John Backels
John Franz Backels, 93, formerly of Clifton Forge, Virginia died July 3, 2024 in Charlottesville. Jack was born June 30, 1930 to John Edward. and Linnea Franz Backels in Marquette, Michigan. Education was a life passion as he earned two degrees in Forestry from the University of Michigan, an MBA from the University of Washington, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Florida State. Following his second Michigan degree he enrolled in Officer Candidate School for the US Navy and served for four years of active duty and 16 years in the Naval Reserve. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His ship, the Frank E. Evans, patrolled the Korean peninsula during the Korean Conflict. In addition, Jack was an Atomic Veteran as the Evans was an observer ship exposed to underwater nuclear bomb testing in the Pacific.
Higher education became Jack’s professional calling. He taught Navy ROTC classes at the University of Washington and Forestry classes at Paul Smith’s (NY) College before serving as Dean of Instruction at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (now known as Mountain Gateway Community College) for one year and President of DSLCC for 26 years. During his deanship Jack developed the Forest Technology program.
Jack was an avid outdoorsman. He grew up fishing and hunting among the forests and rivers of Upper Michigan. He skied well and often, retiring from the sport following a successful day on the slopes at age 91. Jack enjoyed skiing at Snowshoe and spending beach time at the Outer Banks with his grandchildren but woe to anyone of any age who couldn’t keep up with him. Until a month ago he walked – rain, snow, whatever the conditions – over a mile daily. Jack was an accomplished woodworker who filled his house and those of his relatives with hand-made furniture.
He loved calling Clifton Forge his home. Jack was involved in leadership positions for a host of community organizations, among them: Kiwanis Club; Greater Alleghany United Fund; Salvation Army; Central United Methodist Church; and his pride and joy – the annual Stars & Stripes Celebration.
Family was central to Jack’s life. He is survived by a son, Steve (Kelsey) of Millersville, PA, two daughters, Kris Girard (Bob) of Earlysville and Karen Gioia (Bob) of Charlottesville, seven grandchildren – Adam Backels (Tom Elson), Parker Girard (Heather), Charlie Girard, Kerry Moomaw (Will), Mitch Gioia, Trevor Gioia, and Meredith Gioia - and 2 great-grandsons, Miles Girard and Ethan Elson-Backels. He was preceded in death by Mary Stevens Backels - the love of his life and his best friend for almost 70 years - their son Tim, Jack’s parents, and Jack’s sister Ruth Knutson.
Funeral services will take place at Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8 2024 with Reverend Samuel Chung and Reverend Lynn Wright officiating. Friends are invited to visit at the church between noon and 1:45 before the funeral. A private family burial ceremony will follow. Military rites will be conducted by the Covington Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1033.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tim Backels Memorial Scholarship Fund at Mountain Gateway Community College (www.mgcc.edu/giving).
