Columbus, OH – Jackie “Jack” L. Myers, 86, of Bristol, Ind., passed away peacefully at 1:35 a.m. on Monday, June 9, at Goshen Hospital.
He was born on Jan. 13, 1939, in Goshen, to Lawrence and Bessie (Prough) Myers. On Nov. 7, 1985, he married Sue Ann Cripe, she survives. Survivors in addition to his wife are two sons, Jack (Susan) Myers Jr. of White Pigeon, MI and Randy (Rose) Myers of Winchester; daughter, Jill (Don) Lehman of Nappanee; stepdaughter, Michelle Shelly of Middlebury; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene (Terry) Vander Reyden of Syracuse; his first wife and the mother of his children, Catherine Myers of Nappanee. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Laddie Lee Myers.
Jack graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957, where he was a standout basketball player throughout his high school career. He holds the Elkhart County record for the most points scored in a single basketball game – a remarkable achievement that led to his induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
Beyond basketball, Jack was an avid sportsman. He loved horse racing and was deeply passionate about the sport. He was the owner, operator, and trainer of Myers Racing Stables. He raced for over 40 years, having as many as 20 horses racing at a time. He raced in his home state as well as Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. His favorite races took place at the fairgrounds. He also excelled in golf, winning the Wakarusa City Golf Championship seven times.
Professionally, he served as president of Advanced Affiliates, Inc. in Goshen for over 25 years, later stepping into a director role.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, June 13, also at the funeral home. Services will be conducted by Pastor Phil Yoder. Burial will be in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury.
Memorials may be given to the Indiana Harness Racing Association. Online condolences may be offered at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.