Jack Leroy Dearth was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 24, 1960 to Jack and Carol Dearth. In his childhood, Jack lived in Ava, OH; Warsaw, NY; Mayfield Heights, OH; and Akron, OH. In Akron, he attended Kent Junior High and Garfield High schools. After retirement, he lived in Milan, MI; Mount Vernon, OH; Apple Valley, OH; and Daytona Beach, FL. Jack had three brothers (Timothy, Stephen, Phillip) and a sister (Dorothy (deceased 2025)).

Jack enlisted into the U.S. Navy in 1978 and completed basic training at the Great Lakes National Training Center. His first assignment from 1978 to 1983 was on the USS Jason stationed in San Diego, CA and Pearl Harbor, HI. He then served at the Naval Administrative Command in San Diego, CA from 1983 to 1985. From 1985 to 1986, he was stationed on the USS Horne. He took a break in service from 1986 to 1989 and then returned to active duty on the USS Saipan LHA-2 based out of Norfolk, VA. From 1995 to 1997, he then served on the aircraft Carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 based out of Norfolk, VA. In 1997, he was stationed at the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility in Virginia Beach, VA. From 2000 to 2002, he was stationed in Gaeta, Italy on board the USS Lasalle. His last assignment from 2002 until his Honorable Discharge/Retirement in 2003 was at the Naval Center for Tactical Systems Interoperability Detachment in Sigonella, Sicily, Italy.

Jack was very proud to wear the U.S. Navy uniform and serve this great nation. He was awarded many medals during his career and was highly competent in his career field. He served with honor, duty and commitment to the mission. After his retirement, he enjoyed keeping in touch with his Navy friends and coworkers.

Jack traveled the world many times over during his admirable career. He absolutely loved to learn about different countries and cultures and took many pictures during his off-duty time. He was an avid reader and accumulated a massive library. He collected many souvenirs from his travels and proudly displayed them in his home. Jack loved music, especially classical, easy listening, and 1960s and 1970s classic rock. His music collection was quite impressive. He couldn't say no to a stray cat. Jack was a kind soul.

In 2016, he earned a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Arizona Global Campus. This degree was a formal milestone and attestation of his of his lifelong passion for learning, especially about history.

In 2016, Jack met and married Marylin and they lived in Daytona Beach, FL. In retirement, they enjoyed dining at the local restaurants, attending concerts, and working on their hobbies. Jack went to be with the Lord on April 5, 2025 and will be laid to rest in the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.