John Thomas (Jack) Almond, 87, of Sarasota, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 1, 2024 in Sarasota. He valiantly fought an acute illness.
Jack was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Earl H. Almond and Doris B. (James) Almond on March 12, 1936. He graduated in 1954 from Danville High School in Indiana, attended two years at Butler University on a football scholarship and then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served active duty for three years.
Jack was self-employed and Owner/President of Almond Oil Company in Danville, Indiana. Once he sold the business, he worked for Kennedy Tank and Equipment Company in Indianapolis, Indiana where he was General Manager of Kennedy Equipment Company upon retirement. Once relocated to Sarasota he was in customer service for Publix Supermarkets.
In Indiana Jack was honored as a 50-year member of the Western Star Masonic Lodge and was a member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite. He was a member and past president of Phi Delta Kappa, served on the Danville Town Board for 12 years, was the police commissioner, and was a member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church Vestry.
Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret (Peg) Almond of Sarasota, daughters Kay (Bob) Zeitlin, Tallahassee, and Kara (David) Bumgarner of Sarasota. Jack had four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a goddaughter born on his birthday. He was beloved by his extended family and is preceded in death by his parents.
Jack was a friend and counselor to many. Those who knew him continue to espouse his "Almondisms" which were shared on the back patio usually enjoying a cold beverage. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, and competitive tennis player and avid bridge player. Jack had a huge heart and will be missed by many. His was a life well lived.
Graveside services will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery with the date and time still to be determined. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Sarasota or the Sarasota National Cemetery.
Family and friends will meet around 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2024 at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 for a 10:00 a.m. funeral service with full military honors.
Tributes
Susie Dinse wrote on Feb 11, 2024:
"To Peg and the girls, it was such a pleasure to be able to meet and talk with Jack over the past 6 years. He was a very caring and kind man and love you Peg very much. I am sorry for your loss, he's in a much better place nowt and not in pain anymore. One day we'll all get to see him again and more great conversations together!! Everyone is in my thoughts, prayers, hugs, love and kisses and stay strong!??????"
Angie J wrote on Feb 6, 2024:
"Kara, I am so sorry for your loss, you were very blessed to have him in your life for so long, I lost my dad when I was 11, 56 years ago, still miss him everyday, sending my love to all of you."
Jeff Hamilton wrote on Feb 5, 2024:
"Jack was a wonderful brother-in-law for 62 years who cared and helped me all his life. I feel blessed to have had him in my life. He will always be remembered as a loving man."
Rick Helm wrote on Feb 5, 2024:
"Jack was a good friend, Brother Mason, fisherman of much knowledge, and a good man. I will miss him. Condolences to Peg, Kay, and Kara.
Rick Helm"
Maureen Belanger wrote on Feb 5, 2024:
"It was a pleasure to have known Jack th here last few years. May he rest in peace
"