Jack Edward Grace, 76, of Gulf Breeze, FL, entered Heaven on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Jack passed quietly with his beloved wife, Joy, by his side and his children nearby.

Jack was born on November 27, 1948, in McKeesport, PA, to his parents Jack F. Grace and Cassie Grace. Jack graduated from McKeesport High School in 1966, and began working the Pittsburgh area steel mills developing his strong life-long work ethic. Soon after meeting the love of his life, Joy, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. Jack served in a Military Police unit during the height of the Vietnam War and was assigned to specialized security duty in Sinop, Turkey, and then later in Virginia. Jack and Joy married in 1970 and soon moved to Pensacola, FL to make their home. Jack graduated from the University of West Florida beginning his lifelong career as a teacher. Jack taught elementary physical education for over 30 years, shaping thousands of lives, while also supporting those with challenges or special needs. Jack loved children and he loved to play. His love for fitness, health, and outdoors was the perfect match. Jack also operated his own lawn care business for over 35 years, working after school, on weekends, and summer days. Jack taught many the meaning of work ethic, leading by example. He was the pure picture of physicality in vocation, work ethic, sport, and play.

Jack worked hard and played hard. His love for play was only surpassed by his love for family, his greatest treasure. This combination yielded the perfect husband, father, and grandfather "Pap Pap". After moving to the Gulf Coast, Jack and Joy built and rebuilt their home on the water overlooking Santa Rosa Sound and raised their three children there. Jack balanced his busy life of work, play, and family, always keeping his humor with life-long quick-witted comments and jokes. Jack's favorite pastimes included working outdoors, exercising, building, boating, fishing, hunting, water skiing, pulling grandchildren on the tube, and backyard family sporting competitions. Their home was and is the perfect playground.

Thoughtful and selfless, Jack's quiet strength and kindness knew no bounds. Jack was constantly serving and doing for others before himself. He was a builder, craftsman, and carpenter, known as "Mr. Fix-It". Jack would tackle any problem and believed in figuring things out himself. He used his independence and strength to teach and serve others throughout his life. Jack and Joy built a Prayer Labyrinth at their church to the Glory of God, in memory of their much-loved daughter, Mary Emma. Jack was dedicated to building, planting, and cultivating, always keeping the labyrinth grounds beautiful.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Cassie Grace; his sister, Sandy Hinton; and his daughter, Mary Emma Grace.

Jack is survived by his wife, Joy Grace; his son, Alex Grace (Melissa) and their children, Jack and Piper; his daughter, Elizabeth Mann (Rob) and their children, Wesley, Lilly, and Annabelle. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Whitehead (Baird); his brother, Kevin Grace (Patty); and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

Jack lived his life with humility and quiet strength. Please join us in honoring the man that taught us how to serve others through action, live life through play, and love unconditionally.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Prayer Labyrinth at Community Life Church on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, 4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the "Labyrinth Fund" in Jack's name at Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Drive, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563.