It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. John J. Starke, fondly known as Jack, who peacefully departed from this world on July 14, 2023, in Red Bank, NJ. Jack's journey began on November 11, 1933, in Brooklyn, NY. He was the cherished only child of his parents, Charles H. Starke and Catherine L. McCarthy. From a young age, Jack had a passion for reading and learning while possessing the gift of a near photographic memory. He was incredibly well versed in just about everything from sports, history, arts and science so he could contribute to any conversation with knowledgeable insights and ease. His love of learning carried Jack through many years of schooling as he graduated from Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Fordham University and then received his medical degree from New York Medical College, followed by four more years of special training in ear, nose and throat surgery at New York University and Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital. In 1966, Jack married the love of his life, Jane Maguire, and they settled in New York City where he opened his first medical practice of Otolaryngology on Central Park. Jack also held teaching appointments at New York Medical College, Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital and Roosevelt Hospital. Subsequently, Jack was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, spending two years of service with the U.S. Army of Medical Corps as chief of Otolaryngology at the Valley Forge Army Hospital. After completing his service, Jack moved his growing family and settled in the beautiful town and community of Little Silver, NJ and opened up two thriving Ear Nose and Throat offices in the nearby towns of Red Bank and Hazlet. In addition to running his medical practices, Jack was on the staff of Riverview Medical Center, Bayshore Medical Center, and Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. Jack was a dedicated, skillful and caring doctor. He would spend copious amounts of time getting to know his patients and their ailments, never rushing them to leave so he could be on time for the next appointment. There was never a time of day or night that Jack wouldn’t be willing to help a patient or a friend in need. His love and devotion to his patients and their well beings, as well as his passion for medicine, kept him practicing medicine into his 80’s. If you were fortunate enough to spend time with Jack either professionally or personally, you likely came away from him feeling uplifted as he was one of the kindest, most ethical and caring people you ever met. He was always happy and smiling, generously sharing his optimistic nature, his quick wit, his passion for singing, and laughter with everyone around him. With his gentle nature and selflessness, Jack tended to make everyone feel special and comfortable as he was always putting other people’s health, needs and well-being in front of his own. His life’s passion was to serve and help others through medicine and by truly caring about everyone he met. Jack had a colorful sense of style with a collection of plaids in all shapes and sizes as well as a collection of Brooklyn Prep shirts he was often seen proudly wearing. He was also well known for his wild dancing and his love of singing, which could happen at any moment of any day and usually he was singing for a good portion of every day. Jack shared his love of singing as a devout member of the choir at The Church of the Nativity. He also had a passion for fitness and sports that was fostered by his father in his early years. Despite Jack’s gentle nature, he had a competitive drive that often put him in first place on the tennis championships at Beacon Hill Country Club or yelling at the sidelines of one his kid’s games. He also had a passion for skiing and was a founding member of the “Bottoms Up Ski Club.” This ski club held a special place in Jack’s heart as there were so many great memories and lifelong friends that stemmed from it. Jack will be missed by all. Jack’s beloved wife, Jane, of over 57 years passed just 5 days after him. He is survived by his four children, Charles (Janthima) Starke, Cynthia (James) Ross, Christopher Starke, and JJ (Linda) Starke, as well as four adoring grandchildren, Tyler and Jack Ross, Sophia, and Zachary Starke. A gathering for those who knew Jack or his family will be held this Thursday, July 27 th from 4 to 6:30pm at The Church of the Nativity at 180 Ridge Road in Fair Haven, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11am on Friday, July 28 th at The Church of the Nativity. The family will be hosting a repast immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made in his Jack’s name to Dinah James. Dinah provided incredible live in care for both Jack and Jane. She provided such love, respect and exceptional care to them around the clock. Dinah has been building a “Hope Center for Abused Women” in her home country of Ghana. She already supports many woman financially and their children from afar. Please venmo Dinah James @dinash60 or checks can be made payable to Dinah James and sent c/o Cindy Starke Ross at 75 Bellevue Ave. Rumson, NJ 07760.