John R. (Jack) Canning

John R. “Jack” Canning, 86, died June 4, 2018 at his residence at Sunrise Huntcliff in Sandy Springs, GA. Jack grew up as the youngest son of Thomas and Helen Canning in Jersey City, NJ.  He met and married Ingrid (“Inky”) Erlebacher, his high school sweetheart, and they were married for 63 years at the time of his passing.  She was the love of his life.  Jack and Ingrid moved to Spring Valley, NY and raised three children, Susan, John and Janice.  Family and friends were first and foremost in the Canning household. 

Jack worked his way through college and graduated from St. Peter’s College with a degree in accounting. He started work at General Foods, which later became Kraft Foods, and worked his way up from a staff accounting job to controller of one of four major divisions at the Fortune 500 Company.  He was able to take an early retirement at the age of 55 and he enjoyed every minute of his retired life.  Like many New Yorkers, Jack and Inky retired to Florida where they lived until moving to independent living at Huntcliff in 2016 to be closer to their children. 

Jack was an avid reader and well versed in historical events and politics.  His interest in current events was piqued as a young boy during WWII when he would scour the newspapers looking for news related to his older brother, Tom, who was in an Army tank division fighting the Axis forces in Africa. 

Jack is survived by his wife, Ingrid Canning, daughter Susan  (Wayne) Tidwell, son John (Marie), daughter Janice (Stephen) Owens, grandchildren Kelly (Ben) Wells, Brian Tidwell, Mara and Madison Canning, and Lauren and Andrew Owens. 

Jack believed strongly that blessings received in life should be shared with those less fortunate. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309 or www.shepherdcenter.org.  A private memorial service will be announced at a later date to friends and family. 

Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming is in charge of arrangements. 

Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.