Mr. John H. “Jack” Tarr, 69, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2025, surrounded by his adoring and loving family.
Jack was born on a beautiful spring day to his parents, Linwood and Betty Jean Tarr, along with his twin sister, Vickie Justice, on May 5, 1956.
After graduating from Chincoteague High School, Jack attended Norfolk Technical Vocational School and became an electrician, a trade that he worked in his whole life up until his passing. Jack Tarr Electrical Contracting has been a longstanding business on the island and the Eastern Shore for many years, earning a reputation for being safe, thorough, and on time.
Jack wore many hats. When he wasn’t busy wearing his electrician hat, you could find him serving on numerous community boards and organizations, including being a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Economic Development Authority, Accomack Board of Code Appeals, Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce, the Museum of Chincoteague Island, and the Misty Foundation. He was also co-chair of the Eastern Shore Chamber Seafood Festival, a member of the Portsmouth Scottish Rites, Masonic Lodge #243, a commander of the Sons of the American Legion, and an honorary member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
But perhaps Jack is remembered best for being the longest-serving mayor of Chincoteague Island from 1999 to 2016. Before becoming mayor, Jack served on the town council for seven years. All of his life of service earned him the distinction of being named not only Businessperson of the Year but also Citizen of the Year. Both titles were deserved and earned. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Jack’s happiest role in life, though, was being a husband, father, and grandfather. His family brought him smiles and laughter, and no summer was complete without taking all of them and then some to the Outer Banks for vacation time. These were the times that Jack loved and enjoyed, for being surrounded by family was his greatest blessing.
Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sherry; his pride and joy, twin daughters, Jackie (John) and Lori (Lucas); his honorary daughter, Brittany Byrd; his twin sister, Vickie Justice (Jimmy) and their sons Lige and Daniel; his other sister, Priscilla Tarr (Sam); his brother-in-law, Craig McComb (Marcie) and their children, Zach, Konner, and Alex; and his other brother-in-law, Bill McComb Jr; his grandchildren, Noel and Jackson Barrett, Kaylynne Napoleone, Jonathan, Madelyn, and Dustin Holloway, and honorary granddaughter, Nova Reeves; his niece and nephew, Stacy Higginbottom (Joey) and Bryan McIntire (Brandy); his godchildren, Alyssa Harris (Howie) and Alyson Heenan (Austin); along with his faithful four-legged fur baby, Fergie.
Jack loved all, served all, and encouraged trade jobs for the younger generation. In his memory, his family has set up a scholarship called the Jack Tarr Tradesman Scholarship Fund, and the family requests that, in place of flowers, donations can be put toward the scholarship fund. Donations can be sent to or dropped off at Taylor Bank, 4116 Main St., Chincoteague Island, 23336.
There was a visitation on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island. A funeral service was held on Monday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. at Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague Island.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
