John (Jack) Edward Cross' Obituary
John (Jack) Edward Cross, 79, of Dallas, TX, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep at his home on his birthday, September 4th, 2018. Jack was born in Detroit, Michigan of parents Norman R. Cross and Esther Cross. Jack left home to serve in the Army as a Specialist 4 and was stationed in Europe where he met his bride of 57 years, Zonneke Schlette Cross. The two were inseparable. They married on January 3, 1961, in Voorburg, The Netherlands and the couple lived in France. Jack was fond of cars and they sported around the European countryside in their convertible MG which they brought back with them to America upon completion of his military tours in 1963.Jack and Zonneke settled in Dallas. He began his lifelong career as a High School Teacher of French and Latin in the Dallas Independent School District. He taught at WT White, Thomas Jefferson and North Dallas High School until his retirement. Jack believed that a lesson in language was not complete without a lesson in culture. Therefore, his classes were an education in both. Upon his retirement, Jack served as a substitute teacher most often at the High School for the Performing Arts in Dallas.One of his passions was Detroit Tigers baseball and he collected baseball cards amassing a world-class collection of 1950s and 1960s era players. Jack became an ardent Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan and rarely missed a game. He collected early era Rock and Roll records of Elvis, the Beatles, and others on their original recording labels. Jack was a voracious reader with an extensive library of books on Art, Culture, Philosophy, Politics, and Gastronomy. He was a patron of the Arts and especially of theater. Jack and Zonneke traveled Europe and the US extensively together. But, he was also a simple man whose favorite foods were pizza and spaghetti with meat sauce. Jack’s wit and charm and point of view will be sorely missed.John (Jack) Edward Cross is survived by his wife, Zonneke Schlette Cross, of Dallas, his brother Richard Cross, of Troy Michigan, his three sisters in laws and numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.A Memorial Service celebrating the life of John (Jack) Edward Cross will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, September 22nd at the home of Mary Schlette, located at 7153 Dogwood Creek Ln., Dallas, TX 75252. All those present may share their fond memories of Jack with family and friends. Zonneke welcomes comments in the Guest Book and asks you to submit photos of Jack to the Photos/Video tab of this website for use at the service.Food and refreshments will be served. For more information call: Ritchie Schlette at Ph. 214-454-7108.Docendo discimus — “By teaching, we learn.” Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC – 65 AD)
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