Jack Thibeau died on July 30, 2021, in Novi, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, June, and daughter, Jan. He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Mary) Thibeau, Matt (Sharon) Thibeau, Carrie Lambie and grandchildren Shawn (Jen) Thibeau, Craig (Heather) Thibeau, Jeffrey Thibeau, Alexandra Thibeau, Nathaniel Lambie, Kellie Lambie, Sara (Billy) Holbird, Chad (Margie) Roberts, Julian Thibeau and Will Thibeau and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves his beloved friend Sandy Garber.

Jack’s life began in an earlier century when he was born on November 9, 1924, in Detroit, Michigan. Jack was a child during the Great Depression, growing up in southwest Detroit. He met his future wife June while they were both in junior high school, starting their lifelong love story which continued until her death. Jack’s musical talent was evident at an early age. He began playing cornet and trumpet in dance bands while he was still a student at Western High School. World War II began while Jack was in high school. The labor shortage created by men leaving for the service opened up job opportunities for Jack. He worked before school at a sign company. Later, he began to play with professional big bands in Detroit’s thriving night club scene, and also traveled with bands around the U.S.

When Jack became a soldier in the U.S. Army in 1943, his musical talents and experiences in Detroit were noted by the military. His wartime assignment was to play in big bands at Army bases and U.S.O. clubs throughout the United States, providing entertainment and normalcy for servicemen on their way to and from the fighting. When he and June were married later that year, she joined him on this wartime adventure, living with him at Army bases in San Antonio, Louisville, Wilmington and other locations. 

Jack continued his musical career after his discharge from the Army in 1946, playing his trumpet and cornet in big bands in Detroit, as well as on tour throughout the United States. Many of his bandmates went on to careers as noted recording artists. Listening to jazz with Jack, he would often pause to point out a musician on the recording that he had played in a band with. Although Jack stopped performing, jazz remained a lifelong passion. He had an extensive collection of jazz recordings which he listened to and enjoyed on a daily basis.

As the 1940s wound down, Jack and June decided to settle down and have a family, so Jack left his musical career behind. He attended Wayne State University on the G.I. Bill and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration, both within a three-year period. The large numbers of ex-servicemen in the school meant that Jack had many of his classes in Quonset huts. His daughter Jan was born in 1952, son Jeffrey in 1955, and twins Matthew and Carrie in 1958. 

Jack soon was hired by the Detroit Public Schools, where he spent his entire career. He began as an elementary school teacher. After a few years, he moved into administration, becoming a principal. He held this position at several elementary schools until his retirement in 1986. Jack used his leadership and administrative skills to provide safe and smoothly running schools for thousands of Detroit school children during the turbulent years of the 1950s through the 1980s in the city. In one incident, a man with a gun threatened students. Jack acted quickly to secure the school building, averting tragedy. Jack was given a Spirit of Detroit award for this and his other work on behalf of his students. One small, private memento of Jack’s time as a teacher was a safety razor given to him as a gift by a student during his first year of teaching. He used the razor daily until his death. On a humorous note, Jack once put a hamster in time-out after it bit a student. Jack’s work ethic was also evident in his summertime job. Rather than enjoy the teacher’s perk of a long summer vacation, he opted to work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection during the summers.

Jack enjoyed his retirement, spending his time with people and activities important to him. He and June enjoyed traveling, often to visit friends from his Army and big band days. Dinner out always started with a Manhattan and was a much enjoyed, regular occurrence with their large group of friends and family. Jack loved his family and spending time with them was one of his favorite things to do. Bowling was a lifelong interest. He continued bowling in two leagues, twice a week, until a few months before his death. He also loved bridge, continuing to play three times a week at his retirement home at Fox Run. And, he was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, a source of enjoyment or frustration, depending on the season.  

Jack’s family treasured the time he spent with them. They are comforted by the thought: “Those we hold in our hearts never truly leave us.”

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 20th, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.