John Andrew "Jack" Hirth

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces memorial services for Mr. Jack Hirth, age 82 went home to be with Jesus December 30, 2017, with his wife, Mattie, by his side. Jack was a resident of Union County Nursing Home where he received excellent care during his extended bout with Leukemia and skin cancer.

Jack was born September 17, 1935 in Delray Beach, Florida, the son of Leroy Theodore Hirth and Anne Douglas Hirth.

He graduated with the Class of 1953 from Seacrest High School, Delray Beach, Florida. He played first chair trumpet in the Seacrest Band from 8th through 12 grades.

Immediately after high school, Jack enlisted in the Navy, desiring to serve his Country prior to beginning his career. Because of his experience with heavy equipment and surveying, he was referred to the Naval Sea Bees where he served for 8 years.

He met Mattie Lou Peavy Hirth on a blind date December 3, 1960, got engaged February 9, 1961 and married July 8, 1961. 5 ½ years later God blessed them with their precious daughter, Carol Diane Hirth!

Jack was an active member of First Baptist Church Blairsville since moving here August 4, 1998. Howard Wells and his Church Family (particularly Sonshine Ministries) have been faithful in visitation, cards and prayers.

His parents, Leroy Theodore Hirth and Anne Douglas Hirth, Sister, Mary Anne Christine Hirth Gravelle, Brother, Leroy Theodore Hirth, Jr, predeceased Jack.

Surviving Jack are his wife, Mattie Lou Peavy Hirth, daughter, Carol Diane Hirth, Brother, John Douglas Hirth (Catherine Margaret Riordan) Nephew, Michael Allen Hirth (Brigid) Niece, Eleanor Anne Hirth Crognale (Walter Daniel). Many family members, extended family members and friends (too numerous to name) also survive Jack.

Following is some insight into Jack's personality and character. Jack did not like science, so he volunteered to take pictures, process film and print photos, operate the projector for slide and movie presentations just to get out of class.

This knowledge and experience developed into his career of photographic sales & service through Jack's Camera Center in Boynton Beach, Florida for 33 years. Kodak blood flowed through his veins. His camera/projector repairs continued into his retirement years. Jack lived his life for others, loving, caring, sharing!

Jack was sharp, somewhat of a comedian and a prankster in his prime. He drove a white 1959 Plymouth with fins, in which he installed a record player that held fifteen records and never skipped a beat even over railroad crossings…

Who would have thought that quiet, reserved Jack would play tricks on folks? He received two awards at his former Church, First Baptist Boynton Beach, FL; "Lens Cap Award" for pictures of all the Passion Plays and Cantatas and the "Unsung Hero Award" for working diligently behind the scenes few people knew about!

He and his audio/visual crew constantly played tricks on the Pastor…Always gave him water on the podium (sometimes in little cups used for the Lord's Supper or maybe a cup with a fake ice cube with a bug inside). Perhaps before church service, he would change the battery in Pastor's microphone telling him, "This one is for a 15 minute sermon. Any time Pastor used the scripture, "...God knows the number of hairs on your head." Jack & his crew would slap on a wig. The Minister of Music always had a payback for Jack. One Sunday night, while the Youth Choir was rehearsing in the Sanctuary, Jack was preparing for baptism and walked along a very narrow ledge to place a microphone above the baptismal. They all said, "Look, he's walking on water!"

Paybacks were rampant, like the time the small church group were together and asked about his birthday. He said, "I don't have any more!" He paid for that, big time! The next celebration happened to be a surprise for Jack with belly dancers!

Several people from Boynton Beach moved to Blairsville and, as soon as Jack and Mattie visited these friends, Jack knew this is where he wanted to spend the rest of his days!!

Jack, an humble man, served the Lord behind the scenes in various capacities: Deacon, Bus Ministry (including driving, repair & maintenance), Homebound Ministry with his wife, Mattie (meal delivery & worship media supplies/delivery), but one of his major gifts was the Audio/Visual Technical Team for 50 years…He would placed a note on the door and close his store to do something his church needed him to do. He often said, "If this business exists only for service to the Lord through our church, it is enough!"

When Jack closed his business, Delray Camera Shop owner, Chris asked him to work for him part time. This gave Jack the opportunity to notify his clients that he would be associated with Delray Camera and invite them to patronize another man of knowledge and integrity. Jack continued to do repair work for them with deliveries through the mail or someone visiting us from Florida for as long as he could. Chris sent an email thanking Jack for "…literally handing his business over to him." He stated that many of Jack's former clients and business associates expressed their treasured relationship with Jack and sent their condolences.

Jack was notably a man of integrity…a newspaper article reflects one customer's account, but speaks for many. Overwhelming emails, texts, cards, etc. from family, former employees, business associates, fellow church members and friends all attest to that character trait!

One of his employees of 30 years stated Jack was like a father to her and his dedication to his family impressed her – "Mattie & Carol were always a priority!"

Another employee shared her gratitude for his testimony which led her to the Lord…Jack's Bible was always open on his desk and he read it throughout the day. Jack answered her questions about the Bible and gave her her first Bible. She told him she was going to confession, and he responded with this question, "Why do you go to another person, a priest, to confess you sins? He can't forgive and cleanse you, you have a direct line to God through Jesus, now that you have accepted Him as Savior!" That was her turning point and Jack was her mentor! God continued to use Jack in the nursing home as he displayed kindness and thankfulness. He also prayed and counseled with people.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church Thursday, January 11, 2018 with Visitation at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, First Baptist Church of Blairsville or the Gideons.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com