John Philip Root

John Philip Root was born in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania on the 24th day of January, 1923. His mother named him John so that she could call him Jack. To co-workers he was known as John, and to his family and friends he was Jack. Jack loved to create and build things. Procrastination had no home with him. He was determined and had indomitable will-power. Anything could be accomplished, you just need to figure out how. He was known for his keen intelligence and loving and accepting heart. He did call it like he saw it, and wasn't afraid to tell you what he thought or ask you hard questions. He loved his family and was proud of them and wanted to see them all live in the world. Jack never took no for an answer if he thought the answer should be yes, and he never gave in to age. His energy, vitality and love of life was deep and strong. He would make jokes that he had the effects of "OA", meaning old age, but he never gave in or gave up. Jack was an exceptional and a very good man who will be missed and mourned. He is survived by his loving wife Teresa, daughter Ginny (Kirk) Robinson, sons John (JoAnn) Root, and Tony Root along with 8 grandchildren, their spouses and altogether 15 great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his sister Emily Hoffman of Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Jack's motto was to try and accept everyone they way that they are. He also kept himself busy with projects. A few of his accomplishments include building a 39 foot diesel cruiser (Ed Monk design) over a seven year period, building furniture for our home, building or re-building the family homes, and in later years he became an excellent baker and perfected delectable rustic breads, scones, and cookies. Jack was a deeply good and ethical man. In a recent letter to his sister Jack wrote, "There are many changes that have occupied my life also, some good, some bad. I try to enjoy them all to the best of my ability. Life goes on regardless and with a smile on my face it seems to work for the best." On his desk he kept a copy of the Serenity Prayer: "Give me the serenity to accept what cannot be changed. Give me the courage to change what can be changed. The wisdom to know one from the other."
Jack, you will be forever in our hearts.