John Jacob Beck Jr.

John Jacob Beck Jr. passed away on April 12, 2021, at his home in Petersburg Michigan. He died of heart failure at the age of 79. He was born in Monroe, Michigan, on November 10, 1941. John graduated from Summerfield High School in 1959, Adrian College, and an M.A. in History from Toledo University. He attended several summer sessions at Harvard and U of M. John retired from teaching at Bowsher H.S. in Toledo after more than 25 years. He enjoyed traveling, spending one month each year in Paris (his favorite city).

He became a voracious collector of fine books, art, and assorted antiques. He loved music and was an accomplished saxophonist. He was a member of the St. James Fitness Club in Toledo, OH, and swam daily. John was also an author and published the Hickman Award-Winning Book, “MacArthur and Wainwright- Sacrifice of the Philippines-“.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and John Beck Sr. He was very dedicated to their health and wellbeing in their later years. He is survived by his sister Janel Humphrey and her husband Herb of Atlanta, GA. Nephews Brent, Blake, and Jacob and their wives, Maria, Heather, and Krystle. Grandnieces Amelia and Eleanor and grandnephew, Hayden.

John’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, his Petersburg neighbors and his friend Jim Cobak.

They ask that any donations in his name go to the Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department.