Jack Long left his earthly body and went home to his Savior on February 4, 2024. Despite a strong-willed and determined mind, his body was tired and he and his loved ones knew the end was near. Our hearts are filled with sorrow that Jack is gone.

Born July 13, 1937, in a log cabin to the late Columbus (Lum) and Redus Saylor Long in Crab Orchard, Kentucky, Jack grew up with his brothers and sisters - Walt (Paula) Long the late Bob Long, Sherry Robbins, and Joyce Long. Later in life, he was blessed to learn of his now late sister, Sonja Erickson.

After serving in the US Navy, Jack met and married Norma Jean Stanley on August 25, 1961 in Hillsboro, Ohio. They were blessed with three children, Mitch (Mari), Tina (Ed) Strosnider, and Julie (Scott) Grooms. He worked hard to support his family as a Bus Supervisor for Blanchester Schools and Clermont Northeastern, then at Airborne until his retirement. His true passions and work came in the forms of coaching basketball and being the song director at church.

Living in Blanchester, Ohio for much of his life, he was a fixture at sporting events, church, and anything that allowed him to spend time with his family. Jack spent many hours analyzing basketball games with anyone that would listen (especially his son Mitch, who shares that love), playing cards, and tending his and Norma's large garden. He loved being on the lake, enjoying a good pontoon boat outing, holidays with the family, and yard sales. All of the yard sales. There was always something he would find to bring home and even better if he got to haggle on the price.

All of Jack's grandchildren knew his love for sports, but also for anything they were involved in. Each of them have played a few games (or more!) of HORSE or PIG or running drills. Those grandkids are: Chelse (Nick) Lykins, Devin (Rick) Birt, and Corey (Emily) Long; Kelly (Brett) Jewell, Courtney (Ethan) Grob, and Brooks (Elizabeth) Strosnider; Brittany (Brad) Williams, Ben (Nicole) Grooms, Breanne Grooms, and Ethan (Chloe) Grooms. As life has moved along, great-grandchildren have brought more joy: Foster & Reece Birt, Anderson & Gentry Long; Norah & Naomi Jewell, August & Campbell Grob; Brailee & Brynna Williams, Evan & Jack Grooms, D.J. Puckett.

Beyond the noted family that will miss his big presence, Jack has extended family and many friends that will also feel this loss. We shall all take solace that he passed on a Sunny Sunday morning at home with his Norma Jean - exactly as he would have wanted.

Services will be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024. The visitation will be from 10AM-12PM at the Daystar First Church of God located at 402 East Center Street in Blanchester. The funeral will immediately follow with Wes Glines and Mike Polston officiating. Interment will be at the Blanchester Cemetery on Main Street.

Psalms 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.