Obituary of John Lewis Beaufait

Beaufait, John Lewis "Jack", 73, of St. Petersburg, FL passed away December 4, 2020 at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, FL after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Kenneth and Ann Rita (nee Joyce)  Beaufait, both of Algonac, MI at the times of their deaths. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Marja P.; his beloved children, John Thomas (Jamie Reich), and Monique Danielle; grandson, Justice Orion, and his dear sister, Joyce Ann Beaufait.  Also mourning Jack's loss are his wife's siblings, Harry T. (Trudi M.) and Joanne P. Stuimer (Gerry McGuire). Jack was also beloved uncle to Harry T. Jr. and Teresa M. Stuimer, and Pan and Ian Gulland.
Jack graduated from Lake Shore High School, St. Clair Shores, MI in 1965.  He enlisted in the US Marine Corps and his orders ultimately sent him to Vietnam.  His paralyzing wound came in that War in 1967, and his subsequent honorable discharge from the US Marine Corps came in 1968. Jack went on to marry Marja in 1969, and move to Florida to attend the University of South Florida because of its wheelchair accessibility.  USF was the only USA college facility that was wheelchair accessible at that time besides Wayne State University in Detroit, MI.  Jack opted for USF, deciding that snow would not stand in his way in Florida! He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from USF in 1973.   
Jack loved playing pickup ball games of football, basketball and hockey with his friends in high school and he continued that enthusiasm for sports in the wheelchair world and games in Florida.  He worked out hard, and played hard at wheelchair basketball, street racing, table tennis and shooting pool.  He and his family also became avid soccer fans, often attending Tampa Bay Rowdies games together. His motto for himself and his family was STRONG BODY STRONG MIND.
Jack was lucky to have close friends both in Florida and Michigan. He never forgot a friend. He was always conscious of those in greater need than himself, whether among his friends and family, or in children and Veterans causes.  He sponsored children around the world and gave to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Jack was generous without hesitation.  He will be missed by his family and friends. Jack has earned his rest. There will be a private family service at Bay Pines National Cemetery.