Jack Lue

Jack H. Lue was devoted family man, valued employee and faithful friend. He could be counted-on at all times. His strength of character and firm grounding allowed him to rise above adversity and serve others with courage and joy. Jack was born at a time when America was recovering from the first World War and straining to rebuilt its economy. The Great Depression that closed out the decade also shaped the character of its citizens. Families, like Harry and Cora (Meyers) Lue of Muskegon, Michigan weathered many difficulties and shared numerous joys. One such joy was the birth of their second son Jack on May 20, 1920. The family would grow to include three children~Eloise, Jack and Harry~who grew up right in town. Their father worked in the yard at Brenen Lumber Company in Muskegon, while their mother remained in the home to care for the children. Jack enjoyed a typical childhood of adventures around town and lots of fun outdoors: fishing, camping and skating. He learned to roller skate and ice skate, becoming skilled in hockey and bearing the marks of a good defensiveman. Because there was not much equipment in those days, Jacks position as goalie left him with a permanent scar between the eyes from a flying puck. Many-a day was spent on the ice at Mart Dock arena, where he played with a semi-pro team called the Zephyrs. On one occasion, he chanced to skate with the famous professional skater, Sonja Henie, when she visited the Mart Dock rink. Skating also brought Jack the good fortune of meeting his future wife. At the Curvecrest Roller Rink, he met the lovely Doris Harmsen, and the two began dating. Their friendship grew into love and commitment, and Jack and Doris married on the 1st of August in 1941. They were blessed with two wonderful children: Jacquelyn June was born in 1942 and Charles David was born in 1944. However, their family life was interrupted when Jack was drafted into the Army toward the end of WWII. He served as a fireman in Manila, The Philippines and was discharged in 1946 with the thanks of a grateful nation. He would later serve his community of Fruitport Township as a fireman for many years as well as a few years as a policeman. Once settled back home, Jack worked at various places including Brenen Lumber Company, where his father worked. He invested time in his community as an active and charter member, along with Doris, of Word of Home Church in Fruitport and as a member of NCHA Camper Association. At one event at a local business in Cloverville, Jack won a black and white Shetland pony at a raffle drawing at Punches grocery store. He kept the pony in the back yard for a time and gave all the neighbor kids rides. Whether the pony was sold or given away no one remembers, but memories of riding that pony remained with Jacks children. Many more memorable family times were spent camping together, especially on Blue Lake. Jack also liked to relax with a game of horseshoes, which he often won, or his favorite Cribbage, which he played avidly. When he was on his own, he worked his vegetable garden. Jacks life was rich with the simple joys of family and friends. In time, Jack took a job with A & C Carriers. Trucking was an accommodation to his heart condition that stemmed from a disability at a young age. He drove truck for over 25 years and was a member of the Teamsters Union. When he retired, Jack and Doris hit-the-road to Arizona, where they spent a total of seven winters. Arizona got into Jacks blood, so much so that, even when he wasnt in Arizona, he relived the experience by subscribing to the periodical, Arizona Highway. Jack and Doris shared a good life. They did everything together. Their love and devotion was most profoundly felt during times of challenge. Jack took compassionate care of his beloved Doris through her years of suffering with polio. When she died in 2000, he was lost without her. Yet his life was sustained by his faith in God and the love of his family. Jacks life of 87 years came to a close at a local nursing home in the early hours of Friday morning on the last day of August. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and cherished friend. Mr. Jack H. Lue died August 31, 2007. He is survived by son, Charles (Susan) Lue of Muskegon; daughter, Jacquelyn VanDyke of Fruitport; 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris on November 15, 2000; sister, Eloise; brother, Harry. A service celebrating his life whill be held on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, 2:00 PM at Word of Hope Church with Rev. James Bos officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, September 2, 2007, 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport and 1 hour prior to the service at Word of Hope Church. Memorial contributions sent to American Diabetes Association will be greatly appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.