John W. “Jack” Eckersley, M.D. (1936-2020) went to be with Jesus on September 20th after a long illness. Born in Portland, ME, Jack grew up in Pennsylvania. After graduating from Ursinus College and Temple Medical School, he served 10 years in the USAF, where he completed his medical training, achieved board certification in dermatology, and ultimately attained the rank of Lt. Col. He then relocated to Stuart, FL where he opened in solo practice as the town’s first dermatologist in 1972. He retired in 2009, having spent the last few years of his career with Romagosa Dermatology.
Dr. Eckersley lectured extensively on the subject of Scientific Creationism, serving for 20 years on the board of the Institute for Creation Research. Over the course of his lifetime, he generously supported many charitable organizations and missions both at home and abroad.
Jack was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free hours hunting, boating or fishing. Often described as “the life of the party,” he was known as an exceptionally witty storyteller, pulling from the wealth of experiences he had enjoyed over his lifetime. A beloved doctor who helped many, “Dr. Jack” will be remembered by his family, patients and friends not just as a Christian with strong convictions but as a kind, generous soul.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Gaskill Eckersley after 58 years of marriage; his daughters Ruth Cantillon (John) and Dianne Belsom (Keith); granddaughter Desiree Belsom; sister Linda Machado, niece Victoria Wilson, nephew Greg Kotula; great-nephews Nikolai Kotula and Jake Kotula.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Institute for Creation Research (www.icr.org) or Refuge Ranch (www.therefugeranch.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Andrew D. Ferguson Funeral Home & Crematories, Inc, 80 Morgantown St, Uniontown, PA 15401. Services will be private at his request. He will be interred in Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA.
So sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing his life.
Dear Pat, Ruth, John, Dianne, Desiree and Keith — From the time of Keith and Dianne’s wedding so many years ago, I was struck, Dianne, by what a dignified, smart, and kind person your father was. For all his expertise, he had a gentle smile, an approachable way of communicating, and a welcoming demeanor. A good hint of this is in his photograph here. I know what a great dad he was, too, by the way he raised you and your sister, Ruth. As Keith’s sister, each with our own families now, I know that such family, community, and spiritual… Read more »