James R. (Jack) Batchelor, Jr. lost his long battle with Dementia on February, 27, 2021 at his home in Lenexa, Kansas.
Jack was born September 12, 1939 in Birmingham, Alabama to James R. Batchelor, Sr. and Roberta Farrar Batchelor. Jack grew up in Birmingham working for his father in one of three gas stations he owned. His love for cars was established at an early age. Jack served his country in the Air National Guard of Alabama and the United States Air Force. Jack graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jack's enormous pride for his Alabama football teams was very evident by his quoting of stats that no other college team could match. You could always find Jack during football season with everything Crimson watching his team usually win the SEC and National Championships "Roll Tide". His 33 year career with Eastman Kodak in the chemical division began in 1963. Over the years with Eastman Kodak Jack received numerous awards and special recognition for his business skills. Jacks zest for life was evident in the fact that he could do anything and did. Jack married the love of his life on April 24, 1993, they were able to share so many wonderful adventures together. Jack and Jeri were members of the K.C. Ski Club, taking advantage of wonderful ski trips in the United States and Europe. They traveled each year to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico to enjoy meeting up the life long friends from all over the United States plus the sunshine and margaritas. Jack and Jeri traveled to New Orleans every year in May for Jazz Fest to enjoy the Oyster Poor Boys and Cajun music, "You Like Dat"? Most enjoyable were the many many trips they taken on their Harley's traveling the United States and Canada. So many weekends on their sail boat named "Roll Tide" on Lake Stockton, all the B Dock parties, special times for sure! Jack wasn't able to convince Jeri to take up the sport of scuba diving, Jack not so much, always ready for a dive. Jack was a Boy Scout Leader and Big Brother.
Jack is survived by his wife, Jerilyn (Jeri) Batchelor, daughter, Jennifer Batchelor Pesci, grandson, Eric Pesci and granddaughter, Claire Pesci, all of Salt Lake City, Utah, sister-in-Law, Donna Batchelor, of Venice, Florida. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James R. and Roberta Batchelor, younger sister, Jan Batchelor and younger brother, Michael Batchelor.
There will be a 'Celebration of Jack Batchelors' Life at a later date.