John (Jack) Giles

John E. Jack Giles, 89, passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at 12:50 P.M. at his home in Carbondale. Jack was born March 10, 1918 in Hazelton, PA the son of John E. & Grace (Neifert) Giles, Sr. He married Bette Gleiser and she preceded him in death. On February 25, 1978 he married Frances Fran Nunley and she survives in Carbondale. He graduated from Marion High School in 1936 and had continued to regularly attend dinner meetings with his class members, the most recent being October 27th. In 1940 he received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. During WWII Jack served his country in Army intelligence and on discharge had attained the rank of Colonel. On his return Jack joined the family business of Giles Armature and Electric and was a Vice President at the time of his retirement in 1985. He was an avid reader and headed up a Great Books Group in Marion for 12 years. He met his second wife Fran thru their shared hobby of bridge playing. They traveled to many regional and national tournaments and became Life Masters in the American Contract Bridge League 25 years ago. His many memberships included: 1st Presbyterian Church in Marion, Lions Club in Marion, Elks, Military Officers Assoc. AARP, University of Illinois Alumni Assoc., and Life Member of VFW Post #1301 Survivors include: Wife Frances Giles of Carbondale Brother Robert Giles and wife Mary Katherine Giles of Marion Two Step-Sons; Joseph Nunley of New York City Michael Nunley and wife Molly of Milwaukee, WI Step-Daughter Patricia Nunley of Murphysboro Two Step-Grandchildren; Michael John Nunley of Sylva, North Carolina Eileen Louise Nunley of Sylva, North Carolina Several Nieces and Nephews Preceded by Parents, 1st Wife Bette, Daughter Jackie Giles, Son John Giles III and Sister Margaret Koch. Funeral services will be Friday, November 9, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Marion with Rev. Dan Whitfield officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Gardens. Military rites will be presented by Marions VFW Post #1301, American Legion Post #147 and National Guard Unit. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 9:00 P.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Jack Giles Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o 1st Presbyterian Church of Marion, American Cancer Society, Hospice or a Charity of Donors Choice. Envelopes will be available at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home.