John Francis "Jack" McNamara, age 85, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 18, 2015, following a brief illness. Jack was born on July 5, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to John Francis McNamara, Sr., and Gertrude (Beals) McNamara. He served his country honorably during the Korean War and came to Big Rapids in 1962 to join the faculty of Ferris State University, where he taught English and journalism and mentored countless students until his retirement in 1991. Jack also served as the "Voice of Bulldog Football" as its public address announcer at Ferris home games for more than three decades. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Sally, and his children, Susan and Martin, both of Big Rapids, and Nancy (Nicholas Pittler) of San Francisco, California. Jack was a devoted grandfather to Brooke and Clayton McNamara of Grandville, and to Elyse, Paige, Devin, and Ava Rose McNamara-Pittler of San Francisco. Also surviving are his sister Kathleen Betanzos of Lansing, his brother Michael (Karen) McNamara of Newport Beach, California, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Mary Frances McLaughlin, his niece and goddaughter Elizabeth Allard, and his grandniece Fiona Guthrie. Jack will be remembered for his quick wit and sharp intellect, his pride in his Irish heritage, and his love of his family and friends. The family will greet visitors at St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, with a scripture service beginning at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 23rd, at St. Paul's Campus Parish with Father Michael Burt officiating. The family will greet friends at church one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions in Jack's name may be made to Hospice of Michigan. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 23, 2015 11:00 AM St. Paul Campus Parish 1 Damascus Rd Big Rapids,MI 49307