Ohio – Jack Douglas Starcher passed away peacefully on January 8, 2015 after a prolonged illness. The son of Lakey & Grace Starcher, Jack was born on June 12, 1930, in Widen, West Virginia. He graduated in 1948, from Widen High School. On June 20, 1956 he married the love of his life and wife of fifty seven years, Claudia Jean (Ashley) Starcher.
Following high school, Jack faithfully served his country as a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. Jack received The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. Jack’s Air Force career took him (and his family) to Germany, England, Georgia, and Florida, before Jack and Claudia made their home in Fairborn, Ohio, where they raised their family. After his retirement from the Air Force, Jack was employed by Sears, Roebuck & Co until he retired again.
In the summer of 2014, Jack was thrilled to receive a pin for his fifty year membership as a Mason during a ceremony held at his home. He was a member of the Strange Creek, WV Lodge. Jack was well known for his love of God, his country, his family and his friends. He and Claudia were members of Maple Heights Baptist Church in Fairborn. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and fishing with his family and friends. His dry sense of humor and storytelling was a delight to all who knew and loved him.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claudia; their son Stephen “Doug” Starcher; his loving brother Dan and Jack’s parents, Lakey & Grace Starcher.
He leaves behind to grieve; his sister Marion Wood, his son, Roger and his life partner Jim Scarpino, of Smithville, Missouri; his daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Rod Gough of New Carlisle, Ohio; his grandchildren, Aaron and Hannah Gough, Jessi Gough, Gracie Gough, Cody and Shelby Starcher, Colin Starcher, five great-grandchildren and his little faithful poodle companion Kalli, who will miss not only his never-ending love, but his “Oops, I dropped that on accident!” occurrences from the kitchen table.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday January 14, 2015 at Burcham Jennings Funeral Home, 119 E Main St, Fairborn, Ohio. Masonic Honors at 5:45 p.m. with services following with Pastor Chris Tannereuther officiating.
Graveside Services will be held at noon Friday, January 16, 2015 at Walnut Grove, Strange Creek, WV. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
4 Paws For Ability
253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385
email: karen4paws@aol.com
Phone: (937) 768-9098
