Jack W. Boston, 88 of Martins Ferry, OH died Saturday, January 21, 2017 surrounded by his family at Forest Hill Nursing Home, St. Clairsville, OH. He was born February 8, 1928 in Shadyside, OH a son of the late Eugene and Arlie (Shipman) Boston.
Jack grew up in Shadyside, one of four children. As a child he found his passion for sports and his love for the Cleveland Indians.
Upon his graduation from high school in 1945 he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and then served four years in the Navy.
When he returned he moved to West Liberty where he met his wife Eleanor while attending the University and obtaining his Bachelors Degree. Jack went on to further his education and received his Masters Degree from WVU. He and his wife moved to Martins Ferry where he began his teaching career. Jack was a teacher for 12 years and a Principal for 20 years in the Martins Ferry City School District. He was also head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach.
Jack was a member of the First Christian Church, Martins Ferry, the Martins Ferry Eagles and the Martins Ferry Booster Club where he was a voice for the Purple Riders for 30 years.
He loved people and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, but most of all a man of God whom everyone loved.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Eleanor J. (Mozingo) Boston, brother, Bill Boston and sister, Evelyn Kreiter.
Jack known by most as “Pap” is survived by his daughter, Janet Galiffa of Martins Ferry, granddaughters, Benee Marinacci and Dior (Tom) Kennedy all of Bridgeport, OH, great grandchildren, Gianna, Talia and Mya Marinacci and Tucker Kennedy, sister, Sally Bickmeier, sister-in-law, Delores McClure and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends will be received Tuesday 4- 8 pm at the Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH where services will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 11:00 am with Minister Rod Kasler officiating. Entombment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Grove, OH.
Military services will be conducted by the Belmont County Veteran’s Association at the cemetery.
The family would like to extend their sincere thank you to Monty Marmie, Emmie Giffin and the staff of Forest Hill.