Jack D. Laslie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, leader, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, in Novi, Michigan. He was born on November 15, 1935, in Cumberland, Indiana.

Jack lived a full and remarkable life, defined by his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, his natural leadership, and an extraordinary ability to fix just about anything. To those who knew him best, Jack was classic, engaging, loyal, and a true team player. He was an ultimate salesman who believed, “You have to be the product of the product,” and he loved a good catchphrase. One of his favorites was, “Every job uses every tool, every time.” His family will always remember the many funny and memorable things Jack said—and the way he could turn an ordinary moment into a story.

Jack earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University and later received a Master of Science in Education from the University of Michigan. While at Ball State, he became the first athlete at that time to qualify for Sigma Delta Psi, the Physical Education Honorary, an accomplishment that reflected his determination and athletic ability. He was also a proud member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Jack worked his way through college as a plumber, an experience that helped shape his lifelong confidence with tools and his remarkable ability to repair, build, and maintain almost anything. After completing his education, he spent nine years as a public school teacher, teaching Industrial Arts and Physical Education and coaching swimming and girls' gymnastics.

In 1967, Jack changed careers and entered the business world with Future Products Tool Corp. He began in sales and quickly rose through the organization, ultimately becoming President, a position he held for more than two decades. Jack devoted more than 34 years to “Future,” where his leadership, energy, salesmanship, and ability to connect with people made a lasting impact.

Outside of work, Jack was happiest outdoors or working with his hands. He loved hunting—especially bow hunting and black-powder hunting—fishing, camping, woodworking, cooking out, and barbecuing year-round. He was a devoted bluegrass enthusiast who enjoyed playing guitar and banjo. He was also a Civil War buff and a great fan of Gunsmoke and Lonesome Dove, particularly admiring the acting of Robert Duvall.

Jack's commitment to others was perhaps most evident in his role as a mentor. He was a wonderful leader who believed in giving young people experiences that would shape their lives. He led six Boy Scouts, ages 15 to 17, to Isle Royale in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on two separate, transformative trips that included canoeing in Lake Superior. His son Brett remembers those adventures as a defining experience, saying, “I went from a boy to a man on those trips, and I’ll never forget it.”

Jack was deeply proud of his family. He was the devoted husband of Judy for 69 years, a loving father to three children, and a proud grandfather. He cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather above all else.

Jack is survived by his wife, Judy; son Dale and his wife, Diane, of North Carolina; daughter Claudia and her husband, Adam, of Massachusetts; and son Brett and his wife, Joanne, of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Georgia Eden Karbelnikoff and Francis James Karbelnikoff, children of Claudia; and Berklee Ramona Laslie, daughter of Brett.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Ruth Odom; his father, Olaf T. Laslie; his sister, Geraldine (Laslie) Wessling; and his brother, James O. Laslie.

Jack was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan, a 25-year member of Orchard Lake Country Club, a 40-year member of Reed Ranch Hunting Club, and spent 18 years at Waldenwoods Campground. Each community reflected something Jack valued: friendship, fellowship, the outdoors, and time well spent with others.

Whether he was closing a business deal, mentoring a young person, repairing something at home, preparing a barbecue, heading into the woods, casting a fishing line, playing his guitar or banjo, or simply sharing one of his favorite sayings, Jack brought enthusiasm and character to everything he did.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, hard work, humor, craftsmanship, and adventure. Above all, he leaves a family who loved him dearly and whose lives are better because he was in them.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Jack’s name to:
Hillsdale College
33 E. College St.
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Attn: Gift Processing