Jan Michael Abbott, born January 7, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan, passed away January 4, 2024 at his home in Leland, North Carolina at the age of 80.

He is survived by his wife, Joann Birkenstock; their children, Brian Abbott (Julianna Jackson), Lauren Abbott (Kait Tocci), Timothy Abbott (Ryan Fogarty); his children from a previous marriage, James Abbott (Stacey Lind), Jill Bartz (Jeffrey Bartz); grandchildren, Allison and Nathan Bartz; and sister, Sharon Cusick. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Marion Lindow Abbott, and brother, Robert Abbott. 

Jan graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in mathematics. Following, he served as a First Lieutenant at Headquarters Fifth United States Army where he received the Army Commendation Medal for his outstanding technical knowledge and initiative to analyze, develop, and implement a consolidated financial system. After his service, he was an executive for and owner of companies that developed and maintained financial software systems for Fortune 1000 companies while living and raising his family in Chicago, Illinois and North Potomac, Maryland.

Jan’s family and close friends remember him as a kind and gentle man, a successful business owner, and an unassuming yet inspirational leader, teacher, and coach. He had a sharp mind, quick wit, and unrivaled dry humor. He was a true student of life, always curious and eager to understand the world around him. A lifelong talent for sports and games, coupled with a strong inner drive for excellence, earned him countless accolades and achievements throughout his life in a range of pursuits. Highlights include achieving the Life Master title with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL); earning gold medals at the Senior State Games in tennis, pickleball, and bowling; and bowling numerous 300 games and 800 series during United States Bowling Congress (USBC) league play.

Throughout life, Jan dedicated himself to inspiring others to discover the same joy he found from his hobbies. He served in many coaching capacities throughout his life, including as a USBC certified bowling coach and International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) certified pickleball coach, as well as a coach for several of his children’s little league teams. In retirement, he was a founding member of the Brunswick Forest Pickleball Club and a founder and a managing director of the House of Pickleball in Leland, North Carolina, where he continued to be active both on and off the courts until the end of his life. 

Jan had a great appreciation for music and musical theater and could often be heard singing throughout the house (or in public, much to the embarrassment of his family). He had a fondness for gardening, particularly later in life, and spent many hours lying on his side while meticulously attending to his garden. He loved food, good Champagne, and dessert (and was often teased by his family for his sometimes unusual snack choices and unrelenting sweet tooth).  

Jan impacted the lives of everyone around him and will be greatly missed. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date.