John "Jack" Archer

John Herbert "Jack" Archer, a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024 at the age of 85. 

Born on March 8, 1939 in Akron, Ohio, he grew up on Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls where his home became the neighborhood center for his many friends who played ping pong in the backyard, basketball in the driveway, and kick the can well into the dark along with spontaneous gatherings at Crawford School for touch football and baseball games. Childhood summers were highlighted by family trips to California, Colorado, Florida, Washington D.C. and Nova Scotia. 

He was a graduate of Cuyahoga Falls High School, Class of 1957. Sports came easily and early on he focused on tennis following his Uncle Bob Nihousen, former Big Ten Champion. Jack developed a beautiful lifelong game with a widely admired pinpoint forehand. His sportsmanship and sense of humor gained friends and admirers through the years.

 Winning the Akron District High School Singles Championship was a sign of things to come. As a teenager, he combined his love for the game with work by maintaining the three brown clay courts at Portage Country Club, later becoming a member. He attended The Ohio State University where he was a mainstay of the varsity tennis team and became a longtime supporter of Ohio State athletics through the Ohio State Varsity O Alumni Society.

 After serving in the Army National Guard, he began his insurance career at the Archer Agency Inc., eventually taking over the firm from his father. As a result he continued to build clientele and friendships along the way. He served his community in different ways, including as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce where he led a cleanup effort on the Cuyahoga River in the early 1970s. 

In 1964 Jack married Kay Morgan and began a 53 year loving relationship until Kay’s passing in 2017. They had two children, Amy and Bryce, and their house (and tennis court) became the home for extended family as well during the holidays, no matter how far flung.

Jack’s tennis excellence continued over the years. He won 9 Akron District Championships, became the top senior player in the Midwest and went undefeated over several years as a member of the U.S. Gordon Cup teams competing against Canada. He particularly cherished umpiring the first tournament match between young Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova (and partnering with Chris in exhibition doubles).

His kindness and gentle humor were hallmarks. He knew the value of family as a model son, attentive to his parents throughout their lives. He was a devoted husband with quiet pride and love for Kay, his children and grandchildren. From his earliest years he was the big brother who included Bob in schoolyard games, mentored him in tennis and was always of good counsel throughout life. Late in life he shared his love and years with his loving and devoted partner, Lou Albertson, another Cuyahoga Falls native. 

We will remember Jack driving away in his vintage 1957 Ebony Black Thunderbird convertible to his next match.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Herbert Earl Archer and Mildred Esther (nee Nihousen), and wife Kay Arlene (nee Morgan).

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Archer Paglia (Tony) of Cuyahoga Falls, son Bryce Archer (Leean) of Hudson, granddaughters Ella Brown (Gabe) of Dayton, Mya Lathem of Akron, Elena Lathem of Peninsula, brother Robert (Tilda) of Ross, CA, nephew Graham (Madeline) of Quincy, CA, niece Lauren, Paris, FR, cousin Philip Armstrong (Diana) of Naples, FL, and partner Lou Albertson of Cuyahoga Falls.

Visiting hours will be held at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home in Cuyahoga Falls on Monday, November 25th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. 

Services will be held at Clifford-Shoemaker on Tuesday, November 26th at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Priebe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Greater East Ohio Area Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/eastohio.