John Joseph Earley III (Jack), of Bolivia, NC, a loving husband and incredibly proud father and grandfather, passed away at 78 years old on June 27, 2025, surrounded by his adoring family. 

Jack’s early days were spent committed to the service of our country. In 1965, Jack enlisted in the US Navy and served as an ADJ 2 (Aviation Machinist’s Mate assigned to sea duty). He later graduated from SERE school (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) and went on to serve in Vietnam as a door gunner, specializing in search and rescue.  Jack was recognized for his service with the National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and made E-5 rank after only four years of service.  After being honorably discharged, he continued to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter in New Jersey for the Madison Fire Department and later the East Hanover Fire Department. 

The greatest joy of Jack’s life was his family.  In 1976, Jack married the love of his life, Gail, and together they raised five children:  Sharon Becker and her husband, Kenny; Sarah Mulrooney-Cook and her husband, Josh; Jack Earley and his wife, Janeen; Matthew Earley and his wife, Jenna; and Maggie Hickman and her husband, Robert. He was fiercely committed to his family and served as their coach in many capacities including serving as the Baseball Commissioner for the Lebanon Township Athletic Association in New Jersey. His children blessed him with ten grandchildren: Emily, Jack, Nathan, Caitlin, Kenny, Kate, Johnny, Ruby, Michael, and Josephine. 

After working for Verizon in Netcong, New Jersey, Jack happily retired to Bolivia, NC. Jack enjoyed fishing, gardening, working outside, making people laugh, woodworking, and was a true animal lover. Above all else, however, there was nothing Jack loved more than spending time with his family.  

Being a humble man, Jack’s life will be honored with a private family service.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare:  1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 (https://lifecare.org/donate/).