Captain John Michael (Jack) Ringelberg passed away peacefully on August 31 at the age of 85.  Born and raised in Astoria, New York, he attended Catholic School and became an Eagle Scout at the age of 13 laying the foundation for a life marked by discipline, service and integrity.

Jack had a distinguished career in both the military and civilian sectors.  In the U.S. Navy, he served for 16 years as a Surface Warfare and Engineering Duty Officer, specializing in salvage and deep diving operations.  He held key roles such as the first Commanding Officer of the Navy Experimental Diving Unit in Panama City and Chief Engineer of the Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy.  Notably, he led the construction and start-up of the Ocean Simulation Facility, achieving manned diving operations to a Navy depth of 1800 feet.  During the first Gulf War, he coordinated salvage operations as the Deputy Supervisor of Salvage for the U.S Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain and receiving several awards, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Fort Schuyler Marine Alumni Association.

In his civilian career, Jack continued to make significant contributions.  He joined Seaward International as Director of Marketing in 1977.  Later, he served as the Corporate Director of Power and Energy at International Paper.  As President and CEO of JMS Naval Architects and Salvage Engineers, he led the firm in naval architecture, marine engineering and salvage operations.  He also oversaw the Diver's Institute of Technology, ensuring high quality training for future divers and engineers.  Additionally, as President and CEO of the Ocean Technology Foundation, he promoted marine science, research, exploration and education, including leading the search for the Revolutionary War ship Bonhomme Richard.

Jack was involved in every community he called home.  He was President of the Mobile Ballet and YMCA.  He was a member of the Panama City Rotary Club, St Andrews Bay Yacht Club and past president of the Panama CIty Music Association. Additionally, he served as a former trustee on the board of Holy Nativity. He was also a founding member of the Man in the Sea Museum and various maritime organizations.

Jack was preceded in death by his parent's John and Mary Ringelberg, his son Dean Ringelberg and his brother Kenneth Ringelberg.  He is survived by his wife, Karen Nelson Ringelberg, sons Wayne Ringelberg (Angela), Erik Ringelberg (Megan), and Greg Stockwell; grandchildren Hazel and Jack Ringelberg and Sara Stockwell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Panama City, FL.  Funeral services will be held immediately following at 2:00.p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church, Panama City, FL or the Gulf Coast State College Foundation's Hugh Nelson Scholarship Fund.