In Memory
Paul Jack Marsh
May 26, 1932-October 27, 2025
Paul Jack Marsh, age 93, passed away on Monday, October 27 surrounded by his loving wife of 70 years, Susan, their children, several grand-children, and a great-grandchild.
Jack was born in South Bend on May 26, 1932, to the late Paul W. Marsh and the late Helen (Cover) Marsh. His sister, Juanita (Marsh) Harlan, also proceeded him in death.
Jack and Sue were Adams High School sweethearts and were married in 1955 at the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend. They had three children who survive, Valerie (Paul) Vessely, Doug (Pam) Marsh, and Amy (Jim) Rice and eight grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, David, Jonathan, Adam, Alex, Lauren, and Whitney, and eight great-grandchildren.
After serving his country for two years during the Korean War at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Jack worked as an engineering technician at Bendix (later Allied Signal) for 40 years. He worked in, and for the last several years of his career, led the Engineering Lab that tested wheels, brakes, and landing gear assemblies for a multitude of military and commercial aircraft, from the massive C5-A to the Boeing 747 and 777. He also worked on the landing system for the Apollo program’s Eagle moon lander.
Jack was uniquely gifted with mechanical skills. He designed and co-built the family’s house that was “home” for 55 years. To his family, neighbors, and friends, Jack had the ability to fix anything. He had a huge heart, eager to use his skills to help anyone in need.
His passions were many, starting with a deep love of his family. Family ALWAYS came first for Jack. He taught his children and grandchildren an incalculable number of lessons and skills, from fishing and flying model airplanes, to woodworking and how to achieve an exquisite lawn. Most of all, he taught them integrity. He lived his life with a sincere but direct sense of curiosity, openness, and respect for the truth that molded his children and influenced countless others. Jack was a courageous man, never afraid to speak up for what was right, even if his was the only voice. He was a gentle, caring patriarch of the family that he and Sue began- he will be deeply missed by them.
Jack’s family is very grateful for the tender care he received from the terrific nursing staff and physicians at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, especially the nurses on the Progressive Care Unit.
Friends and family are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, November 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the McGann Hay University Chapel, 2313 Edison Road, South Bend. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held immediately following the visitation at 2:00. His cremated remains will be interned at a private graveside service at Southlawn Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers and plants, the family asks that contributions be made to the National Free Flight Society Scholarship Fund (https://www.freeflight.org/product/make-a-donation/) that provides college scholarships to students who are active in model aviation, specifically Free Flight, as Jack understood the importance of education as he was himself was an enthusiastic lifelong learner.
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