John 'Jack' Thomas Firmin's Obituary
John “Jack” Thomas Firmin, Jr., age 87, passed away Sunday, August 5th, 2018. He was born March 13, 1931 in Texarkana, Texas, the son of John Thomas and Monte Cleo Young Firmin. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jack was a veteran of the United States Navy. After his military service, he returned to Texas A & M – ETSU to earn degrees in Chemistry and Psychology. He worked for Pepsico and Best Foods for 25 years before returning to the family business, Firmin's Printing & Office Supply, in 1980. He spent his spare time volunteering for his church, with the Lion's Club, and for the Texas Prison System. Jack loved his time spent teaching the inmates math and chemistry. He “retired” and moved to Fayetteville in 1990 where he co-managed a family business, Party Store. He also sold real-estate in NWA and traveled the state photographing barns and nature. Jack was never satisfied sitting still. He loved woodworking and was a master gardener. He loved teaching. His grandchildren learned, as his children before him, that to ask a simple question might mean a days-long explanation. He was also a prankster and loved playing devil's advocate. He was an avid animal lover and “rescued” and raised dogs, cats, chickens, bunnies, pigeons, hawks, raccoons, opossums, foxes, and millions of turtles. Jack adored his wife, family, friends, and animals. His children often quipped that they would rather have been born one of his pets, but in reality all were loved and pampered! Jack was a planner and spent his last days making certain his final wishes were known: Yes, we'll take care of Mama. No funeral. We'll all get back to work to make this world a better place. He is survived by his wife Helen; two daughters Denise Garner and her husband Hershey, and Diane Firmin both of Fayetteville; one son John Firmin and his wife Cathy of Celina, Texas; six grandchildren Wes Garner and his wife Katy, Adam Garner, Katy Firmin, Colin Firmin, Claire Firmin and Caroline Firmin; two great grandchildren Jack and Emma Garner; three sisters Janet Luckay, Margaret Duncan and Jennifer Briscoe; one brother Grady Firmin and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack will certainly be missed by all who knew and loved him, but he's provided years of stories and memories that we will all continue to smile about! Cremation under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. Interment Service will be held at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, AR pending family travel arrangements. Honorariums may be made to Washington Regional Hospice or the Washington County Animal Shelter.
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