Gene "Dick" R. Jack

Gene Richard “Dick” Jack passed away on Wednesday June 11th, 2025 a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was born in Anderson and lived here his entire life. A 1953 graduate of Anderson High School, he couldn’t wait to start working. He always knew he wanted to be in the car business, and bought his first gas station, Gulf, at 15 years old. He couldn’t even drive to work, so his parents would take him to and from work until he got his license. He quickly expanded his business, and weeks shy of turning 18, he bought his second station, Phillips 66, and added a car lot to the back of the building. For the next 52 years, he owned and operated Dick Jack Auto Sales & Service on the north end of Anderson. He was the first used car dealership in Indiana to offer free warranties on his cars, and many generations of families purchased cars from him. In his youth, he raced drag cars and had a passion for funny cars and auto auctions and truly knew virtually everything about each brand. In January 1964, he met Virginia Ann Pirtle, and they became engaged two weeks later. They married on Valentine’s Day 1964 just over 3 weeks from their first date. He and “Ginny” were married 38 years until her sudden passing in 2002. His heart far outsized his stature. Although “vertically challenged” (his own words), at 5’4” his kindness and generosity far outweighed his size. He started playing Santa Claus for his family and friends and eventually became the city of Anderson’s “Santa” for many years. Flying in on a helicopter, he would land in town and spend hours meeting every child and adult who wanted to visit him. As Ginny would tease “he didn’t even need a pillow”. While in that suit, he never broke character…he WAS Santa Claus. In May of 1965, his daughter Kelli was born and she graduated to the position of “elf” alongside Ginny as Mrs. Clause. Dick lived in the same house he built in 1964 until his passing. Neighbors of Northcrest addition became lifelong friends. In 1981, he built a two-story barn on the side of his property, and painted a large I.U. sign on the side known as the I.U. Party Barn. It’s entirely possible that everyone from Madison County visited the barn at one point or another over the years. Endless cookouts, bridal and wedding showers, cast parties, birthdays and even a celebration of life were held at he and his family’s home. The Jacks were known for their parties, and stories are told to this day about his hospitality and cooking skills. He loved to vacation in his 25-foot Winnebago motorhome, and bought it on Kelli’s 8th birthday. Over the next decade, he traveled with his family and friends to every state in the contiguous U.S. and all provinces of Canada. 4-6 week trips happened at the end of every summer, and those priceless memories were alive and well with him until earlier this week. And, what’s a motor home without a car being pulled behind? He bought an infamous 1973 orange Ford Pinto hitched behind the Winnebago, which matched the striping on the side. They were affectionately known as Winny and Pinny, and they racked up over 180,000 miles over that decade. One of his favorite activities was shopping for Kelli. He had a real eye for fashion and loved purchasing stylish outfits for her and had since she was a toddler. Many of Kelli’s friends, and even strangers that witnessed him shopping, would ask for his advice, and he was thrilled to help every single one. That gift never diminished, and his last shopping spree was in late May for Kelli’s birthday. Prior to his recent diagnosis, they were going to start an online fashion site entitled “Dickie’s Duds” and had laid out a plan for an early fall launch to showcase his unique talent. He was a volunteer at the Young Ballet Theatre Troupe, Animal Protection League, his church, the United Way, and many more worthy organizations over the years. He and his family rescued many, many animals and remembered every single one of their names and ages. His mantle was adorned with their paw prints and ashes, and he said hello to them every morning as he passed by to get his coffee. He never met a stranger in the animal or human world, and you could see straight to his soul in those big, beautiful blue eyes. His legacy of immense kindness, endless generosity, and quick wit will live on with all who knew him. In early May 2025, he was diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer’s Dementia and Diabetes. For 4 years prior, he suffered greatly with Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, a debilitating chronic nerve pain stemming from a severe case of Shingles. He was also a heart patient and underwent a quadruple bypass in 2009. Due to the nerve pain that has no cure, he became clinically depressed and started to withdraw from the activities he loved. With the added diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and Diabetes, his depression worsened, and he found it almost impossible to walk or hold up his head. Those cherished memories were fading, and simple, familiar tasks became nearly impossible. The decline was rapid and heartbreaking. On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, it became too much for him, and he took his own life at home in desperation. He looked at peace for the first time in 4 years. Dick is survived by his adoring daughter Kelli Jack-Kelly (Chris), his beloved sister-in-law Peggy Pirtle-Saum (Dick), his nieces Dee Robertson-Burns, Kathy Grimme (Joe Castellano), Kara Tuttle (James) and nephews Ed Robertson (Sally), Brian “Kip” Grimme, and David Rathbun. His great-nieces and nephews, and countless friends, loved him dearly. Preceding him in death were his loving parents Ethel and Sherman Jack, his mother-in-law Rozelle “Rosie” Pirtle, his sister-in-law Dorothy “Dottie” Robertson and brother-in-law John Robertson, sister-in-law Suzie Pirtle-Armagost and brother-in-law Gary Armagost and countless fur babies. A little-known fact is that men aged 84 and up are the largest group of people committing suicide, and it’s becoming more prevalent every year. https://sprc.org/populations-settings-experiences-2/older-adults/ https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/suicide-rates-high-and-rising-among-older-adults-us/ Chronic pain, dementia, depression and isolation are the leading causes of suicide in this group. If you, or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, there is help! Call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline anytime for immediate assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Don’t wait. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Loose Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Dr. Rachal Metheny officiating. Burial will follow at the East Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson. Friends may call at Loose Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until time of the service. Online condolences may be made to the family in care of www.loosecares.com.

Gene "Dick" R. Jack

August 3, 1935 - June 11, 2025