Jack served in the United States Army from 1974 to 1978, earning his VFW eligibility by serving in Korea.

During his service he was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington with the 9^th Infantry Division and Camp Liberty Bell DMZ, Korea with the 2^nd Infantry Division where he participated in Operation Paul Bunyan.

In recognition of his service, he received the Expert Infantry Badge, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and the Imjin Scouts Badge.

He joined the VFW in 2016 as a Washington Member At Large Post 15049, and maintains his Life Membership with VFW Post 992, Walla Walla, Washington. He was elected as the VFW Post Jr. Vice Commander in 2025. In addition to his VFW involvement, Jack is a Life Member of the Second Infantry Division Association.

Jack served in various Reserve Components after his release from active service and worked for the United States Navy at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility from 1979 to 2010 when he retired.

After retirement, he moved back to his hometown, Walla Walla, Washington and married his wife Linda in 2014.