John Hemming

TRAVERSE CITY — It has been said that it is easy to make a promise; it's a lot harder to make a difference. Jack Hemming made a difference.Jack died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Feb. 11, 2012, at the age of 84 years. He was born John Hemming on Oct. 12, 1927, in Traverse City, to Charles Gerald and Ester (Olson) Hemming, both of whom came to Traverse City in the 1890s. One of four children, Jack lived most of his life in this area. He graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1945 and matriculated at Central Michigan College of Education. While in high school, Jack earned considerable notoriety as a football star and with his baseball prowess. In fact, he signed an early agreement with the Boston Red Sox baseball farm system, but was unable to play due to an injury. After graduating from Central, he taught history and coached basketball in Harbor Springs. He became interested in farming and owned cherry orchards on the Old Mission Peninsula throughout most of his life. He was also very involved in harness racing, raising some very successful pacers and winning purses in several states and Canada. He also had a lifelong passion for hunting and raising Basset hounds. For many years, he was a partner in Walters and Hemming, a local mechanical contracting firm founded by his father. He also served as president of the Northern Michigan Fair and Racing Association and was a longtime Vice President at the Northwest Michigan Fair Association. He was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of land where the fairground is currently located. He was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and later joined Family of Faith Lutheran Church.Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; his daughter, Eunice (Haas); and his beloved granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Hemming.He is survived by his bride of 60 years, Virginia (Camfield) Hemming. He is also survived by his remaining three children and their families, Jed and Dawn (Schmitz) Hemming and their daughter, Lisa; John and Elizabeth (Forfinski) Hemming and their daughter, Sophia; Sara and Bryant Bachelor and their son, Spencer. His daughter, Eunice Brown Haas, is survived by her children, Stephan, Katherine, Virginia and James. There are also several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Jack's life was defined by his long service to the Traverse City Community, loyalty to friends and associates, his love of family and many accomplishments which earned him affection and esteem. This is a rare combination that is valued highly by all who knew him. He will be missed. Anyone wishing to join his family in celebrating his life is invited to do so. A memorial service is being held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Daniel LeCouteur officiating. A luncheon will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. following the memorial service at the American Legion Post 399, 4007 Swaney Road, Old Mission, MI. Cremation has taken place, and a marker will be placed at the Bohemian Cemetery on the Old Mission Peninsula.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the American Legion Post 399 or Family of Faith Lutheran Church. Please share thoughts and stories with the family at Jack's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

John Hemming

October 12, 1927