Jack Irving Mussett

1935 - 2024

Jack Irving Mussett

November 22, 1935 - June 8, 2024

Jack Irving Mussett was born on November 22, 1935, to Irving and Jeannette Mussett in Waterloo, Iowa.

Jack graduated from West High School in 1953, and joined the United States Marine Corp and after boot camp he was then stationed in Japan. Upon Jack's return to the States, he visited the family of his Marine buddy, Richard Bearden, where he saw a picture of his sister Judy Bearden, and knew he had to meet her; It was classic love at first sight. They were engaged 6 weeks later and married on April 20th, 1956, in Collingswood, New Jersey. One year later their son Steve was born followed by sons, Tim, and Mike.

Jack brought his bride back home to Waterloo and attended Iowa State Teachers College, graduating in 1960. After he graduated, the family moved to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he worked in accounting for Marathon Paper. Jack grew tired of his desk job and in 1964 the family moved to New Hampton, Iowa where he worked as a Claims Adjuster for State Farm Insurance, a job he kept and loved for 33 years.

In 1971 the State Farm office in New Hampton closed, bringing the Mussett family full circle back to Waterloo. As the boys grew up, Jack became smitten with exercise and was regularly active at the local YMCA. He started running, playing racquetball, swimming, and biking. He ran six marathons and remained active the rest of his life.

After retiring in 1997, Jack became a dedicated volunteer for the Waterloo branch of Habitat for Humanity , working on homes as well as fundraising. A lifelong faithful Christian, he was a member of the Kimball Avenue United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. In recent years Jack and Judy joined the Central Christian Church near their home.

Jack passed away peacefully with Judy holding his hand June 8, 2024, of complications due to Alzheimer's disease. Jack is survived by his wife, Judy; his sons and their families, Steve, Cathy, Christopher, and Erin; Tim, Teresa, Matt, and David; Michael, Ruth, Ben, and Elizabeth, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Christian Church, 3475 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA with a memorial gathering taking place one hour prior.

Private inurnment will take place at Waterloo Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Central Christian Church of Waterloo or the Waterloo chapter of Habitat for Humanity .

The family would like to thank the staff at Nation Cottage at Western homes for their loving care of Jack in his last years.