On August 7, 2020, COVID-19 stole our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. But earth’s loss made Heaven a happier place as the man known to many as “Happy Jack” took his place in the eternal celebration of life.
The family will have a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael Catholic Church in Plymouth, and burial in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
A drive-thru Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 12-4 p.m. at the Oliver Ford Lincoln Dealership, 1001 E. Jefferson Street, Plymouth. Guests are asked to please stay in their cars. The cars will file in a single car line through the service bay area. You will get a moment while in the bay to greet Jana and the family, but from a distance for everyone’s safety and continued growth in strength for Jana. Masks while in your car in the bay area are optional, but when signing the guest book that the grandkids will be helping with, please have one on.
John W. “Jack” Oliver was born in Louisville, KY on December 18, 1941, the second of two children born to John and Christine Oliver. His sister, Judy, was his constant companion as the family moved first to Fort Wayne, then Huntington, and finally settling in Plymouth, IN, in 1955. It is in Plymouth where Jack’s father established Oliver Ford Sales, Inc., and where Jack (as well as his children) advanced through the ranks of the dealership, starting with the most humble positions so that they would indeed know the business inside and out.
Upon his father’s retirement in 1974, Jack became the youngest Ford dealer in Indiana and built further upon the family’s reputation for good business: (1) Pay your employees well, (2) Pay your bills on time and (3) Share your good fortune whenever possible (and, from Jack’s perspective, it was always possible!). It was a mantra that served him well throughout his career. Whenever a project to benefit children was presented, Jack was quick to contribute, recognizing that a vibrant community is built on the strengths of its families. A strong advocate of United Way of Marshall County, in 2014 he, Jana and their family were recognized as the Volunteers of the Year, an honor reserved for the most consistent supporters. He also devoted many man hours and the resources availed by the dealership to support the “Warm Up Marshall County Coat Drive”, as well as the “Ounce of Prevention” Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns, which significantly impacted the community and continue today. While many know of the contributions Oliver Ford Sales, Inc., made to the communities they served, the overriding story of Jack’s success was focused on his love of his family. He was happiest when surrounded by the fruits of his 55-year marriage to Jana Berger Olive daughter Jennifer (Chuck) and their sons Luke and Grant; son John (Michelle) Oliver III and their children Sydney and Jeff; and daughter Jessica Oliver and her sons Andrew, Thomas and Philip Oliver-Overmyer. Sister Marilyn (Judith Ann Oliver), his sister, remained a constant companion throughout his life. Whether it was hosting Christmas, planning family adventures in the Florida sunshine or on the waters of Pretty Lake, or cheering on the team for whatever sport or activity currently captured their grandkids’ interest, Jack savored his time with family and every action was guided by that life compass. Jack Oliver was a man who enjoyed the full emotional spectrum of life. Fall short of his expectations and you would promptly be made aware of it. And there was no mistaking the glee in his eyes when he pulled a “good one” on someone. He loved a good cigar and was partial to a well-aged drink. He loved his work. He loved his family. And all who knew him are certain to have a “Happy Jack” tale to share. He certainly made a difference.
Rest in peace, Happy. We tip our hat in gratitude to you!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Way of Marshall County, PO Box 392, 2680 Miller Drive, Suite 120, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the University of Saint Francis Student Scholarship Fund, University of Saint Francis, 2701 Spring St, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
Shirley Gidley says
To all the family
My sympathy for the passing of your spouse, father, brother, grandparent.
Each of you will have different memories that will bring smiles to you in the future to make life sustainable.
Prayers for everyone’s acceptance that is not easy to do
LawrenceMiller says
My prayers are with Jack and his family durning this timeðŸ™ðŸ»
david crisp -john kelley says
i knew jack oliver for years and always liked him,my roomate john kelley and i bought 2 cars from his oliver ford dealership and he always was fair and smiling god speed jack you will be missed bye us and the plymouth community…prayers to the oliver family at this most difficult time..
Carol Finkbiner says
Ken and I are keeping all of you in our prayers.
Allen Motz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Allen Motz family
Nancy Rhodes says
Prayers for all the family
suzanne gibson says
The members of the VFW Auxiliary 1162 in Plymouth are sadden to hear of Jack’s passing what a wonderful amazing man he was he will not be forgotten for all his good work God bless his family and many friends
our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of great sorrow
Suzanne Gibson
VFW Auxiliary 1162
Mary Lee Rudd says
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of your husband and father. I’ve known the family for a lot
of years and I , along with many others , will feel the loss for a long time. RIP Jack.
Kelly Mason says
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Ann Kershner says
Oliver Family,
May your hearts and souls find comfort and peace.
Sandi Scalf Riemer says
I am so sorry that Jack has passed. I always thought of him as my second dad when Jennifer and I were at ISU together. He was such a kind, caring and wonderful man. Always willing to help us poor college kids out when we needed something. Heaven has indeed gained a angel.
All my love and prayers!
Shirley Douglass says
sorry for your loss he was a good man will miss seeing him at the dealer ship
Julie a debuysser says
My life has been better because Jack was a part of it. He was a true friend.
Julie DeBuysser
Notre Dame Football
Rona Michels says
Mr. Oliver was such a kind soul, he will be missed incredibly so. Wishing your family all the love and support possible.
Shirley Kurtzhals says
Oliver Family, I remember Jack when he visited his Sister Judy while we were in College at St. Francis, Fort Wayne. He was always a happy boy back then. At that time the dealorship was owned by Big John. I loved driving through Plymouth back in the day from St. Francis to my home in Michigan City. I am so happy to know that a 3rd generation is in charge at Oliver Ford. My best to all the family, condolences and prayers. Shirley(Beaver) Kurtzhals.
Fred funk says
sorry for your loss. God bless Kathy and Fred funk
Rick & Marty Derf says
My condolences to the family. Happy Jack was a solid fixture in the Plymouth community throughout his lifetime. I knew his parents and the Oliver family was so kind and wonderful. I thought the world of Jack both personally and in business. He brought honor to his profession and to his loving family.
God bless you all at this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Pam Hendon says
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. Jack was always a kind and welcoming presence when i would come to Oliver Ford. You could feel the family atmosphere. And I am a member of the Disabled American Veterans and Jack ALWAYS generously supported any fund raiser we would have to support our veterans. He will be missed by our whole community.
Hope King says
To the Oliver family,
I am so sorry for your loss, I got to know Jack from his daily lunch runs at Martin’s and then while doing business with him with my first car. He always made my day even if I was not having a very good one. He had a way of just lighting up a place.
I know the sorrow and shock you are going through. I loss my Aunt to Covid in march the same way. She started not feeling right then pretty much 36 hrs later she was rushed to Indy and died the next morning.
I am glad to know you also know and love God. I don’t know how we could handle it without him.
Much love and prayers!
Vicky S Winterrowd says
Michael and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and extended family (the employees of Oliver Ford) we have been customers of Oliver Ford…for years and had the pleasure meeting many people there from John to his son,daughter,to their wonderful staff…he was so proud of his family and they were of him,whenever he walked in the Dealership he always greeted you with that smile,and it carried on to his son John…he also works with his heart…
We know this is hardbut know how much he loved each and everyone of you and he will live within you..just look up he will be that shing star in the sky,the wind on your face,the rain on your cheek,but most of all the peace in your heart..
Bless you,
Michael and Vicky Winterrowd
Alpha Collins says
John was a great supporter of his community. A good man, who will be missed.
Deb Jessup says
I enjoyed working with Jack. He always brought a smile to my face. He was a true team player with Notre Dame.
John J Oliver says
Janna, our family is honored to join the community in offering our sincere condolences at the passing of Jack.
Jack was a brilliant entrepreneur. He built his ‘Happy Jack’ brand into the most recognizable and respected locally owned retail and service business in this area. His philanthropy touched virtually everyone in our community. His leadership and counsel was sought by countless policy makers and citizens alike. Simply put he was an icon whose legacy will enrich and inspire generations to come.
Jennifer, John and Jessica, your father and mother cultivated your own devotion to customer and community service. Your unprecedented support of the SJRMC Cancer Institute is a prime example of your shared values.
RIP Jack. You made a difference my friend.
John and Sarah Oliver and family
Plymouth.
Pat Appleson says
Jayne and I are still shocked to hear of Jack’s passing. We’ve been doing business with him for I guess 40 years. Never needed a contract, just a handshake over the phone. In my dealings with Car Dealers over the years, I’ve never met one that wasn’t fair & above board. Happy Jack Oliver is at the top of the list. And will be someone the others will have to measure up to. Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Oliver family. RIP Jack Oliver.
Patrick G. Appleson, KN4KWC, Pres
Pat Appleson Studios, Inc.
William Hilliard says
To the Oliver Family,
So very sorry for your loss. Jack was such a special influence on the Plymouth Community and he will be missed by so many. May God grant you all peace and comfort!
Bill & Shirley Hilliard
Plymouth, Indiana
Donna Palbykin says
Jana & family,
We were so saddened by the news of Jacks passing. May your love keep his memories alive.
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
Al & Donna Palbykin
Ron Bollman says
To the Oliver Family, I offer up this familiar prayer for Jack:
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen
It was my honor to have know Jack. May he now enter the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Ron Bollman
Phyllis Smith says
My late husband spent a lot of time in Jacks dealership. They shared a love of cars wheeling and dealing. Maybe they will get to do some more of it. My condolence to Jana and family
Connie Gibbs says
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs
Connie Gibbs says
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs
Diane C Kuskye says
To the entire Oliver family, sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Always had a smile on his face. Rest easy Jack . You’ll be missed. Prayers for the entire family.
jim and gloria Langman says
Jana , sorry to hear of your loss you have our condolences . Jim and Gloria Langman.
Starbuck , Minnesota
Tom & Gloria Franko says
Our deepest sympathy and prayerful thoughts to Jana & the family.
Jack was an exemplary citizen …an admired business man …a devoted family man.
May Our Lord wrap His Loving arms around the family.
Sincerely, Thomas & Gloria Franko
Jennie Powers says
Oliver Family. So very sorry for your loss of Jack. It was always a pleasure to talk to him in the dealership or wherever
we happened to meet up with him. He will definitely be missed. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Jack & Jennie Powers
Jim & Sally Scobey says
As a classmate and longtime friend, we wish to offer our sincere condolences to the entire Oliver family on the untimely passing of Jack. There is no doubt that he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Beverly Towle says
Jack will be missed by the Don and Bev Towle family. We had such great times. Jacks friendship was the real thing. So many stories have been told and remembered by the fellow golfers and card players and lots of laughter coming from those stories. so happy to have been acquainted with Jack and his family.
R Jeffrey Honzik says
RIP Jack
Happiness with Don and Larry in Heaven. We became friends when you took the Vice-Chair (1993) and Chairman of the 1994 United Way campaign. We had way too many good times Love ya man
All our sympathies
Jeff and Becky Honzik
Culver, IN
Michael and Vicky Winterrowd says
Michael and I would like to send the family our deepest sympathy… we know this is a hard time for you, but would like you to know, that we truly appreciate you sharing him with us. We had the pleasure of meeting him and sharing conversations when he was in the dealership.. always a kind and friendly man.
Being a nurse I know how this Covid affects lifes and is not only destroying the sick but the well being of others from the special bond that family has, to watching it take a life. May God always guide you and comfort your pain and know he will live in all of from his smile and thru his heartbeat.
Bless you,
Michael and Vicky Winterrowd,
Lakeville, Ind
Tom Padberg says
Jessica, John & Family: I unite with you all at this difficult time, but am confident along with you that your marvelous Dad is enjoying the Fruits of his life, labor and family. You are all a great witness to the community of Plymouth…and beyond. Be assured of my communion in prayer for you and Happy. Tom
Irma Elizondo says
Our condolences to all the family !! I love this man , he was a good man Urbano and I love him so much ,I will miss him so much every Sunday in church he was there every Sunday , he became my church buddy .
Irma Elizondo says
Our condolences to all the family !! I love this man , he was a good man Urbano and I love him so much ,I will miss him so much every Sunday in church he was there every Sunday , he became my church buddy .
Jeanine (Chase) Holderead Stephenson says
My sincere sympathy to Jana and the entire family. Losing a family member is very difficult. I was a classmate and friend of Jana at LaPaz.
My prayer for u Jana is continued strength for your recovery. Your family needs you especially after the loss of their father.
You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Jeanine (Chase) Holderead Stephenson