John S. "Jack" Fredricks, 91, passed away on January 21, 2021.
Jack was born on November 13, 1929 and raised in Salem as the fourth son of Harry E. and Bertha Schuh Fredricks. He and his wife, Jane lived many years in Elk Terrace, Quinton.
During his later years, he found home in the comfort of Merion Gardens Assisted Living, Carneys Point, surrounded by the care and love of its capable staff who became his friends. Jack was a three sport Varsity athlete all four years at Salem High School, Class of 1947. He played on the 1946 undefeated untied football team. He continued playing football while attending Charlotte Hall Military Academy and then served honorably in the US Army and Reserves. While stationed in Germany, he played on the undefeated 172nd Infantry Regiment Hunters football team winning the Division Crown. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Washington College where he was voted Zeta Tau Alpha sorority's Dream Boy. Later he completed graduate studies at Glassboro State College. He taught English at Salem Middle and High Schools until his retirement in 1988. There he coached basketball and football. Jack and his students shared a great affection for each other which continued throughout his lifetime. People were drawn to him because he had a sincere interest in the lives of all those he knew. He was a proud member of the American Legion and VFW for 68 years and always wore his Army baseball cap.
He also served on the Quinton Recreation Commission. Jack was a loyal sports fan with an encyclopedic of knowledge of the Eagles, Phillies and Notre Dame Teams. Jack loved to travel with Jane to Europe and the Caribbean, but his favorite destinations were Ocean City's beaches and Atlantic City's casinos and air shows. As a devout Catholic, he found great strength in his faith. His endearing personality and wonderful sense of humor brought laughter and joy to everyone. Jack believed laughter soothed the soul. He was famous for his funny halloween costumes, house parties and hosting family Thanksgiving dinners with Jane. He held special affection for the staff at Dr. John Amrien's medical office and at Salem Hospital's cardiac rehab department. He was a gracious and humble man.
In addition to his parents, Jack was predeceased by his brothers, Harry, Paul and Leo and his beloved wife of 50 years, Jane Adams Fredricks, who was the love of his life. To cherish his memory, he is survived by his devoted niece and her husband, Patricia and John Gibbs. He will be remembered by his nephews, Paul, Tom, John and Harry Fredricks and his nieces, Barbara Snyder, Mary Ihle, Caroll Alesso, Nancy Fredricks and Kathy Adams. He also is survived by his brother-in-law and good friend, Harry Adams. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be a private mass and interment. The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 369 Georgetown Rd., Carneys Point, NJ 08069.
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