SILENT KEY                                                It is with Sadness:                                                 SILENT KEY

John(Jack) Henry Potts – SK – KA3IJN

September 15, 1935 – May 9, 2024

John “Jack” Henry Potts, age 88, of Enola, died on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Jack was born on Sunday, September 15, 1935, in Lancaster, PA to the late John Potts and Catherine (Umble) Potts. In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his two brothers: Louis Potts, Raymond Potts; and his faithful canine companions: Mittens, Tasha, Rex and Ginger.

Jack’s survivors include his wife of 64 years, Shirley S. Potts; his two children: Tammy (Potts) Gobbel, J. Drew Potts and wife, Lori; his three grandchildren: Erik Potts, Shane Potts, Brian Potts; his three step-grandchildren: Mike Birchfield, Dan Birchfield, Melanie Shank; his five step-great-grandchildren; his two sisters: Patricia Henry, Mabel Miller; and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was a remarkable man. He was born with a degenerative eye disease. He didn’t experience his limited vision and eventual blindness as a handicap, but as a life defining challenge.  He gave his time and service to organizations that aided the blind in their pursuit to live independent and productive lives.  These organizations included The Federation for the Blind, The Council for the Blind, Blind Bowlers and Blind Vendors. He was a teacher and friend to many Blind operators. He also served for over fifty years with the Lions Club International, from which he received a Melvin Jones Fellow award.

Jack was full of curiosity and he pursued all of his interests with an unrelenting determination not to be hindered by his blindness. Along the way he found and sustained many friendships. Jack enjoyed his HAM radio and belonged to several Amateur radio clubs. A shout out to all of his radio friends, from the loved ones of KA3IJN. In his fifties, Jack took up carpentry as a hobby. His mentor and friend was another Blind man. Their vision didn’t require sight. For many years, Jack and his wife Shirley shared fellowship, social events and trips with their beloved church family. Their Sunday school class will remember Jack’s home brewed “best coffee in town”. Everyone will remember his great sense of humor. He was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He was a wonderful husband and father.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 17th 2024, at the Buhrig Funeral and Cremation, LTD., 37 E Main St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. He was buried at the Rolling Green Cemetery, 1811 Carlisle Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011.