John "Jack" Wesley Vandeventer

John “Jack” Wesley Vandeventer of Zionsville passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025. He was 72.

Jack was born to Walter and Florence (Hamilton) Vandeventer on May 13, 1952, in Princeton, Indiana, where he spent his early years. He later moved with his family to Tipton, Indiana, where his father continued his employment as a corn breeder for Pioneer Hi-Bred International. Jack spent many summers working on corn detasseling crews, which sparked his interest in the science of agriculture. Following his graduation from Tipton High School in 1970, Jack attended Indiana University (IU), where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, serving as a mechanic for the fraternity’s Little 500 bike team. While at IU, Jack met his wife Nancy, and their lifelong adventure began. They graduated from IU in 1974 and were married shortly after in August of that year. He went on to attend Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he obtained his M.S. in Plant and Soil Science in 1975, and Michigan State University (MSU), where he earned his Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Sciences in 1978. While at MSU, Jack also obtained his Private Pilot’s License, developing a hobby that would later become a second career in his life.

Jack began his professional career as a Plant Science Representative for Lilly Research Laboratories and Elanco Products Company, divisions of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1978. He held various positions with Lilly in plant science research, project management, and procurement, and retired in 2005 after 27 years with the company. In that year, the Institute of Supply Management awarded Jack the Lifetime Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) designation. He later worked as an independent consultant, leading team-building activities in the oil and gas industry in both domestic and international locations. Throughout his life, he remained devoted to his lifelong passion for aviation, becoming a CFI-I flight instructor and accumulating more than 6,000 flight hours. He was recognized as a Master CFI by the National Association of Flight Instructors in 2005 and 2008 and was awarded the FAA Gold Seal for instructing excellence in 2006. From 2005 through 2018, Jack maintained his Master CFI awarded by Master Instructors LLC and received the Master Instructor Emeritus Award in 2018. He was an enthusiastic supporter of general aviation and thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships he built through flying. Jack was a regular presenter for several years at aviation events such as EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, as well as a volunteer instructor in Redbird flight simulators during those events.

In addition to his professional accomplishments and time spent in the air, Jack was devoted to his family. From soccer tournaments to show choir competitions, from volleyball matches to Boy Scout campouts, Jack was an avid supporter of everything his children were involved in. He was happy to drive, fly, or paddle to be a part of those activities, and he cherished the memories made with the many families he crossed paths with during those times. Whether it was buying a round of hot dogs or ringing a cowbell, he was all in. Jack enjoyed another generation of family life as “Opa” to his two grandsons, watching them participate in school programs and sporting events.

Jack served on the boards of the Leukemia Society of America for Indiana, the Crossroads Council for Boy Scouts of America, The Cabin Counseling & Resource Center, and the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE), and was a past president of Sky-Vu Flyers, Inc.

Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy (Kessler) Vandeventer, son Nick (Christina) of Seattle, Washington, daughter Kelsey (Jon) Brewer and grandsons Ethan Wesley Brewer and Elliott David Brewer of Denver, Colorado, sisters Marlene (Richard) Nowakowski of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and Janice (Jeffrey) Crouch of Tipton, Indiana, brother-in-law Dan (Marvel Jeffcoat) Kessler of Ft. Worth, Texas, and niece Erica (Chad) Newcom and her family of Tipton, Indiana.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Zionsville United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately following on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Zionsville United Methodist Church. Jack will forever be remembered for his generous spirit, love of aviation, and devotion to his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the AOPA Foundation, making a lasting impact on the future of general aviation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.