John R Staats, 81, of Petosky, Michigan, died on Thursday, May 27, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Cristina, of over 56 years; his children, Liz (Allen) Burt of Mackinac Island and Bill (Leslie) Staats of Powell, Ohio; grandchildren, Sean and Katie of Mackinac Island, and Kyle of Powell, Ohio.

He will be fondly remembered by his amateur radio (HAM) friends worldwide as KB8RJ.

Jack, as he was known, taught high school biology and physical science for Warren Consolidated Schools for over 30 years. As his last act of teaching, he made an anatomical gift of his body to the Michigan State University Medical School to further the education of future doctors. Both Jack and his daughter, Liz, are alumni of MSU.

After retiring, Jack and his wife sailed extensively in the Mediterranean on a multi-year adventure.

Jack is a past Commodore of Crescent Sail Yacht Club on Lake St. Clair. His two greatest hobbies were boating the Great Lakes and amateur radio. He was an active member of the Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet County Public Service Communication Organization (CCECPSCO), an amateur radio group. In addition to his Crescent affiliation, he was also active in various other Great Lakes boating groups over the years.

Most recently, Jack and his wife split their time between Mackinac Island and Boyne City, Michigan.

He will be greatly missed by his many friends around the world, and we will all miss his many silly jokes and stories.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CCECPSCO (P.O. Box 3026, 6472 Dorothy Ave., Indian River, MI 49749) and Mackinac Marine Rescue (P.O. Box 1, Mackinac Island, MI 49757).

No services are scheduled at this time.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com