Jack Darrell Gunther

Jack Darrell Gunther, 80, of Dunkirk, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Autumn Meadows Senior Assisted Living Community in Gambrills, Maryland. 

Jack was born on February 11, 1940 in Beckley, West Virginia to the late Ira and Grace Gunther.  He was the fourth child born of eight in the Gunther family.  His death was preceded by his parents and three sisters; Peggy Sue Zaccheo, Jeanie Tippner and Fran Rejonis.

Following his childhood in Beckley, Jack married and settled into the Washington, DC area.  Soon after his move in the early 1960’s, he quickly learned his way around town as a DC Transit Bus Driver, now known as Metro. Jack’s indelible personality, quick wit and authenticity led him to a career in sales where he spent more than 45 years in the roles of route salesman and sales management.  On October 29, 2010, Jack retired after 42 years of service with Continental Baking Company/Hostess Brands and the Teamsters Union, better known to his family as Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake.  Jack continued to reside in Dunkirk, Maryland spending the majority of his time living a slower paced life with family and friends.

Jack was very passionate about the outdoors and the Patuxent River where he spent many years of boating, crabbing, fishing, water skiing and enjoying the scenic waterways of the Chesapeake Bay.  He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed all DC area sports, but had a distinct love for Washington Redskins Football. His love for sports started early on when he won three city basketball titles as a young man. His athletic ability and competitiveness followed him well into retirement whether by shooting basketball, throwing the football, an impromptu walk race, or simply skipping stones across the water.  Jack was a fierce and lovable competitor.  

Jack’s strongest passion was for his children; Karen Lynn and Jack Darren and his three grandchildren; Grace, Aidan and William.  He was very proud of their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to support them whether it was cheerleading, dance, singing, lacrosse, hockey...  Jack was always there and was never shy to share stories or communicate just how proud he was of them.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Gunther Rice and son-in-law Chuck Rice of Stevensville, MD; son, Jack Darren Gunther and daughter-in-law Casey Gunther of Gambrills, MD, siblings; Ann Anderson of IN, Iris Sweeney of Beckley, WV, Jim Gunther of Charleston, WV, Mike Gunther of Beckley, WV, three grandchildren and his multiple nieces, nephews and extended family.

The family is planning a Memorial Service and Celebration in Spring, 2021.  In the meantime, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Patuxent Riverkeeper whose mission is to conserve, protect and replenish Maryland’s longest and deepest intrastate waterway (https://paxriverkeeper.org).