Jack Leroy Archer, 79, returned home to his Heavenly Father on November 3, 2014. His devotion to his family, passion for science, kindness to others, and belief in living a life based on Christian values ultimately brought him peace.
Jack was born to the late James and Lorraine Archer in Chicago, Illinois on December 18, 1934. His educational pursuits lead him to study mechanical engineering at USC; followed by chemistry, astro physics and systems engineering at The University of Illinois, Northwestern and UAH respectively.
His extensive graduate-level education and excitement for space exploration caught enough recognition for him to be extended an invitation to move to Huntsville, where he joined Wener Von Braun’s team of rocket scientists. Jack played an instrumental roll in the design and construction of the Saturn Five rocket booster, as well as many additional NASA and Boeing space and missile defense programs.
Jack was a kind-hearted, jovial person, who saw the good in everyone, and found joy, humor and beauty everywhere he looked. He was a peacemaker and modeled his life from the book of Matthew: “Turn the other cheek” was his motto in life. He had a kind, encouraging word and shoulder to lean on for all who crossed his path. He enjoyed sharing his passion for science, math, literature, science fiction writing, watching and participating in sports, playing piano, and telling jokes with his loved ones; and he was also an animal lover.
Jack is survived by his wife, Patricia Archer; his daughters Julie Zimmerman and Jaclyn Brisk, and stepson Mel Shanahan; grandchildren Steve, David and Caryn Zimmerman, and Sydney and Felicity Brisk; and great granddaughter Lucy Sheilds.
A viewing for Jack will be at Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Jud Reasons. He will be buried at Valley View Memorial Gardens in Meridianville at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Flowers and prayers will be appreciated by the family.