Jack Hayward

With deep love and respect, the family of Jack L. Hayward announces his peaceful passing on July 12, 2025, at the age of 89. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, Jack lived a life defined by service, hard work, quiet wisdom, and a deep love for the people and places that shaped him.

Born on January 29, 1936, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jack was raised on a farm just south of Scotts. He spent his early years learning the values of faith, responsibility, and perseverance-lessons that would serve him for the rest of his life. As a young man, he was active in 4-H, earning 1st place showing a Jersey calf-an early sign of the commitment and care he brought to everything he did.

After high school, Jack answered the call to serve his country, attending boot camp at the Chicago Naval Academy before serving honorably in the United States Navy. He held the rank of ENF2 aboard the USS Borie (DD-704), a destroyer that took him on a global journey. His service brought him to ports around the world, including Rome, the French Alps, Norfolk, Panama, San Diego, Hawaii, Midway, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, India, Aden, France, and Gibraltar. Jack was immensely proud of his time in the Navy and often spoke of the places he'd seen and the experiences that helped shape his worldview.

Upon returning home, Jack began a long and successful career as a journeyman machinist and millwright. He worked at several companies throughout the region, including Rex Hawthorne Paper Co., Ronnigans, Clark Equipment, Maro, ARCO, and Schmidt Grinding. A true craftsman, Jack took pride in precision, patience, and doing things right the first time.

Jack's greatest adventure, however, began when he met the love of his life, Connie West. Their story started at Wakeshma Baptist Church-thanks to a friend's clever matchmaking and a memorable game of Battleship. The two were married on October 11, 1958, and built a rich life together for 55 years until Connie's passing in 2014. Together, they raised five children: Dan (Benita) Hayward of Scotts; Cheryl (Dale) Welch of Indiana; Tim (Shilo) Hayward of Vicksburg; Rebecca Hayward of Kalamazoo; and John (Jenni) Hayward of Vicksburg. Jack was the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to know his steady presence and warm heart. He is also survived by his three siblings: Janet Streeter, Gary (Julie) Hayward, and Susan Hawley.

Jack had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed bowhunting, squirrel and rabbit hunting, and fishing-especially smelt fishing with his good friend Ben Timmons and casting lines at the marl bed. He treasured the peace and thrill of nature, often sharing those joys with family and friends.

Jack was also a motorcycle enthusiast, taking many memorable trips, including riding with Connie over the Mackinac Bridge and traveling with close friends, the Sehy family. His favorite car was a 1958 Chevy, painted candy apple red-a symbol of the classic, hardworking man he was.

Jack was a man of faith, humility, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on through his family, the lives he touched, and the countless memories made across the back roads of Michigan and the oceans of the world.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie; his parents; brothers-in-law, Marshall "Bud" Streeter and Norman Hawley; sister-in-law, Cora Jean Hayward; granddaughters, Hope and Charity Glidden; and great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Stairs.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Fulton Christian Church, 14108 W Ave E, Fulton, MI 49052, with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow at North Fulton Cemetery, where Jack will be laid to rest beside his beloved Connie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Jack's honor may be directed to Fulton Christian Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please take time to sign Jack's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Hayward family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.