Jack Deward Slocum

Jack D. Slocum, age 82 of Hastings, passed away Monday, May 13, 2013 at his residence.

He was born October 26, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan the son of Fredrick and Elsie (Johnson) Slocum.

Along with twin sisters, Janet and Joan, Jack grew up in Hastings, Michigan, graduating from Hastings High School in 1948. After military service during the Korean Conflict, he attended Michigan State University, graduating from their College of Engineering in 1958. Later, he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, receiving a graduate degree in engineering.

Jack continued to pursue engineering endeavors, working for a number of engineering firms; in engineering management and general management, in a career that covered some 40 years and considerable international travel for both Margie and Jack.

Marriage to Margie in 1986, resulted in joining a large, happy family and the beginning of many good times in a solid, worthwhile life. Jack was an avid Michigan State fan and together he and Margie became regular football and basketball supporters at home and also traveling to many away bowl games and basketball tournaments.

When traveling to support Spartan athletics slowed down, Jack became a voracious reader, and built a small library in the process.

Jack was a Licensed Professional Engineer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hastings and served on several church boards. He served on the new Hastings Library Board and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Special-Lite Company. Jack was also a member of the MSU Engineering College PHD Advisory Committee and is a past member of Cherry Central Board of Directors.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elsie Slocum, his first wife, Janice Slocum in 1984, sisters: Janet Slocum Begg and Joan Slocum Perry.

Jack is survived by his wife, Margie Slocum, and step children: Larry (Barb) Case, Doug (Mary) Case, David (Denise) Case, Julie (Wayne) Rose; grandchildren: Carley (Mike) Regelean, Catherine Case  (Darnell Day), Hannah Case, Jeremy (Andrea) Case, Joshua (Casey) Case, Clayton (Jennifer) Case, Chelsea (Gordie) Bivens, Jessica (Joe) Shaeffer, Keeton Rose and Olivia Rose and 14 great grandchildren.