Jack A. Chaffee

Jack Arlington Chaffee, of Lake City  passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family.  He was 78.

He was born on September 2, 1947, in Shingleton, Michigan to John "Jack" and Zeda (Smith) Chaffee. Born with a strong work ethic that defined his entire life, Jack spent many years in the logging industry.  Up before the sun he was off for another 12 hour day working in the woods or a driving log truck. He took great pride in an honest days work and providing a happy and secure life for his family. A family who he made sure knew where loved deeply. And he did this all through sheer force of will and old school grit. The woods were not just his workplace, they were a part of who he was. Jack found great joy in spending time vacationing in Michigan's beautiful Upper Peninsula, which still very much felt like home to him. 

A gifted musician, Jack was a talented singer and guitar player who could often be found strumming familiar tunes or sharing songs he had written himself. He also enjoyed spending downtime collecting and discussing old or rare coins that had caught his interest. Above all else, Jack was a man of strong and steady faith. He devoted much of his life to studying the Bible and growing in his relationship with the Lord. His faith guided his decisions, shaped his character, and provided comfort and strength through  both the trials and triumphs of life; even to the end.  

Jack will be remembered as a hardworking provider, a lover of the outdoors, a musician at heart, and a faithful servant of God. He leaves a life lived as an example to others, the many lessons he taught, and as a faithfully patriarch celebrating nearly 57 years of marriage to the love of his life and the center of his world, Carol Ann (Pitz) Chaffee. On the 20th of February 2026 the world lost a truly great man.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his loving family, his wife, Carol Chaffee of Lake City; his three children, Tammy Chaffee, Jack (Jennifer) Chaffee, and Molly Chaffee; five grandchildren; Dylan Morrow,  Cearra Morrow,  Blake Morrow, Brianna Chaffee and Ben Chaffee; his sister, Joan Chaffee; many nieces and nephews; as well as a very large and loving extended family and many friends made over a lifetime.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, David Chaffee, Joyce Narovich, Betty Chaffee, Jeanette Pitz, and Jack Chaffee.

Per his wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time. Details regarding a celebration of life at a later date would be released closer to that time.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.HoldshipFuneralHomes.com  The family is being served by the Young-Holdship Funeral Home.

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