Commander John B. Cribbs III, Retired, 69, of Winchester VA went home to be with the Lord on November 8, 2016 at Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester VA. Jack was ill briefly with a rare fatal neurological disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Surrounded by his family he slipped away peacefully to heaven with a full heart.

Jack was born September 17, 1947 to John and Dorothy (Earle) Cribbs in Memphis TN. He relished his role as older brother to his sister, Rilla, with a unique blend of responsibility and mischief. As a boy he enjoyed fishing, spelunking, science projects and boy scouting. During his college and Navy flight training years he became a motorcycle and sports cars enthusiast, owning a number of them. He earned a B.S. Degree in mathematics and fine art at the University of Memphis in 1970. Loving collegiate gymnastics, he won first place in regional championships twice for his skill on the high bar.

Jack's life radically changed as a result of the Teen Challenge coffee house in Corpus Christi and a very determined Marine friend when he fully trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, turning from his old life of sin. He chose three life goals: serving Jesus, marrying a Christian and aviation, all of which he accomplished. Jack married Karen Marsey in 1973 and continued to romance his best friend during their adventurous 43 year marriage. They raised three children while he continued to serve 20 years in the Navy, based in Japan, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Following his Navy career he worked as an artist and pilot for 23 years for American Airlines until 2007.

Upon his second retirement Jack devoted himself to his church, family and artwork. He appreciated increased time with his family and friends, fly fishing, taking Karen on dates in his newly restored Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite and playing with their two Shelties. Jack ran the race of life well, as the apostle Paul describes in 2 Timothy 4:7 ~ “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Jack spent nine years planning then painting his "The Seven Last Words of Christ" collection, the culmination of his deep, lifelong passions for God and art. When told he had weeks to live, his comment was 'Bless God'. He then urged each family member that the only lasting thing that matters is to follow hard after God and walk in His ways.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jack is survived by his wife, Karen, their two sons and a daughter as well as their five grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by his sister, Rilla C. Venable of Memphis TN.

A funeral service will be at Fellowship Bible Church officiated by Pastor Don DenHartog in Winchester VA on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Visitation with the family will be at 11:00 AM with the service at noon. Lunch will follow. Burial will be at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Craig Henry, Winchester Medical Center, UVA Medical Center and Blue Ridge Hospice for their excellent care. Memorial contributions in Jack’s name would be welcomed at Blue Ridge Hospice (brhospice.org) or The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Foundation (cjdfoundation.org).

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