Jack C. Empie, age 80, of Caledonia, MI passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 1, 2024. Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army where he served as a Staff Sergeant. He was also a Vietnam War veteran. He always put family first, was a hardworking man and a “jack of all trades.” Jack was active in his community by volunteering as a firefighter for the Leighton Township Fire Department for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine; daughter, Ange Haveman; parents, Clarence and Lorraine Dirkes; brothers and sisters, Benjamin, Ronald, Bonnie, Richard, and Michelle. Jack is lovingly remembered by his children, Tess (Dann) Cairns, Mark Havemen, Jackie “Tootie” (Robb) Gipe; grandchildren, Alysa (Martin), Lyndi, Jenna (Rex), Madison, Deanna (Chris), Austin (Breanna), Jacob (Kelsey), Josh (Ronie), Tucker; great grandchildren, Abigail, Olivia, Paul, Patrick, Hadley, Jr., Sutton; sister, Josie (Tony) Busam; sister-in-law, Luisa McMillan; nieces, Zeny, Christina, Kimberly. Cremation has taken place. An Honor Guard Ceremony will be held November 15th, 2024, at 1pm at Stroo Funeral Home in Cutlerville, MI, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids with a luncheon to follow. A private family gathering will be held at Fairplains Cemetery in Sparta, MI. Memorial contributions in honor of Jack may be made to Corwell Health Hospice or the Disabled American Veterans Organization.