John Martin Major "Jack" Jr.

Published in the Erie Times-News on December 7, 2009

John Martin ("Jack") Major, Jr., 70, of Erie, Pa., died December 5 at St. Vincent Health Center. He was born in Erie on September 11, 1939, a son of the late John Martin Major, Sr.

Jack graduated from Strong Vincent High School and then signed and played for the New York Yankees minor league in Florida for three years.

Jack served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, for which he earned a "Good Conduct" medal. He worked at Erie Strayer Company for 43 years and would have retired this year.

He was an associate member of Immanuel Baptist Church, the Erie Maennerchor Club, the Polish Falcons Club, the Siebenbuerger Club and the Dan Rice Tent of Saint and Sinners.

He umpired for and served as the Commissioner of the Glenwood Baseball League for 12 years and coached boys' soccer and baseball. Jack also coached for NEBCO Post 11 of the American Legion. He was an avid golfer and loved to read and to work crossword puzzles. Jack was a diehard Steelers' fan and enjoyed watching hockey.

He is survived by his mother, Arlene G. Major, of Erie; his wife of 45 years, Carolyn Jeanne (Woods) Major; his son, John Martin Major, III, of Erie, and his fiancé, Jessica Schnell, of Erie; two daughters, Amy Jean Major, of North Carolina, and Deborah Ann Major, of Erie; one sister, Patricia Baumann, and her husband, Kenneth Baumann, of Panama City, Fla.; and four grandchildren, Quincy, Alynah, Nalani, and John Martin Major, IV. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends will be received at the Brugger Home for Funerals, 1595 W. 38th St., on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at which time a funeral service will be conducted by Rev. John R. Elliott, Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church. A private interment will be held by the family at their convenience.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Erie City Mission, 1023 French St., Erie, PA 16501, Boys and Girls Baseball of Erie, 1740 W. 21st St., Erie, PA 16502, or Immanuel Baptist Church, 901 W. 28th St., Erie, PA 16508.