William P Jacka

LONGTIME PRINCIPAL AT LARSON MIDDLE SCHOOL IN TROY. Bill Jacka will be remembered as a wonderful husband, a caring father, a cherished grandfather and an accomplished educator and disciplinarian in the Troy Public Schools. Bill died in Royal Oak on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the age of 83, just five months after losing his beloved wife Marina. He was a 42 year resident of Troy. His daughters recalled how active he was and were amazed by the talents their dad possessed. While serving as Principal at Larson Middle School in Troy, the school was named as an "Exemplary School" by the State of Michigan, the first in Michigan to ever receive such an honor. Bill served as an usher at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Troy and spent a lot of his time following retirement volunteering at places such as Beaumont Hospital, Troy and Heartland Health Care Georgian Bloomfield. He was also active in the Lions Club and Leader Dogs for the Blind. Not one known to ever slow down, Bill frequently played golf and cribbage, bowled or read a good book. Music was a very big part of his life. At one time, he played the clarinet and was an orchestra conductor. Bill married his beloved Marina on August 11, 1956 in Republic, Michigan after proposing to her at the beautiful Presque Isle. Surviving are his daughters Melissa Walls (Dennis), Melanie Russell (Tim) and Jenifer Jacka (fiance Murph Woznicki). Cherished grandfather of Lauren, Colleen and Alexandra. The family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple & Big Beaver) Friday, March 30, 2012 from 2 to 8PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4580 N. Adams Rd., Troy at 10AM. Rev. Edward A. Belczak will be the celebrant. Visitation at the church begins that day at 9:30AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Leader Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 5000, Rochester, Michigan 48308-5000.