John (Jack) Pyper passed away on June 24, 2026, with family present, and forever entrenched in his heart. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday and 66th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Sallie (Eustis) Pyper. Supremely kind, reserved, and witty to the end, Jack recently said of his memory care home, “This is a great place. We should come here more often!”
Jack was born in Flint, Michigan between the Great Depression and World War II, and in the midst of the automotive revolution; events which helped forge his incredible work ethic, lifelong interest in public service and government, and boundless compassion. He graduated second in his class at Flint Northern, and then earned two degrees in Political Science at the University of Michigan, where he met Sallie and began his distinguished career in higher education. Jack and Sallie remained passionate Michigan fans, and football weekend family reunion tailgates became a decades-long tradition. “A Michigan Man” to his core.
Jack served as Associate Dean at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania from 1969 until his retirement in 1998, where he supported students, faculty and staff with unwavering dedication. He also taught one course each year on the US Presidency. In 1986/1987, Jack and Sallie spent a sabbatical in Japan, where he taught at Kyoto University. A highlight of their life together, and an experience which sparked their desire to see the world.
Jack and Sallie spent more than 50 years in Lewisburg. They raised their family there, volunteered with local charitable organizations, and faithfully attended and served the First Baptist Church. Jack was elected to the Lewisburg School Board, and ultimately served as its President.
In retirement, Jack and Sallie extensively traveled across five continents, including multiple trips to England, France and Italy with their eight grandchildren. These enlightening adventures always included his infamous, daily itineraries, detailed to the minute, and plenty of ice cream. They also took the grandkids on more than 25 college tours, prioritizing the importance of a great education and finding the right fit for each of them.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Janet Pyper, and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Karen Pyper. In addition to Sallie, he is survived by his four children: Christie Pollack of Lewisburg, Julie McKay of Houston, Mark Pyper of Sandy, Utah, and Carol Pyper of Boston; two sons-in-law, Jeff Pollack and Ken McKay; a daughter in-law, Randi Pyper; eight grandchildren; four grandchildren in-law; and two great-grandchildren, with a third expected soon. Family truly meant everything to Jack, and even as his wonderful mind abandoned him, he continued to speak of family gatherings.
Jack lived with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer’s in recent years, and the family is deeply grateful for the outstanding caregivers at Riverview Manor in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and Sunrise Senior Living in Sandy, Utah for their first-class work. Throughout his life, Jack believed in helping others, and these fine organizations exemplify that spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s memory to the Riverview Manor or Sunrise of Sandy staff fund or The First Baptist Church of Lewisburg.
