Jack Thomas Mears

Jack Thomas Mears, born May 7, 1931, in Cedar Grove, Virginia to “Captain Lee” and Estelle “Mrs. Pet” Mears. “Uncle Jack”, as he was affectionately known, a mischievous young man, grew up along the eastern shore of Virginia. With a house full of siblings, when his father became ill, he went to work to help his mother, even traveling as far as Mobile, AL, and living in Big Mama’s Boarding House downtown during the late 1940’s. When the Korean War broke out, he knew what he had to do. Uncle Jack enlisted in the Army and served his country. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of having a conversation with him, I’m sure you heard a story or two about his time in Korea and Austria. Upon returning home, he moved to Baltimore, Maryland and built a life there as a heavy equipment operator alongside his wife of 42 years, “Aunt Lucille”. As Aunt Lucille grew older, she longed for her home in the hills of West Virginia. She moved home and upon retiring, Uncle Jack followed suit, being her sole caregiver until her passing. Having no children of their own, when her time came, she made him promise her that he would come to Alabama with his two siblings here. Uncle Jack moved to Aunt Essie Mae’s, his twin sister’s home in Huntsville and for a while traveled back and forth between her and his baby brother, Emery’s, home in Citronelle. Eventually moving there to be with him. He and Emery had a very close bond, more like father and son, rather than siblings as Emery had lived with him many times throughout his life. Uncle Jack was a giver and a helper, always willing to go the extra mile for his family and friends, never expecting anything in return. He lived a great fulfilling life, many tales of adventure to share with anyone ready to listen. He passed from this life peacefully on May 3, 2024. Just four days shy of his 93rd birthday. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lucille Mears; parents, Upshur Lee and Estelle Mears; and siblings, Bedford Mears, Luther Lee Mears, James Mears, Phyllis Carpenter, Judy Groth, Emery Mears, and twin Essie Bryant. He leaves behind his brothers, Brent Mears (Shirley) and Billy Mears both of Capeville, Va; sister, Goode Corkery of Bud Lake, New Jersey; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Mears of Citronelle, AL; and a host of family and friends. At his discretion, there will be no traditional service for Uncle Jack. He requested instead that his devoted niece and caregiver, Renee Mears Comans, take his remains to his three favorite places, the grave of his late wife in West Virginia, the streets of Baltimore and Chesapeake Bay. Uncle Jack will always be remembered for his love for life, laughter, and of course, the ladies.