Our dear, loving father, Reverend Herschel Jackson Lynch, went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 29, 2025. Jack was residing at The Chesapeake Assisted Living community, where he received loving care and comfort during his years there. He was suffering from heart failure after a major heart attack in 2023.
He was preceded in death by his father, A.G. Lynch; his mother, Hazel S. Lynch; his sister, Helen Lynch; his wife, Nancy J. Lynch; his second wife, Jean W. Lynch; and his granddaughter, Jaquline Seay Montgomery. He is survived by his sister Jane Rusth (Darrel) of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and sister Martha Williams (Tom) of Slidell, Louisiana. He is also survived by his children, Rebecca Lynch Montgomery (Raymond Jr.), of Hampton, VA, Walter Herschel Lynch (Michel) of Wakefield, MA, and Kathryn Lynch Brice of West Chester, PA, as well as 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Jack was born on September 11, 1931, to parents Andrew Gladys Lynch and Hazel Seay Sharp in Doylesburg, Pennsylvania. His father was a Methodist minister, so they moved several times during his youth. Places he lived in included Seattle, WA, Rock Hall, MD., Parksley, VA, and Arlington, VA. Jack attended Washington and Lee High School and enjoyed singing in the glee club and pole vaulting. He attended Randolph-Macon and Emory and Henry. He had various jobs early in life before entering the ministry. He was a paper carrier, Fuller Brush salesman, and taxicab driver in D.C. He joined the Air Force in 1952 and served as a dental assistant in the medical corps.
On June 12, 1953, Jack married Nancy Lee Jones at his family home, the parsonage in Covington, VA. He graduated from American University and Wesley Theological Seminary with his degree in Divinity in 1960. Jack was ordained into the Methodist Church in June of 1960.
During his 40 years as a United Methodist minister in the Virginia conference, Jack and Nancy served faithfully at the following appointments: Burke, Vale, and Epiphany, in Vienna, St. Paul’s in Chesapeake, Christ Church in NN, Wesley and St. Mark’s in Hampton, Crooks Memorial, in Yorktown, and Morrison, in NN. Jack touched countless lives spiritually and in times of needed comfort. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Crooks Memorial United Methodist Church located at 204 Cook Rd, Yorktown, VA on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:00 am. For those who cannot attend there will be a live stream available at https://m.youtube.com/@crooksmemorialumc259. There will be a reception after the service in the fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA. In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Crooks Memorial UMC, 204 Cook Rd., Yorktown, VA or First United Methodist UMC, 110 Queen Street, Hampton, VA.
6 Comments
Becky,I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family and friends. ❤️
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I offer my condolences to you and your family and may you cherish his memory.
Becky, Wally, Kathy and families we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
We knew Jack as a pastor, but more importantly as a friend, for more than 40 years. He was always there when we needed him the most, and he will always be remembered for those acts of kindness. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the family as Jack has now received his much-deserved crown of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8).
My condolences on the death of your father. Always difficult losing a parent. Thank goodness that you have such good support from your loving family. Bless you.
Becky, Kathy and Wally, your dad was very special. I have lots of great memories of our talks and shared experiences. I know he is in Heaven now in the presence of his Lord. Very comforting. Becky, we have a Grief Group at church. Call the church if you would like information. I am praying for comfort and peace for the entire family. ❤️🙏