J.R. "Jack” Maring, 72, a longtime Cedar Rapids resident, died Thursday, April 29, 2004, in Alamo, Texas, of a heart attack. Public Graveside Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 6, 2004, by Rev. Bill Harnish at Springville Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 331 of Springville.

Survivors include three sons, Jay, K.C. and Jon and families of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, Michael Colvin and family of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and James Colvin and family of Ottumwa; six grandchildren, Sarah, Connor, Eric, Justin, Johnathon and Hannah; a great-granddaughter; and his fiancé, Arleta Gross of Cedar Rapids.

Also surviving are a niece, Lisa (Gary) Dundee and family of Cedar Rapids; a nephew, Bill (Susan) Cooper of Springville; a great-nephew, Scott (Robin) Cooper and their son, Alexander and daughter, Emma, of Cedar Rapids; and special friends, Pat and Frank Ehrenberger of Newhall and Marilyn and Don Keister of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; his step-father, Lewis; a sister, Patricia; his mother and father in-law, Florence and Burt Cooper; and a brother-in-law, Burt Cooper, Jr.

Jack was born December 28, 1931, the son of Gerald and Edith M. (Burrows) Maring in Fairfield. His father died in 1932 and he was then raised by his mother and step-father, Lewis H. Colvin. Jack married Elizabeth Ann "Betty” Cooper on July 28, 1956. She died April 11, 1998. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring after twenty-two years. During the Korean Conflict he earned the Purple Heart and the Korean, UN and Good Conduct Service Medals. Jack worked for Monroe Business Systems and Maring Brothers.

Jack loved to dance and was the life of the party. In his early years he enjoyed boating and outdoor activities. He loved to be around children and make them smile.

A memorial fund has been established in Jack’s memory.