Obituaries

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Pontiac, Sturgis, Ann Arbor, Cassopolis, Chelsea, and Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, for 20 years before returning to Chelsea, age 90, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Towsley Village. He was born October 27, 1934, in Sylvan Lake, Michigan, the son of George Raymond Bittle and Barbara Burr Miller.

First and foremost, Jack was a devoted husband, the best father, and an outstanding role model. He was just a good, good man who brought great joy to many. Jack took administration courses from both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan. He had a Bachelor’s Degree in Instrumental Music and a Master’s Degree in the Humanities, both from U of M. While at U of M, he played in the marching band and symphony band. Jack began teaching as Band Director in 1956, in Cassopolis, Michigan, and was there two years. In 1958, he became Band Director at Sturgis High School and taught for 13 years. For the following 11 ½ years, Jack was the High School Principal at Sturgis. Jack was active in the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and became President in 1976. In January of 1981, Jack became the Executive Director for the MASSP and remained there until June of 1996, when he retired to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee. Of all the things Jack did in his career, being a band director was the most important because of all the students he could reach and teach.

Jack was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chelsea and Fairfield Glade, TN. He was active in the church choir as singer and director. He directed the Cumberland County Community Chorus from January of 1997 to spring of 2003. Jack conducted church choirs for over 25 years and started several community choirs. He ended his time by conducting the Cumberland County Community Band in 2008. During retirement, he found he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and wood carving, and made many carvings over the years.

Jack married Glenna Jean Webster on August 23, 1953, in Orchard Lake, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Robin (Andy) Schuler of Sturgis, Susan (Ben) Myers of Pinckney, Lori (Pat) Minnick of Chelsea; sister, Janiene Elwood of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, and Margie (Ken) James of Leesburg, Virginia; brother, Richard Bittle of Portage; 8 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, with a dessert reception to follow. The family received friends before the service from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, Michigan. To honor Jack’s love of music and his ties to the Sturgis community, donations may be made in his name to the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 214 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091, so that his legacy of supporting Sturgis band students can continue. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

Click here to watch the video of Jack's memorial service.

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