Grand Marais – Jack Hubbard Jr. of Grand Marais, 67, died suddenly at Munising Memorial Hospital Monday, May 15.
Jack was born in Marquette, Mich. July 29, 1955, living most of his life in Grand Marais. Jack had passions, but none like the one for his kids and grandchildren; there was old Jack (dad) and the new Jack (grandfather). He worked most of his life in the woods logging. For three years he worked in the Pacific Northwest Helicopter Logging. He started his own company in the late eighties, J. K. Hubbard Inc. He ran and managed his company until five years ago when he had an accident that put him out of the logging business, changing everything about Jack.
He served his community in many roles. He was Fire Chief, Burt Township Trustee for eight years, Burt Township Supervisor for six years. As supervisor, one of his major accomplishments was having the Grand Marais Break wall built and saving the harbor. He served as Alger County Road Commission Chairman after his appointment and re-election. Active with the Grand Marais Snotrails Grooming Association.
Jack’s passion for the outdoors was instilled in him by his grandfather Charles Chilson, something that only grew stronger through the years with hunting, fishing and trapping – he always was willing to teach family and young people about his outdoor activities. He had a special love for the Hurricane River camp. He loved to spend time there with his kids and grandkids. They loved it just as much. Nothing was more treasured than deer camp.
He and his wife, Aleta, in 1998 bought and ran Dunes Motel, a third-generation owner. The Hubbard family is a six-generation family in Grand Marais. Nearly every night, Jack would spend time with his mom Barbara watching Tucker Carlson, with a glass of bourbon and a glass of wine for mom.
He was a member of Grand Marais United Methodist Church, a member of Grand Island Lodge of Munising Free and Accepted Masons.
Jack is survived by his wife Aleta nee Niemi, they were married in Grand Marais in 1977; his mother Barbara Ellen Chilson Hubbard of Marquette; two sons: John Kenneth Hubbard III “Logger” (Kylene) of Germfask, Luke (Laura) Hubbard of Negaunee; daughter, Sara (Corey) LaBelle, Northville, Mich.; siblings: DeeLynn Hubbard, Highland, Md., Jamie (Rod) Mick of Hudson, Fla.; five grandchildren: Luke Jr., Emma, Wyatt, Asher, and Arya; also numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his father John Kenneth Hubbard, Sr. and brother Scott.
Pallbearers: sons Logger and Luke, grandsons Wyatt and Luke Jr., son-in-law Corey and “Little Buddy Michael”.
Services will be held at Grand Marais United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 23 at 1 p.m. with Pastor John Grenfell officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of services.
The Grand Island Lodge of Munising Free and Accepted Masons will conduct a memorial service prior to the funeral service.