Jack G. Barrett
NEGAUNEE TWP., MI- Jack G. Barrett, 85, passed away July 7th, 2026 at his home.
Jack was born on October 19th, 1940, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and graduated from Reynoldsburg HS in 1958. He attended Ohio State University for one year and was a lifelong fan of the Buckeyes. Following his year at Ohio State he transferred to Ferris State University in Big Rapids and began a journey around Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
He met and married his wife, Karen (Westrich) in 1963. Jack enlisted in and completed the Recruit Academy for the Michigan State Police and took his first assignment at the Reed City Post. After one year of service in Reed City, he accepted a transfer to the Marquette (eventually Negaunee) State Police Post where he served for another 12 years. He retired from the Michigan State Police in 1979 and went to work for CCI underground initially at the Mather ‘B’ in Negaunee and then at the Empire and Tilden Mines. Jack eventually accepted a position at the Marquette Branch Prison as a Correctional Officer and served in that capacity for 18 years until full retirement.
Jack loved his property on North Road in Negaunee Township where he lived since 1987. He had a very creative mind and along with his wife Karen they created many crafts and creations. He assembled a fully functional sawmill out of pieces, dubbed the “Terrible Termite,” and made hardwood lumber for many years. He was a lifelong member of the NRA and loved working with guns and reloading his own ammunition, including casting his own bullets.
Jack was predeceased by his wife Karen, and his parents Gilbert and Marye (Jewell) Barrett.
He is survived by his sister Toni (Ed) Hagan of Negaunee and his sons Jeff (Bessemer) and Chris who along with his wife Mary (Leiviska) have lived with Jack for the last year plus to help him navigate his “golden years” as they say, and his “surrogate” daughter-in-law Debbie Leiviska of Negaunee.
Honoring Jack’s wishes, no public services will be held, but a gathering of friends and family will be organized at a later date.
Mr. Barrett’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com