Obituary: Jack Wood, 83, of Hesperia

November 22, 2023

Jack Wood

Obituary: Jack Wood, 83, of Hesperia

Jack Ernest Wood, 83, of Hesperia, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023, at his home. He was born November 10, 1940, in Muskegon, the son of Donald and Elizabeth (Peterson) Wood.

Jack was a loving, caring, and selfless man. He had a special charm about him that could bring joy to anyone, even in times where Jack himself was going through tough times. He was just that kind of man, able to talk with anyone, anywhere, about anything; he was never afraid to build connections with strangers, even just for conversation and fun.

Jack was born into a motorcycle family. His mother and father each had their own Harley Davidson motorcycles, and his mother’s specifically had a side car for the children. Jack was an avid motorcycle rider and enthusiast from age 5 to age 77! He and his wife, Cyndie, rode numerous miles every year. Jack was able to travel to almost every state in the continental U.S., and rode to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally an amazing 22 times in his lifetime. Jack and his son, Jack Danley Wood, even rode to the 75th Anniversary of Sturgis together in 2015. He loved his time spent at Sturgis, and at local bike rallies such as Muskegon Bike Time; he absolutely loved watching all of the people and talking with fellow bikers.

In 1994, Jack and Cyndie moved to the St Huberts community in Hesperia. Over the years they engrained themselves as close friends and family with their local neighbors. Their family is eternally grateful for the friendships they have grown and nurtured with their friends and neighbors on St Huberts Trail.

Jack’s quality work ethic was important to him. He was employed at S.D. Warren (SAPPI) Paper Mill in Muskegon, and retired with 42 years of service. In his time at S.D. Warren, he built many friendships, and continued to keep in touch with old friends. The family wishes to acknowledge these friendships that he built, and express his gratitude for them.

Following his retirement, Jack went to work as a school bus driver for Hesperia Community Schools. Driving the children on the bus quickly became a special part of his life. He really looked forward to seeing the children and bringing joy them; almost as much as they brought joy to him.

On November 1, 1969, Jack married Cyndie (Mohr) Wood, and they just celebrated their 54th anniversary. Cyndie is left to survive him, along with their children, Kristopher (Janine) Wood and Jack Danley (Tee) Wood; his brothers, Jim Wood of Muskegon, and Randy (Vicki) Wood of Flat Rock, North Carolina; and special friends, Mike and Marge Fraser of White Cloud, and Russ and Jean Wierenga of Allendale.

Jack was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Jeffrey Wood; sister, Sandy Braush; and sister-in-law, Lynn Wood.

A celebration gathering will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, starting at 1 p.m. until 4ish, at Jack’s youngest son’s home, 950 MeadowBrook Rd., White Cloud.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Health Johnson Family Cancer Center, 1440 East Sherman Blvd #300, Muskegon, MI 49444.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.