John Stamp

Jack was born in 1946 to John H. and Marjorie Stamp. Raised in Cedar Rapids and eventually resettling to the Urbandale area, Jack lived in Iowa almost his entire life. As a young man, Jack was drawn to serve the country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in the quartermaster division in Okinawa. As a Marine, he also served as a casualty assistance officer, accompanying fallen soldiers to be reunited with their family. After his discharge, Jack returned to Iowa where he started his family and began his career. Jack and his first wife, Sandi, were married for 25 years and raised two sons together. For more than 20 years, Jack was an engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad (later the Union Pacific). He was on the road every week between Boone, Iowa and either Clinton, Iowa or Fremont, Nebraska.

Jack retired from the railroad in his early fifties and reinvented himself as a professional investor. He was a disciple of Warren Buffet and frequently made the trip to Omaha to attend the Berskshire-Hathaway annual meeting. He also had an excellent eye for investing in promising growth technologies.

In 1997, Jack married Nancy Stone at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Des Moines. Jack and Nancy blended their families, built their dream retirement home in Urbandale and enjoyed becoming grandparents.

Jack’s primary sporting passion was tennis and he was accomplished player who won numerous events, including medaling at the Iowa Senior Olympics. 

Jack also enjoyed the outdoors. He was a hunter and always had a faithful dog at his side. He also enjoyed gardening, collecting classic vehicles and attending car shows. Just a few short months before his passing Jack bought a 1957 Chevy Belair. The ’57 Chevy was the first car he drove as a young man.

Jack is survived by his wife Nancy Stone, his sons Jeremy Stamp (Kettisha) of Oakwood Hills, Illinois and Cary Stamp (Sharon) of Jupiter, Florida, his brother Richard (Karen) Stamp of Yuma, Az and Darrell (Patrice) Stamp of Austin, Tx. He has two stepdaughters, Cindy Stone Boss of Urbandale and Stephanie (Dan) Hinz of Marion, Ia. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Sarah Stamp, Delilah Stamp, Carly Boss, Kyler Boss, Kate Hinz, Sam Hinz and Ben Hinz.

The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to an animal rescue charity of your choice.