Jack Gould

Jack was born and raised on the south side of Chicago as the only child of Benjamin and Mildred Gould. During WWII he served in the Navy as a member of Admiral Halsey's third fleet in the South Pacific. His tour during the war took him to Noumea, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. Two of the vessels on which he was deployed were torpedoed and he received the Purple Heart. His wartime experience had a profound effect on the rest of his life. After the war he was stationed in California where he met his life long companion Virginia (Eddings) who would be his best friend for over 61 years. They were married January 27, 1945 at St. Agnes here in Springfield. Jack and Virginia were blessed with six children. Their eldest son John tragically passed away in 1976. He is survived by daughter Suzanne of Sacramento, CA, daughter-in-law Sue Lockridge of Lamar, MO, and Sons; Thomas of Rogersville, Patrick of Rogersville, Anthony and wife Mary Ann of Montgomery AL, and Matthew and wife Terry of Rogersville. His 14 grandchildren include; Gretchen Dickey, Phillip Gould, Johnna Williams, John Lewis DeMott, Marcianne DeMott, Rebekah DeMott, Katherine Gould, Paul Gould, Jim Gould, Andrew Gould, Adam Gould, Maya Gould, Samantha Henderson, Angie Henderson, and 9 great grandchildren.

For 20 years he worked performing watch and jewelry repair at Zales on the Square. Later he spent 17 years working at Skaggs drug store from which he retired in 1985. Jack and his Virginia spent the next twenty years serving family, friends, community, and church. He was a member of the Elks Club and Knights of Columbus. He loved traveling, reading, and no one enjoyed dancing more than Jack. However, he will best be remembered as one who loved to talk and share experiences with all those he met.

Jack will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His outgoing personality and warm heart created countless memories for all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will start at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.with Fr. Charles M. Pham Duc Sinh celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in Resurrection Cemetery under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. Online condolences can be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul or any other Catholic Charity.