He graduated from Altoona (PA) High School in 1939, and Mercersburg Academy in 1941 and entered the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 1941. His college life was interrupted by World War II, and he enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Lloyd, until he was released to inactive duty in 1946. Upon returning home he finished his college course of studies in 1947 at the University of Pennsylvania with a BS degree in Economics.
His working life was spent in retail with Sears Roebuck and Company and he moved with his family 10 times to various communities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. He held many positions with Sears, and was the Store Manager in 4 different stores, the last of which was the Sears store at the “old” Salisbury Mall from its opening in 1968 to his retirement in 1979.
When he retired, he made the decision to stay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He enjoyed everything nautical, and spent hours on his boat cruising the Wicomico River and the Chesapeake Bay. Many winters were spent in Jensen Beach, FL, with friends and family. And there was nothing that he enjoyed more than spending time with his grandchildren and then later, his great-grandchildren. They brought him such joy and he was immensely proud of each of them.
During the years he lived and worked in Salisbury he was active in many community groups. He was the 1st President of the Salisbury Mall Associates, a Life Member and Past Commander of the Salisbury Power Squadron, a Past Member of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Delmarva YMCA, a Past Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Salisbury, a Past Member of the Retail Advisory Board for Wor-Wic Tech Community College, and a Past President and Past General Fund Chairman of the Wicomico County United Way. He was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and a former member of the Vestry.
Jack is survived by his wife of 68 years, Willena (Bobbie) Henry Cragg. They met in 1947 in the Allentown PA Sears store where she was working in the Personnel Department and he was in the management training program. They were married in February 1949.
He is also survived by his four daughters, Dara Hanna (Henry), Cathy Breuer (Jim), Patty Reed (Richard) and Connie Crim (Roy). He also leaves to cherish his memory, his 5 grandchildren: Andy Breuer (Amy), Connie Breuer Palleria (Rob), Charlie Breuer (Lauren), Cal Crim and Trish Crim, as well as 6 great-grandchildren: Max Breuer, RJ Palleria, Jack Palleria, Willena Breuer, Lily Bea Crim, and Parker Cragg Breuer. He also will be missed by his 16 nieces and nephews who were an important part of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Emily Margaret Cragg in 1939, his brother Charles Frederick Cragg Jr. who was killed in action during WWII in Europe in 1945, and his sister Lillian Beatrice Graham in 2005.
A funeral service will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury, MD, the Rev. David N. Michaud, officiant. Friends and family may visit 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 115 St. Peter’s Street, Salisbury, MD 21801.
