Jack H. Kirkpatrick, 88, of Bryn Mawr, PA, retired business leader, wonderful father of three and devoted grandfather of six, died on Tuesday, April 1st, with his children by his side. Jack was born in Atlanta, the youngest of three children born to Robert J. Kirkpatrick, Jr. and Ellen Hastings Kirkpatrick. He moved to Chicago at a young age, and the family eventually settled in Wynnewood, Pa. Jack spent his high school summers lifeguarding in Long Beach Island, and he graduated from The Haverford School, where he played varsity football and wrestled for legendary coach Neil Buckley, including on the undefeated 1954 team.

Jack attended F&M College, where he earned a BA in History, played lacrosse, and attended Marine Basic School. Most importantly, he met his remarkable wife of 43 years, Barbara Althoff, during his time in Lancaster. They eloped before graduation in 1958 and moved back to the Philadelphia suburbs.

Jack's first job was with US Gypsum selling home-building materials. After a year, he pivoted and launched a 20-year career as a successful stockbroker. Initially, Jack moved the family to Boonton, NJ, and joined Merrill Lynch in New York City, but he was drawn back to Philadelphia, where he spent many years working for Smith Barney. He would remain captivated by stock investing for the rest of his days. In 1976, Jack and his long-time friend, John Davie, with the backing of CAWSL Corp, partnered to orchestrate the buyout of Sharp Corporation, a pharmaceutical packaging company in Conshohocken, PA. Jack and John led the Sharp Corporation to tremendous growth over a twenty-year span, and they retired together in 1996. Jack later consulted part-time on a number of buyouts and acquisitions under the banner of Hastings Capital.

In the early 80's, Jack pursued one of his real passions and took up flying single engine planes out of Wing's Field in Blue Bell, PA. He earned his instrument rating (IFR) and flew his Beechcraft up and down the East Coast. His favorite route took him to South Dartmouth, MA, where he treasured spending time with his family at their summer home in Salter's Point.

Jack was a competitor and always enjoyed being healthy and active. He loved playing tennis and golf, swimming in the ocean, bike riding, boating, and hiking. In the late 70s, he stepped in to fill a coaching void in Gladwyne peewee soccer, and his players fondly remember him as a bit of a drill sergeant that did not lack in enthusiasm or colorful phrases. He loved reading fiction and non-fiction and always had the latest Michael Connelly and James Lee Burke novels. In recent years, he scheduled his day around watching the Phillies and Villanova Basketball.

Above all else, Jack loved spending time with his family and friends, either playing a sport or watching one. In his later years, "Bubba" could often be found on the sidelines of his grandchildren's games. At his core, Jack was caring, determined, prudent, fiercely loyal, and always embraced good humor. Throughout his life, he consistently shared the latest jokes with his friends and family and kept those around him on their toes until the very end with his unique charm and formidable wit.

Jack is survived by his loving children, Kellie H. Kirkpatrick, Kathleen K. Finkenstaedt (Edward), and Jack H. Kirkpatrick, Jr. (Leelee), his adored grandchildren Samuel Finkenstaedt, Jane Finkenstaedt, Andrew Finkenstaedt, Elliott Kirkpatrick, Jack Kirkpatrick III, and Nina Kirkpatrick, and his long-time companion and friend, Connie Carlson.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service on Friday May 30th, 10 AM at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 226 Righters Mill Rd, Gladwyne, PA 19035. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.