Jack Eley

Jack Blaine ("J.B.") Eley, age 84, of Chillicothe, passed away Sunday morning, May 27, 2012, at Valley View Alzheimer's Care Center, Frankfort. Jack was predeceased by his soul-mate and wife of 52 years; Patricia Best Eley; father, Sherla Eldon Eley; mother, Pansy Fincham Fisher; and brothers, Gene and Keith Eley. He is survived by three children, twin daughters Sharon Eley (Charlie) Perry of Chillicothe, Shirley Eley (Earl) Nachtrieb, of St. Charles, Missouri, and son, James Robert (Daria McKenna) Eley of Columbus. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and a plethora of nieces and nephews. Jack, known as J.B., grew up in Ohio and enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing and participating in Boy Scouts. He graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1946, where he excelled in Red Devil basketball, track and band. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy, serving a well-timed stint, (1946 -1948), between wars. There, he was assigned to the maiden cruise of the U.S.S. Toledo on its global goodwill tour following WWII. Following his tour with the Navy, Mr. Eley began a selfless civil service career at the V.A. Hospital in Chillicothe. Soon thereafter he joined the Department of Justice until his retirement at age 50. Following his retirement, he and his wife Pat, returned to Chillicothe from Washington, D.C. and he spent his "spare" time building additions onto the family place on Plyleys Lane, volunteering with the Ohio Historical Society, treasure hunting with his metal detector, fishing, hunting arrow points, and investigating family genealogy for himself and others. Jack was always true to himself and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather to his family. He was honest, fair, reliable, consistent and a good provider. He left a legacy behind to those who loved him—a rare and enduring familial bond. A time of sharing will be held 7:00 pm Friday at Haller Funeral Home. Please bring any amusing pictures and/or anecdotes about Jack that you wish to share with the family. Private military graveside services, conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard, will be held Saturday in Twin Township Cemetery, where he will spend eternity next to his wife, Pat. Friends may call 5-7 pm Friday at Haller's. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heartland Hospice, 205 N. Street, Lucasville, OH 45648 or the Eley Memorial Fund c/o Sharon Eley.
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