John Joseph “Jack” Cross of Eureka Springs was born January 24, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Joseph and Jane Cross. Jack passed away October 29, 2025, in Eureka Springs at age 81.
Jack came to Eureka Springs in 1972 after growing up in St. Louis. With a short hiatus to Southern California during the 1980s, he spent most of his life in the Eureka Springs area. A man of many ventures, his primary profession was as a general contractor, building custom homes throughout Southern California and the Ozarks.
Jack held the belief that family is everything. He was a devoted and supportive father, serving as a Boy Scout leader, coaching youth soccer and baseball, and cheering from the sidelines at track meets, basketball games and wrestling matches.
He attended Faith Christian Family Church for over forty years, where he welcomed others as a greeter and shared his faith. Jack also served as president of Gideon’s International.
He was known for his optimism, humor, and storytelling. An avid fisherman and boater, he also enjoyed playing pool, cooking, gardening, and traveling, especially to Costa Rica, where he loved spending time at the beach.
He is survived by his soulmate, Evelyn Cross; children Nick Cross and wife, Heather; Chaon Kerlin and husband, Brendan; and Jacquelyn (Cross) Lennox; grandchildren, Cavan, Darragh, and Eden Kerlin, and Lady Evelyn Lennox; sisters Joanne Frimmeland and husband, Bill, and Janey Dailey; along with other family members and friends. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jane Cross; brother, Joseph Cross; and brother-in-law, Jay Dailey.
One of Jack’s proudest accomplishments was the recent publication of his book of short stories, Little Green Apples, just weeks before his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to honor his memory by reading his book, which can be found through most online booksellers or locally at Bear Creek Nursery.
A Celebration of Life will take place in January.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc 2025.
My condolences, heartfelt, to your family. Many memories are shared of our times in Eureka. We helped build the town, with citizens…not tourists. although its existence depends on different means now. RIP, friend.