John Benjamin Gillespie (Jack)

After high school, I spent about two years at Kentucky Wesleyan. I transferred to Triangle School of Drafting in Pittsburgh and spent about four years in this field in both the Pittsburgh area and Columbus, Ohio. While in Columbus, I took flying lessons on a Cessna 150. I also became interested in computer programing and took some courses. I left drafting and found a job with Koppers Co., Inc. as a computer programer for the next eighteen years.

During this time I met my wife, Nancy Poth. We married in 1975 and raised two children, James Perry and Nancy Ann Gillespie. Jimmy and I spent many years in the boy scout program including memorable trips to Filmont Scout Range in New Mexico. Jim is the father of our granddaughter and a brand new great grandson. Nancy Ann graduated from Westminister College with a B.S.A. in Chemistry and is currently a forensic chemist with the medical examiners office of Allegheny County. She is living in Monroeville with her husband, Mike Love, a sports writer.

Nancy and I lived in Ardara, a little community that is part of North Huntingdon Township. We were active in our church, serving as Deacons and Elders, Sunday school teachers and superintendent, and we sang in the church choir. We also worked along side of our minister who was an active auctioneer, enjoying many fun and crazy times. Two and a half years ago, Nancy was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder. She died last summer after a courageous struggle.

I am now retired and as you can see from my picture, I finally have my own red jeep!