Jack F Newkirk

NEWKIRK, Jack F. 62, lost his four-year battle with amyloidosis on June 3, 2009. A lifetime Tampa resident, Jack attended local schools, graduating from Jefferson High, then headed to the University of Florida on a basketball scholarship. He was in the insurance business, but his love was participating in sports, teaching the many players he coached and spending time with family and friends. Jack found his niche when he co-founded Newk's Café as the managing partner. His charismatic personality and attention to detail made Newk's a special place and a favorite stop for many friends and customers. Although his body lost its fight with amyloidosis, his wit and humor never failed him, always bringing laughter and joy to everyone around him. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Pfordresher-Newkirk; mother, Frances Newkirk; daughter Christi Zettel, her husband John and their children, Caitlin and Courtney; daughter Janel Hutchinson, her husband Keith and their children, Lexi and Adam; and brother Tom Newkirk, his wife Carole and their sons, Scott Steel and Mark Newkirk, his wife Staci and their daughter Parker. A memorial service will be held at Carrollwood Baptist Church at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 10th. Visitation with the family will begin at 1 pm, with Rev. Tom Rives officiating. A "celebration of his life" will be held at Jack's request at Rick's on the River, 5-8 pm on Wednesday, June 10th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lifepath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele, Tampa, FL, 33609, or Amyloid Treatment & Research Program, 715 Albany Street, K-503, Boston, MA, 02118.

Published in the Tampa Bay Times on June 7, 2009