Jack Sher

1927. The Jazz Age. Speakeasies and the decadent Roaring Twenties. Duke Ellington opens at the Cotton Club in Harlem. Al Jolson and “The Jazz Singer” brought sound to moving pictures and the end of the silent movie. The first 3 inch television was invented.The first Model A Ford was sold for $385. Babe Ruth was breaking records with the NY Yankees. Charles Lindbergh embarks on the first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris. This is the world into which Jack Sher was born.

Jack was born March 12, 1927 in Spartanburg as the youngest son of David and Anna (Turkoff) Sher. After the untimely death of his mother when he was two, his father married Celia (Robinson) Sher who Jack and his siblings affectionately called “Mamma.”

During World War II, Jacks only brother, Lt. Morton “Mason” Sher, served as a pilot in the legendary Flying Tigers unit of the Army Air Corp. After several heroic missions, he was killed in action over China, but young Jack was inspired by his brother’s patriotism and heroism. He became very active in fundraising for the war effort through the sale of war bonds and stamps at Greenville High School. 

Being quite popular in high school, he also served as president of the Junior Revelers fraternity at GHS.

After graduation, Jack was proud to serve his country in the US Navy, and briefly attended college before chartering Piedmont Steel and Metal with his father. After several successful years, he started Spartan Iron and Metal in Spartanburg. In his free time, he enjoyed road rallies and racing cars in the nearby mountains. Many happy days were spent at his lake cabin speeding around the Saluda River with friends in his wooden Chris Craft.

Passing the Skyler building in Spartanburg one day, he spotted a beautiful young dance instructor exiting her studio. It was love at first sight, and on December 6, 1959, Jack married the love of his life. Marlene Browning, a local beauty queen, model and graduate of Spartanburg High School, would be by his side until the end.

The young couple began their life on a farm in Inman with a beautiful stone house, cattle, a dog and cat and a few horses. Jack created a darkroom in the basement and worked part time as a freelance photojournalist. They had several happy years in the country and three children, Elizabeth, Risa and Melinda. After several years, the family moved to a house in Andrews Farms in Spartanburg to be closer to the schools and activities.

Although now living in town with a busy career, Jack was always drawn to land and the outdoors. He purchased a historic property, Banks o’ Cane Creek Plantation, in Pauline where much time was spent cleaning up the land and exploring the many old structures. He also loved the coast and fishing and would often load the kids in the station wagon and head to the low country to spend summertime on the boat fishing, crabbing and exploring deserted islands and coastal villages. 

Eventually, as the girls grew older, staying on the boat was replaced with a variety of houses and villas. Jacks new found love of flying and a Beechcraft Bonanza allowed for short weekend excursions to Hilton Head. He logged many hours flying for his growing waste management company and one spring break took the family on an epic adventure west to visit dude ranches, caverns and the Grand Canyon.

After the girls were in college, Jack and Marlene moved to Mollywood, their horse farm in Columbus, NC and built a new home there. With over 100 acres, Jack retired early to work with the land while Marlene would ride horses and foxhunt with the Tryon Hounds.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed buying and selling cars, boats, tractors and real estate. He also was quite found of motor homes and was always buying and selling, because one was too big, too small, or the dog didn’t like it. He seemed to like the buying and trading part more than actually using the motor home!

Jack was very active well into his 90s. He loved and took care of Marlene after she was limited by dementia. He drove her to doctors appointments and although he had never cooked, he learned to

prepare Tovala frozen dinners and could always run out to pick up a

couple of hamburgers. He enjoyed helping Elizabeth on the farm, cutting grass, watering the garden and even assembling a very complicated spinning composter. Everyday he spent time on his exercise machines and he always enjoyed visits from friends and family.

Throughout his life, Jack had a kind soul and would quietly help people whenever he could. His employees always loved and respected him. Many often visiting decades after their employment. Sadly, he was predeceased by his loving daughters Risa and Melinda. He leaves behind, his wife Marlene, the love of his life, daughter Elizabeth Sher, granddaughter Taylor Smith and two great grand children.

On this earth for nearly a century, Jack experienced many historic events defining our great country. From the very first televisions to managing his banking on his iPad. From complicated stereos with records and huge speakers to Spotify playing 40’s music on a tiny bluetooth speaker. From a Ford Model A to cars that can drive themselves. It is amazing that one life can see so much change!

Jack enjoyed a long healthy, active life.  Although his last days were uncomfortable, he was still charming his nurses and visitors until the very end.

A memorial and gathering is planned for 2:30 Sunday, March 12. Please email an RSVP to [email protected] for the location of the service.