John "Jack" Lee Ripper

John L Ripper, better known as Jack, son of Florence and Clarence, passed away at the age 87 on March 9, 2023. Jack grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, with his older sister Dore (pre-deceased). He ran track in high school and enjoyed hunting with his father. Jack graduated from Michigan State University and then moved to Livonia with his wife Janet. He worked for Kroger Foods for fifteen years and then began working for several printing companies before starting his own, Jack Ripper and Associates, in 1975. Through hard work and determination, JRA would become one of the largest distributors of banners in the United States. Once Jack’s three sons starting working for the business, he semi-retired to enjoy life at his cottage on Mullett Lake. Jack and Janet also found time to spend several weeks at their favorite resort on Sanibel Island, FL. Janet passed away from cancer in 2002, and in 2005, Jack married his new love, Cathy. They enjoyed seventeen years of marriage.

Jack created the Janet Lynn Ripper Medical Oncology Fund in 2002, giving money to cancer patients struggling financially to meet their cancer needs.
This fund, through Karmanos Cancer is still assisting patients. Jack is survived by his devoted wife Cathy, sons John (Lesley), David (Kim) and Dan (Alison). Grandkids, Lauren (Kevin), Eric, Dean, Sean, Mitchell, Daniel (Jillian) and Julia (Willie). Great grandkids, Haley, Ethan, Jaxon, Aria, Lola and Harlin. Step sons, Jeff (Donna) and Jim (Andrea). Step Grandkids, Sean (Megan), Marc, Caitlin, Caroline, Tyler, Madison, Elizabeth and Andrew. Step Grandkids, Luke, Madeline and Wyatt.

Memorial Visitation will be held at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home in Farmington Hills, Michigan on Thursday, March 16th, between 4pm and 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Janet Lynn Ripper Medical Oncology Fund or Wounded Warriors Project (links below).

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