Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Bartholomew, Jack August 16, 2021 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patricia Currigan currigan1932@comcast.net September 9, 2022, 9:40 am Ionia Shopper's Guide Sat. August 21, 2021 Jack Bartholomew Jack Bartholomew, beloved husband, patriarch, evangelical pastor, gentleman and cowboy lived each day with courage. Jack took that last dance with his sweetheart of 65 years to the music of E.Tubbs'"Waltz Across Texas" before he quietly stepped into paradise August 16th. He wa 88 years ofd. Jack was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Climax-Scotts High School in June of 1951. Almost immediately after his graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS SARSFIELD (EDD837). He was awarded the National Defense Service medal and the Good Conduct Medal. When Jack returned to civilian life he was employed by the Battle Creek Fire Department. He was the 5th generation firefighter in his family. Jack lassoed his "favorite girl" Mildred and they were married in June of 1956 at the Scott United Methodist Church in Scotts, Michigan. Jack and Millie built their home, Rockin' B Ranch, on farmland in Scotts where they raised four children for many years; Scot (Susan) Bartholomew of Allen, Texas; Tim (Beth) Bartholomew of Houston, Texas; Nancy (Ridge) Seitz of Reese, Michigan; Carla (Chris) Jackson of Saranac, Michigan. Jack graduated from West Michigan University in 1974 He then hung up his spurs to attend Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky from 1974 until his graduation in 1978. As Pastor, Jack served in several United Methodist churches before retiring in 1995 and moving to Ionia, Michigan. During retirement he studied woodcarving for several years and created many stunning carved treasures. Although retired from the church he never stopped riding for the rand; he was forever fervent in his faith and ministry. Storyteller extraordinaire, Jack shared his love of cowboy lore and adventure with tales, poetry, jokes and exquisite stories from his own life's Adventures. Genuine in every way, Jack lived deliberately and often referred to the 10 Cowboy Ethics by James P.Owen. Jack lived that way near as a man could. He was so very proud and passionate for his grandchildren and their little buckaroos; Casey (Chris) Minette, Parker and Frankie; Chris (Kay) Bartholomew; and babies; Katie Allbaugh; Ethan Lee; Travis Bartholomew;Jake Bartholomew; Joran (Brooke) Seitz, Archer, August, Atlas and baby;Danielle (Andrew) Rupp, Colt and Forest; Chris (Rona) Jackson, Aidan, Destiny and Paul; Boone Jackson; Levi Jackson; Aubrey Jackson. He shared so many words of wisdom. and as he left this rodeo he still shared who he was; Joyful. Strong. Confident. Wise. Healed. Forgiven. Cowboy. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Starfysh. https://starfysh.org 6757 Cascade Rd.S.E.#207, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Arrangements in care of Lake Funeral Homes of Ionia. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/b/bartholo43882nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 3.5 Kb