Jack Ferebee

CPO Jack E. Ferebee, USN (Ret)

December 19, 1944 – December 15, 2023

CPO Jack E. Ferebee, USN (Ret), 78, passed away while hospitalized on December 15, 2023 from medical complications.  His long and successful career serving in the United State Navy took him to Commands from coast to coast in both peace and war.

CPO (Chief) Jack Ferebee was born in Dickson County, Tennessee and graduated from Dickson County High School in 1963.  He graduated from Moorpark College, Moorpark, CA with an Associates of Arts Degree in 1997, and from the University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2008. 

He first entered the United State Navy during the Viet Nam Era because he was a strong proponent of not only service to this Country but also to local communities; and, a strong advocate of furthering his educational goals after his first enlistment.  Soon after his first enlistment Chief Ferebee reenlisted in the United States Navy with the sole purpose of making a life-time commitment to the Navy in which he thoroughly admired.

In June, 1976, CPO Jack Ferebee married what would become the other CPO Donna Ferebee, USN (Ret).  They spent most of their married lives serving in the East and West Coasts Commands and ultimately her last duty station in Minneapolis, MN.  They always spent most of their time between where they were stationed and Maryland.

After his Naval retirement Chief Jack Ferebee’s second employment was with the University of Minnesota where he enjoyed his work and co-workers; including furthering his educational pursuits.  He was a well-respected member of the community.   He often referred to his time in Minnesota as his second home.   

Chief Ferebee was a football enthusiast and thoroughly enjoyed every Minnesota Vikings games.  He loved to golf, swim, and read, but most of all, enjoyed his English Springer Spaniels.  He was active in the local community and served as a board member in two housing associations where he lived.  He was also a Master Mason for 35 years belonging to the Plymouth Lodge A.F. & A.M., Aleppo Shriners Boston MA and Southeastern MA Scottish Rite, joining each while serving in the United State Navy stationed in Massachusetts.  His was a life-time member of the United Methodist Church and retained his membership in Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church, CA.

Chief Ferebee was the son of Joseph and Betty Ferebee from Dickson, TN.  He is survived by his wife, Donna of 47 years, a brother, James (Ann) Ferebee and their families, Step-daughter Charla Summers, 3 grandchildren Megan, Morgan and Chap Summers, Sister and Brother-in law Marlene and Graham Wright and their families, and his last English Springer Spaniel.

Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.  Donations can be made to Memorial Giving, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

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