Jack was born in Reading, Berks County, PA. He was the youngest son of Elias Absalom and Jennie Mae (Gift) Heiser. Jack left school after 9th grade to help support his family. His brothers were away serving in World War II. In 1943, he received a Certificate of Merit from Southwest Junior Hight School. In 1946, at age 18, Jack enlisted in the Army Service Forces. He trained to be a carpenter at Fort Lewis, Washington. When his father passed away in May 1946, he was granted a discharge so he could return home to support his mother.
On June 26, 1948 at St. John's Lutheran Church, he married Louise Bickel. They lived at 1321 Walnut St, Reading, with John and June (Heiser) Snyder. Later that year, they purchased a home at 303 Tulpehocken Ave, West Reading, where they resided until their deaths. Jack and Louise had 4 children.
Jack worked as a carpenter/cabinet maker at Merritt Lumber Yards, Inc from 1946-1965, followed by 25 years at Quaker Maid Kitchens as a cabinet maker and quality control specialist. He also did carpentry side jobs to supplement his income. He rented a small garage near his home and used it as a workshop. He did numerous projects including ones for St. John's Lutheran Church and West Reading Borough. Jack certified Boy Scouts for their Woodwork Merit Badge, too. Jack and Louise were lifelong members of St. John's and received the Eagle Award in 1994 for their outstanding service. In 1976, Czar joined the family. In their later years, they spent many summer weekends relaxing at a cabin in Pine Grove, PA near Sweet Arrow Lake. The cabin had no interior plumbing or bathroom. Water was hand pumped from a well and His and Hers outhouses were available.
Jack suffered 2 heart attacks and later died of cancer. He is buried with his wife at Forest Hills Memorial Park (Block E near circle) in Reiffton, PA. His parents and several siblings are buried in the same area.