Jack R. Messer, Jr., 51, passed away surrounded by his family on August 15, 2013. Born November 14, 1961 in Asheville, NC, he was the son of the late Jack R. Messer, Sr. and Loree McCantz Messer Wilson. He was a meter reader for Dominion Power and enjoyed spending time with his family. Jack was an accomplished musician, singer, songwriter, and wood-carver, who loved working in his garden, fishing, boating, cooking, and going to flea markets and amusement parks with his family. He was a hard-worker and a great neighbor, who would decorate his home for holidays and dress up as Santa Claus for the neighborhood children. A lover of movies, he collected tickets of all of the movies he attended with his family, as well as other memorabilia from their travels together.
He is survived by his wife, Dawn Messer; three sons, Cameron, Chase, and Nathan Messer of Asheville, NC; a daughter, Tia Messer Russell of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Jackie Kitchens and her husband, Lee of Spartanburg, SC, and Diane Latta of Salisbury, NC; a brother, James Messer and his wife, Barbara of Salisbury, NC; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Abby; and a sister, Betty Ann.
A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 20th at 4 p.m. at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations, 5401 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach. The family requests that those planning to attend the service dress casually. Condolences may be shared via the Online Guestbook.
The family would like to express its appreciation to the nurses on the 5th floor of Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and to the nurses and staff of Medi Home Hospice for their care during his illness.
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Dawn, Cam and Chase: I was so sorry to learn of Jack’s passing early this morning. I am thinking of you and holding you in my thoughts and prayers. I know Jack was dearly loved by all his family and I pray that you feel God’s peace and comfort through your sadness. Let me know if I can be of help.
He will be greatly missed.but the many memories of him will last forever may he rest in peace.
I am a friend of Kyla’s and just wanted to send my condolences to the family. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be in them. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Jack was a great neighbor, always ready and eager to help those around him. We will especially miss him at Christmas time. He dressed up as Santa for our grandchildren just a couple of years ago, and Barry and son, Aaron, did the same for his boys. Let us know if you need anything, now or in the future.
Cecy and Family,
I am so sorry to learn that your son in law lost his fight with cancer. I hope that memories of happier times will help you through the grief you are feeling now.
My prayers and sympathy go out to the Messer family. Jack was truly a great person, very funny and always ready to lend a helping hand. He is now resting in God’s arms in paradise and is no longer in pain; let that be of comfort to you during this time. It was truly a pleasure to know him and he will be missed.
God Bless you all,
The Branches
Tony, Nikki & Xavier
Jacks life certainly seems very worthy of celebration. Peace and prayers to Dawn and the family.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family. Take comfort in knowing that Jack is with our LORD now and at peace in Heaven. God Bless.
Dawn,Cameron,and Chase
My heart goes out to you. Jack was such a great man, husband and father. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. Cherish the years of memories you all made together and I hope it puts a smile on your face.
Dawn, Cameron and Chase, Nancy and I were saddened to hear Jack had passed. Please know you are all in our prayers. May God strenghten you all during the coming days. If there is anything we can do please get in touch with us.
Deeply saddened at the passing of Jack or Camerons Dad as I called him, what a great neighbor father and friend, he will be sorely missed, may peace be your comforter in the days ahead. Jack may be gone from us now but Gods promise is that you shall be together again in his Kingdom.
The sting of death is painful.
Learning of Jack’s death has sadden so many. It is my prayer that as John says in Chapter 14, verses 27 you will feel God’s peace…”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” With deepest sympathy, Diane Kesterson, volunteer SPAH
Dawn, I heard the news today of Jack’s passing and my heart breaks for you, your boys and all of the Messer Family. I have such fond memories of Jack. I feel truly blessed to have known him – an amazing man, father, husband and friend. You all are in my prayers and may God’s peace fill your hearts during this difficult time.
Praying for all. Jack will be greatly missed. With love, lisa
A true light has been extinguished from this world…what a wonderful friend,husband and father. Jack will be missed, but never forgotten…his legacy of love lives on…God Bless
JACK YOU AND I WAS VERY CLOSE . EVEN THOUGH WE NEVER GOT TO SEE EACH OTHER A LOT .YOU WAS ALWAYS UNDER MY FEET WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP.AND I DIDN’T MIND IT AT ALL . YOU WERE A VERY TALENTED MUSIC AND SONG WRITER.AND WOOD CARVER.I WILL ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MEMORY IN MY HEART AND THINK OF YOU ALWAYS I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU YOUR BROTHER JAMES
.YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND MIND LITTLE BROTHER
WE LIGHT THIS CANDLE IN MEMORY OF JACK JAMES BARBARA JAMIE CHERYL SHANNON DUSTIN KATIE