Ishpeming, MI - John R. "Jack" Wood, age 95, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the Mill Creek Senior Living Community in Marquette.

Jack was born in Pontiac, Michigan on September 16, 1928, a son of the late Hannah C. (Nelson) and John Wood. He grew up in Ishpeming, and was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, Class of 1946. He served in the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean War and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class on October 7, 1952.  Prior to his enlistment, Jack began his career as a bricklayer, and was a member of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union, Local #2, from which he was recently honored with his 75-year service award. In 1968, Jack was employed with the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. working initially as a mechanic and retired in 1985 as a mill maintenance supervisor from the Republic Mine.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Ishpeming Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners International, with whom he enjoyed traveling to parades as a member of the marching unit. Jack and his late wife Ann enjoyed camping in the summer months and wintered in Florida for more than 20 years during his retirement.

Jack loved to stay busy and took correspondence courses, studying architectural drafting and locksmithing.  He became a certified locksmith and started his own locksmithing business (The Lock Shop) which he operated for more than 25 years.  Jack also enjoyed doing all sorts of DIY projects.

Survivors include two sons, Robert J. Wood of Ishpeming and Byron E. (Kristi) Wood, of Galena, OH, two grandchildren, Stella Wood of Galena, OH and Bryan Wood of Eagle River, AK, three nieces, Jane Moore, Lynn Jandron and Patti Davis, a nephew, Glen Jandron, along with numerous great nieces and great nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ann (Quayle) Wood on June 22, 2016, and a sister Catherine Isabel Riley.

A celebration of Jack's life will be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home where family will greet relatives and friends. A private interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org

A special "Thank You" goes out to the Staff at Mill Creek Assisted Living Memory Care and UP Home Health and Hospice for their caring and compassionate care of Jack.

Jack's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.