John "Jack" Willard Mirick

John “Jack” Willard Mirick was born on November 15, 1932, in South Chatham, New Hampshire, to John H. Mirick and Elizabeth S. Mirick. He spent much of his childhood in Simsbury, Connecticut. His years of military service took him across the country and around the world before he and his family settled in South Carolina. Jack passed away on March 9, 2026.

While attending pilot training in Greenville, Mississippi, Jack met Ann Curtis at Church Training. They married and shared 66 years together, raising a family and serving the Lord with steadfast devotion. Jack entered the United States Air Force in 1954, was commissioned as an officer, and served as both a navigator and pilot with the 41st Military Airlift Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base. During his tour in Vietnam, he flew demanding missions that included coordinating helicopter rescues and refueling operations. For his skill and courage in safely escorting two damaged helicopters back to their ship, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired in 1974 as a Lieutenant Colonel after twenty years of service.

In his second career, Jack taught middle school mathematics for seventeen years. He was known for generously giving his time, often tutoring students before school, during lunch, and after school. A devoted follower of Jesus, he served faithfully at Summerville Baptist Church for many years in numerous roles, including RA leader, audio team member, Church Training Director, greeter, and deacon. In recognition of his decades of humble service, the church named him a “Deacon for Life.” For more than forty years he greeted worshippers at the church doors each week, later sharing that ministry with his wife, Ann. To many, he was the hands and feet of Jesus.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Ann C. Mirick of Summerville; his children Nina Moede (Chuck), Elizabeth Mirick, Anita Gabriel (Darien), and Judy Mirick; his grandchildren Karen Burnette (John), Melissa Moede, Kelsi Templeton (Ethan), Samantha Dickert (Codie), Jennifer Chears (Jonathon), and Emma McConnell (Matthew); and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings, Barbara Mapes of Florida and Paul Mirick of Virginia. His life was marked by quiet faithfulness—to his country, his students, his church, his family, and his Lord.