Jack T. Wilson

In Loving Memory of Jack “The Mayor” Wilson

“You always knew when Jack was around—you felt safer, lighter, and loved.”

With broken hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Jack Wilson—our Chief Engineer, firefighter, son, brother, friend, and someone who made the world brighter just by being in it.

Jack was the kind of person who didn’t just walk into a room—he filled it. With his booming, contagious laugh and the best hugs you could ever receive, Jack had a way of making people feel seen, safe, and genuinely loved. Everyone who knew him loved him. There was simply no other way—it was impossible not to.

Jack began his career with Hays Tug & Launch Inc. on July 18th, 2023, hired as an uncredentialed deckhand. With dedication and pride, he worked aboard various tugs, earning his United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Credential on January 17th, 2025, and being promoted to Ordinary Seaman. Just two days before his last birthday, on June 27th, 2025, Jack reached a goal he was incredibly proud of—he became Chief Engineer on the Tug Grape Ape.

His crew didn't just gain a leader—they gained a brother. Jack was more than an engineer; he was the heart of the vessel, and truly irreplaceable.

Jack’s deep desire to help others extended far beyond the water. He joined the Marcus Hook Trainer Fire Department Station 68 in 2021, first as a Junior Firefighter, quickly advancing to Senior Firefighter. He went on to serve with Lower Chichester Fire Company Station 39,

Parkside Fire Company Station 45, and Eddystone Fire Company Station 12—remaining active and involved at both Station 45 and Station 12. He never waited to be asked—Jack showed up. Always.

But Jack didn’t help others for praise or recognition. It was simply who he was. He would drop everything to help a stranger, fix a friend’s bike, or listen when someone needed to talk. He gave everything he had to his community, his friends, his family—and he did it all with a huge smile on his face.

When Jack wasn’t working or volunteering, you could find him outdoors—fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles or ATVs, jet skiing, or boating. He loved riding most of all. It gave him peace and made him feel free. In his own words:

“If I were to go out, I’d wanna go out behind bars. And I want you to know If anything ever did happen to me while I was out riding, know I was doing what I loved—being happy and free on my bike.”

He loved big, lived fully, and never held back. He was the guy who would wrap you in one of his legendary hugs and suddenly, everything felt okay. He had that magic.

Jack is survived by his idol and loving father, Matthew Wilson Sr.; his big brother and lifelong Obest friend, Matthew Wilson Jr.; his beautiful big sister, Kayla Wilson, whom he adored; and his little brothers, RJ Lutz and Joey Bellenghi, who looked up to him more than anyone could imagine; and his partner in crime, Nicole Evan’s and her perfect baby girl Hazely, whom hecherished as his own. He is also remembered by countless family members—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins—and so many friends who became his family the second he met them.

Jack gave his all to everyone and everything he cared about. He made the world better with his love, his laughter, and his enormous heart. Though he has left this world far too soon, the impact he made will never fade.

Fair winds and following seas, hold fast, Jack. Ride free. You are forever in our hearts.

“Look at the stars

Look how they shine for you

And everything you do

Yeah, they were all yellow

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones

Turn into something beautiful

And you know, you know I love you so

You know I love you so”

Hell Yeah Brother!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jack-wilsons-unexpected-farewell 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack T. Wilson, please visit our floral store.