John (Jack) Pierce, age 91, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in DeLand, Florida no doubt hearing from Him
these words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"; During his lifetime on earth Jack
was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to 20. He was a
loyal friend to many with whom he lived and served in the US and Brazil. He was also a
proud Marine Corps Veteran having served on the front line in Korea. Jack was a gifted
storyteller who could hold the weight of a tragedy in one hand and a punchline in the
other.

Born in Galloway Township, NJ, to John Sr. and Mary Emma (Camp) Pierce, Jack grew
up in Blackwood Terrace, NJ. It was there he met his high school sweetheart, Barbara
Hamilton. Jack saved his lunch money to buy her a promise ring when she was only 14
years old. Their tender affection for each other resulted in 67 years of unconditional love
and a mutual commitment to each other and their Savior Jesus Christ. Their
commitment lead them to respond to Christ's command to "Go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15) and take the gospel message to national and
indigenous people in Brazil.

Following theological and missionary training the Pierces moved to Brazil in 1962 and
began missionary service with New Tribes Mission (now called Ethnos360). Their 44
years of active service included many years in the Amazon Basin living among the
Krikati-Timbira people groups. Jack built a rustic home in a Krinkati village and he and
Barbara set about developing friendships with the people trying to learn their language
and culture. Later on a team was formed and John and Barbara supported the team
(which included a linguist and bible translator) by manning a guest house in a town
where their co-workers and others could stay while they did supply buying and took care
of business and medical needs. Jack would often transport supplies to his co-workers
using a Jeep that God had provided for his ministries.

After serving the Krinkati people the Mission asked John and Barbara to serve at a
mission school in Vianópolis, Goiás, Brazil where they served as dorm parents,
cafeteria cooks, and schoolteachers. The missionary kids (MKs) he cared for in the
dorms and his art students all knew him as "Uncle Jack", a master storyteller who loved
retelling harrowing events he faced in Korea or in the jungles of Brazil. Some of his
stories were really funny; like when he carried nuns across a swollen creek on his back
or the time when he had a dangerous nighttime encounter with a hitman. His wit and
humor left audiences clamoring for more.

A self-taught artist, Jack painted many murals and framed paintings, some of which he
give right off the walls of his home to anyone who admired them. Guests who attended
John and Barbara's 50th Wedding Anniversary brought paintings they had been gifted
and displayed these, turning the venue into an art gallery.

Jack not only taught art at the mission school but gave private lessons to many
Brazilians. One of his students became a very successful artist and has opened her
own art schools. Jack's art went beyond painting. He branched out into leather tooling,
ceramics, metal, and carved wooden or soapstone sculptures. He even brought art to
cooking, baking, and grilling. Invited guests still remember "Aunt Barbara's" famous
meatballs" and "Uncle Jack pizzas and savory churrasco".

Jack was a protector and a peacemaker who always had a listening ear for the down-
hearted, a warm hug, and a signature fist bump. During his retirement years, many of
his coworkers, friends, and former students came to visit him. Their visits brought him
great joy. He rejoiced with them in their successes and grieved with them in their
sorrows.

Jack is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his parents John Sr. and Mary
Emma Pierce; and his sisters, Dorothy Ewing and Lorraine Campbell. He is survived by
his children: John Pierce Jr. (wife Carol), Dawn Canright, and Rebecca Pierce; 8
grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life: A memorial service is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 3 P.M. The
service will be in the chapel building of The Homes of Ethnos 360 located at 108
Missions Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771.

Memorial Gift: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations by check be made
payable to Ethnos360 and sent to Ethnos360, 312 W. First Street, Sanford, Florida
32771. Please include a note indicating that the gift is in memory of John "Jack"
Pierce toward the equipment warehouse project at The Homes of Ethnos360. For
online giving instructions please click on this link:
https://homes.ethnos360.org/give/