Jack D. Crow, noted artist and native son, passed away nearly one year ago.  His friends and family will be marking this occasion with a celebration of his life and art at the Hutchinson Art Center, 405 N. Washington, Hutchinson, April 12, 2019, from 3 to 8pm.

Jack was born to Grace Cora Wilson and Phillip Ladd Crow on April 3, 1925, in Hutchinson.  They preceded him in passing, as well as his sisters, Charlene and Patricia and brothers, Phillip, Dale and Francis. His siblings Joyce, Charles, and Judy survive him.

Jack showed his artistic skills from an early age, and these were encouraged by his teacher at Lincoln School, who brought him to his first art show. The die was cast, and he followed this passion throughout his life.  He entered the Army during the Second World War, and was among the first wave of troops to enter occupied Japan.  His experience there had a profound influence on his artistic vision, and confirmed his belief in the futility of war.  Upon discharge, he continued his education at the Kansas City Art Institute, where he met and wed an equally talented artist, Helen Margaret Walker.   They started a family while Jack worked at Pegue's Department Store.

The couple's family grew to include five children: Catherine Dee, Patricia Kay, Martha Lynn, John Macon, and Margaret Leigh.

After successful careers in the traditional advertising world of Chicago, Jack and Helen decided to pursue their dreams by moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they designed and built a home and studio where they worked and raised their children.  His appreciation of music developed at an early age, and throughout his midlife he was 'hip' to pick up gigs around town to showcase his own talent on the drums and, while he favored jazz - Gerry Milligan and Miles Davis style - his softer side would frequently entertain family gatherings with Debussy's 'Claire de Lune.' Jack had a varied and noted career as an artist and illustrator.  He primarily drew men's' fashions for Heinemann Advertising, as well as Goldwater's Department Store.  He was also a sought-after art director and taught art at Scottsdale Community College. He worked as a courtroom sketch artist for trials that included the Oklahoma City bombing.  These earned him a Rocky Mountain Emmy.

After Helen passed in 1990, Jack retired and fulfilled a long-held dream of traveling the world, and he often made connections with local people as he sketched their everyday life.  When his wanderlust ebbed, he returned to the arms of his family in Hutchinson.  It was then that he was blessed with the birth of his two grandchildren, Walker Thomas and Madelyn La Vardera. It was also at this point that he met and wed Johanna Minich, who survives. During his time in Hutchinson, he continued to draw and paint, and was an active member of the local art community.  Soon before his passing, he met his great-grandson, Keegan Jump.  This new life marked the end of his own.  Jack's life was long and filled with joy and art.  Please join us in celebrating this unique and powerful spirit on the 12th at the Hutchinson Art Center.