John James Houston, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away Saturday in Pottsville, PA.
Born November 16, 1935, he was the son of the late Maurice and Eleanor (Brady) Houston.
He was a 1953 graduate of Shenandoah Catholic High School. He worked at Bradford Appliance Corporation and later became a Philadelphia fireman. Working in almost every firehouse in the city, he eventually achieved the rank of Captain. The last company he would work with before retirement was Ladder 31. Firefighting was his true passion. He was very proud to be a part of the Philadelphia Fire Department and enjoyed collecting firemen memorabilia.
Jack was an advocate of higher education and took several courses at Penn State University. After retiring from the fire department, he started A Alert pest control business.
Jack was an avid fisherman and loved baseball and football. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was proud of his coal cracker roots in Schuylkill County and often shared the stories his father told about working in the coal mines.
John was the fourth of seven children. He is preceded in death by brothers Joseph and Maurice. He is survived by brothers Robert and William and sisters Mary Gesner and Eleanor Martinez, sisters-in-law Helen Houston and Marie Tepper, and nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death was his loving and devoted wife Anna "Nancy" T. Houston.
Family and friends can come to call Wednesday, February 4th, from 7 pm to 9 pm and Thursday, February 5th from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Burns Funeral Home, 9708 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am Thursday, February 5th, at St. Anselm's Church, 12670 Dunks Ferry Road, Philadelphia. Interment will be at St. Dominic's Cemetery.