Jackie O. Julius, 97, of East Bridgewater died peacefully August 19th at Good Samaritan Hospital with loved ones by his side.
Jack was born to Swedish immigrants, Oscar and Esther (Sevelius) Julius, on July 14, 1926. He grew up in Stoughton, MA until enlisting in the Army Air Force for WWII in 1944. He was stationed at Roswell, New Mexico as a Tail Gunner of a B-29 bomber. As part of the 509th Bombardment Group, the core of the newly created Strategic Air Command, he participated in Operation Crossroads. During this special maneuver, the group dropped atomic bombs off the Bikini Atoll. Jack also had his pilot's license and his own plane during this time. Later in life, he trained and passed all requirements to renew his pilot's license.
Jack was married to his beloved Ruthie (Emery) for 59 years until her passing in 2005. After residing in New Mexico, Avon and Brockton they moved to East Bridgewater in 1953 where they raised their five children.
Jack worked hard as a mechanic to support his growing family. For many years he ran his own business, Jack's Service, in West Bridgewater. Through countless repairs, he not only fixed vehicles but also built lasting relationships with those he served. He did thousands of dollars of charity work each year, most notably for My Brother's Keeper and for Boy Scouts of America's Camp Squanto.
Jack was a steadfast supporter of his community as well. As Scoutmaster of Troop 32 for over 40 years he imparted wisdom, values, and leadership to generations of young Scouts. His commitment earned him the prestigious Silver Beaver award. Jack continued to be involved with the Boy Scouts until his passing. He was also a dedicated Little League Baseball coach for many years. In the early ‘70s Jack was president of the E.B. Booster's Club, where he and his wife achieved equal recognition for girls’ sports. He was Santa for East Bridgewater's first Christmas on the Common in 1984 and in 2010 he was honored as Grand Marshal of their parade. Jack was voted "Citizen of the Year" in 2012 and he modestly thought it was a joke when the selection committee tried to inform him.
His Friday night gatherings with his pals at the shop gave him great joy and continued until his 97th birthday last month. Over the years, a lot of laughter, stories, beer, food and fun were shared, leading to a genuine comradery. He loved being outdoors, deriving great pleasure by riding his golf cart down back and going to Randy's cabin in Maine, cultivating cherished memories. He was Dale and the Duds' biggest fan attending nearly all their concerts. He was passionate about antique cars, planes and classic TV like The Andy Griffith Show, exemplifying his appreciation of the simple things in life. He reveled in sharing anything his children, grandchildren, etc. were interested in and he remained "sharp as a tack" until the end.
Jack delighted in helping others all the time. Many people and organizations depended on him. The world is a better place because of this extremely generous and humble man. He was a great role model and a faithful and true friend to so many.
Jack and Ruthie were blessed with five children: the late Randy (married to Mary) of East Bridgewater, Glen (married to Janet) of Oak Harbor, Washington, Dale (married to Carole) of East Bridgewater, Lisa (widowed by Richard Troy) of Avon, and Barry (married to Jen) of Brockton. The branches of their family tree extended to include grandchildren Becky, Beth, Rachel, Sam, Brant, Jessica, Luke, Hannah, Stephen, Karen, Brian, and Ben, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jack was predeceased by his sister, Edith (Julius) Lisowski of Stoughton, MA.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours Friday September 1 from 4-7 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. With a memorial service on Saturday September 2 at 11 AM in the Funeral Chapel.
Donations can be made in Jack’s name to Troop 32 BSA, East Bridgewater, to My Brother’s Keeper, Easton or just enjoy a walk or a meal with a loved one in Jack’s memory.