack. Rest In Peace my friend
Cher Trenholme
June 28, 2021
Dear Marie,
Sending lots of love and hugs to you as you mourn the loss of Jackie and navigate life without him.
I will always remember him as a cheerful, fun loving and upbeat fellow. He certainly lived a life of service. He will be missed by so many.
Very very sad he left so young and so suddenly.
Much love,
Cher Trenholme
Adrien Chan
June 28, 2021
Sending lots of love to Ms. Marie and family. I will always remember the animated performances that Jack would put on to entertain the crowd at piano recitals as he sang along to my sister, Alison, playing the piano. He knew just how to put a smile on everyone’s faces. The clown noses he used to give out speaks to his personality along with the happiness and laughter that he always brought along with him. He will be remembered in our hearts forever. I know Jack is looking down on us now, making sure that we continue his legacy of bringing laughter to all of those around us, just as he would.
Rebecca & Adam Fredrickson
June 28, 2021
Sending our condolences to Jack´s family. He was a kind person who did his best to make the world a better place.
Valerie Fish
June 28, 2021
My deepest condolences to Mr Balcom´s family and friends. He was my soccer coach many years ago, but I got to know him again recently in town. He was such a great guy, kind, intelligent, and friendly, always asking after my father who was ill. He will be missed by our community.
Cheryl Laughlin
June 28, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Marie and Family. I have fond memories of Jack, he always had something to say that made me laugh. He was one of a kind, a very special soul. He had a great smile, a sense of humor and great stage presence. He was my President -Elect for the New Hampshire Music Teachers Association and he then became President and did a great job for NHMTA. He was always positive and funny. I will miss you Jack. Love Cheryl & Larry Laughlin
Jo Rothman
June 28, 2021
I remember Jack and extend my condolences to the family. The Balcoms were an important part of my life for many years.
Anne Suddy
June 28, 2021
Dearest Marie,
I am so very sorry and deeply saddened for your loss. We walked not as often as we should, and shared a meal a few times with other friends. Not too many days went by where Jack was not off doing one thing or another, always involved in the larger community. He will be missed.
Anne Suddy
neighbor, friend, musician
Helene Baum
June 28, 2021
Dear Marie and family, my heart is broken for your loss. Everytime I saw Jack, he was so positive and kind always asking how my boys are. He was a great man. He cared for the community. My deepest condolences.
Bill Hunt
June 28, 2021
Jackie & I have been friends since elementary school. I am very sad to hear of his passing. He always had a smile & a good word for all. RIP my friend. I cherish our memories together.
Bob Molloy
June 28, 2021
I can remember time after time when i would run into Jack either on the road or at the NH Statehouse he was always upbeat with a smile and good word. A class act for sure.
Gale Taylor
June 28, 2021
To Marie,
I was so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Jack and you have been a huge, positive influence on our children. I have so many memories of him assisting you with your recitals, seeing his big smile everywhere he went. Oh, and remember our dinners together! We have great memories.
RDM
June 28, 2021
Mr.Balcom, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
Kozi Allen
June 28, 2021
Marie and family,
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you all. “Mr. Jack”, as my kids and I knew and called him, was a very special person to us as I know he was to you. He was such a kind soul and touched all of our lives in a positive way. We miss him dearly and are really sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers! May his soul Rest In Peace. Amen.
Jeremy, Jardine, Jazmine, and Kozi
Kurt and Diane Norris
June 27, 2021
We will miss you dear friend. We will see you one day in heaven.
Ronald W Davies
June 27, 2021
Marie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jack was a very kind, fun loving person who has done so much for the community. He will be missed.
Ward Gravel
June 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss. While I never knew Jack, comments from others were always positive. I’ll keep you both in my prayers.
Bill Klein
June 27, 2021
So sad to see the notice that Jack had passed away...It has been many years since we spent time on the Merrimack soccer fields (and at tournaments all over New England) together with our sons, and families. Lots of really good memories. I can picture his warm smile, and hear his voice. I'm sure Jack will be dearly missed by 100's of people who were lucky to have known him ... but most importantly ... my sincere condolences to his family.
Janet Krupp
June 27, 2021
Dear Marie and Family. Deepest condolences to you all from the Krupp Family, Gary, Janet, Daniel and Mitchell. Jack loved to serve the Merrimack community. I will miss seeing his infectious smile wherever I saw him. God Bless.
Julia Fey
June 27, 2021
Dear Marie and family,
We are so sad to hear of Jack´s passing! His kindness, wits, warm personality, and voice will always be remembered!
Brian, Katrina and Julia
Julie Corey
June 27, 2021
My deepest condolences to Marie and family from me and Pam. May Jack's journey be graceful. Such a good soul, loved by many. Drum on Jack!
Deb Shirk
June 26, 2021
Marie and family, our sincerest condolences to you. We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He was such a nice man and his smile lit up a room every time. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for peace. Sincerely, Deb, Barry, Aimee, and Rebecca.
Gayle Darrell
June 26, 2021
Dear Marie and family,
I´m so sorry to learn of Jack´s passing. He was a kind, loving, wonderful man. "To know him was to love him."
Bill and Darlene Alleman
June 26, 2021
Our sincerest condolences to Marie and the rest of Jack's family. Jack was a wonderful guy who always had a smile on his face and never a bad word about anyone. We will sorely miss him at our monthly brunch, he got so much enjoyment over simply discovering a new restaurant. Miss you Jack!
Steven Dembow
June 26, 2021
To Marie and Family: Joyce and I send our most sincere condolences on the news of Jack's passing. He was a consummate gentleman, a good friend and his eternal smile always made me happy. He will be missed ...
Pattie (Chapman) O’Connell
June 26, 2021
My sweet friend. I will miss your smile and laughter. Rest in His perfect peace. Love to Marie, Lindsey and Jon. ❤❤
Rosemarie Rung
June 26, 2021
Marie, Lindsey and Jon, I'm so sorry for your loss. From being neighbors to serving with Jack on several community endeavors, he always had a smile and an upbeat attitude. He gave a lot to Merrimack and will be sorely missed.
The Staff of George R. Rivet Funeral Home
June 27, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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Rivet Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. - Merrimack425 Daniel Webster Highway P.O. Box 86, Merrimack, NH 03054
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