Jack Haines

Loyal, creative, and fun, Jack Haines lived a life rich in family and good times. Jack was curious and enjoyed learning and growing. He was always exploring new subjects and expanding his knowledge of his favorite interests. Jack’s dedication to his family, friends, work, and country was always evident to those who knew him best. As was his incredible sense of humor, which inspired much laughter throughout his lifetime and many fond memories. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Jack will be long remembered and dearly missed.

1947 proved a year of continued celebration of the nation's momentous victory in World War II. America's heroes eagerly returned home to a country filled with renewed spirit and hope, ready to claim their share of the American Dream, which they fought so proudly for overseas. As American prosperity grew like never before in our history, hope sprang eternal, and the Greatest Generation soon proliferated, giving rise to the Baby Boomers. Nowhere was there more hope than in the hearts and home of Harlo and Jennie (Handricks) Haines as they welcomed their son Jack on June 2 in Albion, Michigan.

Jack grew up in Albion in the family home, which was behind the car dealership that his parents owned. An active kid, Jack loved playing baseball, fishing, and raising hell. Along with his brother and sister, Jack’s grandparents lived with the family, and after church, the entire family would spend time together. A proud Eagle Scout, Jack graduated from Albion High School in 1965.

While studying for his business marketing degree at Western Michigan University, Jack could often be found following his future wife, Bonnie, around campus. Wherever she went, he was standing there, smoking.

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1970, Jack began his career. Over the years, he held various sales positions and enjoyed being his own boss, particularly as an entrepreneur. Whether golfing, fishing, writing poetry, or exploring genealogy, Jack loved learning new things and challenging himself. For many years, Jack was an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, a patriotic organization that honors Revolutionary War ancestors and promotes American history and values. He also participated in the Order of the Founders Patriots of America (OFPA), Sons of American Revolution (SAR), and Sons of the Revolution (SR). OFPA being the most important and hardest to get into, they are a non-profit, hereditary organization based in the United States, dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving the historical records of the first colonists and their descendants. There are only 868 members in the country including Jack, Derek, little Jack, and Elijah. The Order is made up of Associates who trace their ancestry back to colonists who settled in the early 1600’s, and who also have ancestors in the same male ancestral line who served in the American Revolution.

Without a doubt, Jack’s greatest joy was his family. He and Bonnie married in 1971 and enjoyed raising their children, Derek and Meredith. As a testament of their love to each other Bonnie donated a kidney to Jack in January of 2001, Jack would joke that they had met at a family reunion. As their family grew, Jack was thrilled to become a grandfather. He loved his grandchildren and cherished every moment he spent with them, especially when they shared a wonderful meal he made. He loved to cook and smoke meat, and was especially known for his smoked brisket and homemade pizza. In addition to the great meals he cooked, Jack was also fun and a skilled debater; he could debate on any topic.

As we celebrate Jack’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we gather for a family meal, cast our lines in local waters, hit the golf course, explore history or genealogy, and share a hearty laugh, we keep Jack’s memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Jack Haines of Portage, age 78, died on June 18, 2025. Jack was born June 2, 1947, in Albion, MI, to Harlo and Jennie (Handricks) Haines, who preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife, Bonnie; children, Derek (Chonthicha) Haines and Meredith (Rob) Laburn; grandchildren, Jack, Hannah, Elijah, Lily, and Nora; siblings, Harlo (Ellen) Haines and Patricia (John) Spears; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Service on Saturday, June 21, at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center, where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Jack’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Donor Outreach for Veterans.