Jack and his brother were together in Korea during the war, but were separated by the Army under a policy to keep families intact. As a result, Jack wound up as a mess corporal, and his brother went into combat and was captured.
In a bitter twist of irony, Albert was slain in December 1978 when he was stabbed in a neighborhood dispute.
Jack was born in Canton, Ohio, to Elbert and Mattie Waters. The family moved to Philadelphia, and Jack attended city schools. He excelled in both academics and sports at West Philadelphia High School.
While on Army leave, he met his future wife, Jeanette Hughes. They were married on April 29, 1952. They had 56 years together before her death in 2009.
Jack worked for the city for 32 years and Conrail for 20.
"Pop-Pop, as he was known to the many children for whom Jack and his wife had become child-care providers, opened their home and hearts to whomever came through their doors," his son said. "He encouraged excellence and was extremely proud of their accomplishments."
Jack continued his love of football, developed as a high-school player. He played linebacker into his late 40s with the Powelton Colts, a semipro team. He also was a physical-fitness buff who kept in shape by regular workouts.
Jack worshipped at a number of churches before settling on Resurrection Baptist. He served as trustee, usher, member of the Willing Workers and Senior Saints and many ministries. He was always available for whatever the church needed doing.
"He was a quiet man who never said much," his son said. "But when he did talk, he always said the right thing."
Besides his son, he is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline Jones and Lisa Poston, and five grandchildren.
Services: Were Sept. 15. Burial was in Mount Lawn Cemetery, Sharon Hill.
Contact John F. Morrison at morrisj@phillynews.com or 215-854-5573.
