John James “Jack” Sears, 83, of Mooresville, N.C., and formerly of Freeville, N.Y., passed away on April 23, 2026. He was born on November 7, 1942, to Carl and Margaret Sears.
Jack graduated from Ithaca High School in 1960 and went on to attend SUNY Morrisville, graduating in 1962. He dedicated 35 years of service to Cornell University as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technician. His work touched nearly every corner of campus — from managing air conditioning systems in countless buildings to maintaining the ice at Lynah Rink.
Jack met the love of his life, Margaret Todi, on a blind date in 1962. They married on April 4, 1964, in a small ceremony in Ithaca. Following his retirement, they spent several enjoyable years in Florida before making Mooresville their home in 2006.
Jack had a lifelong love of working with his hands and pursuing hobbies that allowed him to create, fix, or explore something new. He was a private pilot for several years and found great satisfaction in building and flying remote-control airplanes, helicopters, and boats, woodworking, caring for his property, and many other favorite pastimes.
Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Margaret Sears, Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Margaret Todi Sears, and their faithful dog, Gizmo, who provided endless joy and companionship. He is also survived by his daughters, Christine (Patrick) McGroder of Sunset Beach, N.C., and Deborah (Justin Williams) Hoover of Slaterville Springs, N.Y.; former son-in-law Randy Hoover; grandsons Andrew (Alexandra Bond) Hoover, Timothy Hoover, Seth (Maggie) McGroder, and Jeremy (Natalie) McGroder; step-grandchildren Brendan Williams and Molly Williams; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard (Susan) Sears of Stevensville, Md.; his sister, Nancy (David) Nivison of Cortland, N.Y.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be planned at a later date.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Sears family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.