R. Jack Chase M.D.

R. Jack Chase M.D. died at the age of 94 on Friday March 3, 2017.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna M. Chase, and their infant son, Kevin.  Jack was born in Grand Rapids to the late David and Olive Chase on July 24, 1922.  He was raised in Middleville, MI and after receiving his BS from Western Michigan University, Jack served in the US Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1947.  He attended the University of Michigan Medical School, during which time he married his sweetheart, Donna.  He returned to active duty with the Navy during the Korean War. 

After completing his internship and residency at Butterworth Hospital, he opened his internal medicine practice in Grand Rapids.  For 38 year he cared for his patients with skill and compassion.  He served his profession and his community in countless ways.  Jack served on the boards of the following organizations: Butterworth Foundation, Kent County Board of Health, Kent Medical Foundation, United Way of Kent County, Kent County Medical Society, Michigan Doctors Political Action Committee, Michigan State Medical Society, Cherry Street Health Organization, Clark Retirement Community and Clark Foundation.  Jack was a past president of the Kent County Medical Society as well as a delegate to the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.  In 1998, Jack was honored with membership into the Distinguished Physicians Society of Spectrum Health. 

Jack’s life was rich with hobbies.  He loved trout fishing, photography, cooking, entertaining and all things family.  He was most happy on a ski slope or traveling with his forever companion, Donna.

His devoted surviving children are Davis Chase of Newport News, VA, Cynthia (Jack) Woller of Grand Rapids, Chris (Julie) Chase of Grand Rapids and Greg (Shari) Chase of Grand Rapids.  Also surviving are one brother, Bruce (Jan) Chase of Plymouth, Minnesota, seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. 

A memorial service honoring Jack’s life will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday June 3, 2017 at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home.  The family will greet relatives and friends following the service from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clark Endowment Fund or to the University of Michigan Medical School Dean’s Scholarship Fund.  Envelopes will be provided or please visit, http://victors.us/rjackchase.  

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