John “Jack” William Manning, of Tampa, Florida, aged 94, passed away July 11, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his beloved wife of 52 years, Doris; and his infant son, John Manning Jr. He is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter Cheryl (Mike) McNall; his daughter Donna (Steve) Sewell; his six grandchildren, Emily (Zack) Boucher, Hannah (Logan) Murray, Mitchell (Katie) McNall, Maggie (Dale) Dowden, Jackson McNall, and Olivia Sewell; and his three great-granddaughters, Isabella and Adeline Boucher, and Hyland Murray. Jack will be sorely missed by his family, all of who find comfort in the knowledge of his joyful homecoming.
Jack was born October 16, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois to John and Jane Manning. Jack grew up on Chicago’s South Side playing baseball with friends and enjoying the city’s sights and sounds with his siblings. Throughout his life, Jack’s love for his hometown never diminished, and he spoke frequently about his countless fond memories of his childhood. Jack proudly served his country as a member of the Navy until his honorable discharge in 1954. Following his subsequent graduation from The Citadel with a degree in Business, Jack enjoyed a successful career as a manager for IBM. The highlight of his 29 years at IBM culminated when his leadership spearheaded the institution of IBM’s Information Network in Tampa in 1982. He worked as a consultant for an additional 6 years before retiring permanently to devote his time to his family.
Jack married Doris “Dot” Sweatman on November 14, 1952. Together, they built a life grounded in love and faith, remaining happily and lovingly married for 52 joyful years. They raised two daughters, Cheryl (Mike) McNall and Donna (Steve) Sewell. Cheryl and Donna remember their dad for his never-ending love and patience. Jack was their hero and protector who could solve any problem. Jack’s daughters blessed him with six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who knew him as “Papa, a title he treasured most of all.
Jack was fortunate to find love again later in life when he met his wife Barbara. This August will have been 15 years of their happy union. Jack and Barbara enjoyed traveling, spending time with their family, visiting Barbara’s grandchildren, who also became family to Jack, and celebrating the end of each day with a gin & tonic (or two). Together, Jack and Barbara remained active members of their church and took pride in teaching Sunday School classes to over 100 members. Until his passing, Jack remained a devout Christian steadfast in his faith. Barbara stayed by his side until the very end, with a dedication and patience that will never be forgotten.
Jack’s funeral will be held on July 16 at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 3207 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33618. The family will receive visitors at 2:00 pm and the service will begin at 3:00 pm.
Immediately following the service, Jack’s grandchildren would like to extend an invitation to join the family for food and drinks at the home of Cheryl (Mike) McNall, 15003 Cancun Place, Tampa, Florida 33618. With Cheryl’s home being the former home of Jack and Dot – a home Jack cherished immensely through his final days – Jack’s family looks forward to celebrating a life well lived in a place deeply rooted in love for Jack.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Canine Companions,