Jack Bishop
September 28, 2015
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Service Details
Jack Bishop, 83, was born January 24, 1932 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Clair and Dorothy (Snyder) Bishop. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, September 28, 2015 at Taylor Hospice House.
Jack lived in rural Polk County and graduated from Runnells Consolidated High School in 1950. He spent one year working at Convair Aircraft in San Diego, California. Jack then entered the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952 where he was stationed in Argenita, Newfoundland at an air sea reservation. He was honorably discharged as a Second Class Petty Officer in 1955. After his discharge, Jack worked as a welder for Ford Motor Company for 20 years. When the Des Moines plant closed, he sold real estate for Stanbrough Realty for 2 years.
In 1974, he was elected to the Polk County Board of Supervisors and was the longest running Polk County Supervisor in the history of Iowa, holding that position for 28 years before retiring. Jack played a major role in the forming of Polk County Rural Water District. He was also involved with the construction and development of Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino where he served on the Board of Directors for 7 years, and interim CEO for 1 year.
Above all else, Jack’s most treasured title he ever held throughout his entire life was being “Grandfather” to his loving grandchildren, Zachary and Jessica.
Jack’s memory and legacy will be carried on by his beloved daughter, Diana (David) Ewing of Altoona; his grandchildren, Zachary Ewing of Ankeny and Jessica Ewing of Iowa City; his sisters, Jeannine (Stanley) Deaton of Des Moines and Janice (Don) DeBoef of Oskaloosa; sister-in-law, Alice Bishop of Oak Hurst, California; six step-children; numerous nieces and nephews; longtime companion, Betty Sloan of Runnells; as well as other loving relatives and many special friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Bishop and his brother, Jerry Bishop.
The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th St. SW. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Powers-Warren Cemetery where military rites will be rendered.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Special Olympics of Iowa.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don and Mari Johnson
10/05/2015
Diana, our family offers our deepest condolences. We just were not able to attend visitation or services for your Dad due to mobility problems. We have so many fond memories of Jack and Marlene as neighbors and then Jack as Don's breakfast buddy. Don especially wanted to catch up on your beautiful children - almost grown ups now. Anyway, our hearts are very heavy.
Michael and Dorothy Mauro
10/01/2015
We are out of town and unable to attend Jack's services. We want to express our sorrow in the passing of Jack. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Scott and Dawn (Dowell) Foster
10/01/2015
Diana, my sister and dear sweet friend ~ I am SO very sorry for your loss. The "another Mister" will be greatly missed by all, especially you. Allow yourself to grieve; but do not allow the spirit of sorrow to overtake you. It will only keep you from being the blessing that God has called you to be. Be strong in the Lord and power of His might. Love you and we are praying for you. Scott and Dawn
Mary Maloney
09/30/2015
I was proud to call Jack a colleague in service to the citizens of Polk County. He leaves a large legacy. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Roger and Bonnie Stuart
09/30/2015
So sorry to hear about Jack. He was a good man and made a great difference in our lives!
Alan Merschman
09/30/2015
Diana,
Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. In Christ. Alan
Michelle Weigel
09/30/2015
So sorry to hear of this. Jack was always so good to me, treated me like family. Loved chatting with him about how proud he was of his grandkids and all their accomplishments, loved them so much. Enjoyed hearing the latest on his St. Louis Cardinals. I will really miss him and our talks about life. Just an amazing guy. Thoughts with you.
Jo Ellen Whitney
09/30/2015
I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Jack. He was a remarkable man with a deep commitment to both those he served in the community and his family. I have incredibly fond memories of him from my childhood and his willingness to explain anything about animals, horses and all the rest. He will be missed. My families thoughts and prayers are with you.