100 Years of Wisdom, Warmth & Walks: Celebrating John (Jack) Bullerdick

Friends Fellowship Community is proud to celebrate a truly extraordinary milestone—John (Jack) Bullerdick is turning 100! With a century of stories, service, and smiles, Jack’s life is a beautiful blend of hard work, heart, and humor.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Jack learned early on the value of resilience and family. He shared fond memories of his close bond with his younger brother and the strength that came from a family rooted in faith. Sundays were sacred and church and Sunday school were non-negotiable, and the whole extended family worshiped together. Jack credits that shared faith for the harmony that filled his childhood home.

photo of a young Jack

While young, it was fun for Jack to go to the Saturday movies that cost ten cents, and Flash Gordon was one of his favorites. As Jack grew up, he attended Garfield School. He remembers an exciting day when his mother took him out of school so that he could see his Grandfather Crowe, who was an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was engineering a new model locomotive, and wanted Jack and his mother to see it.

Jack’s love for the outdoors started young. His first job was mowing lawns, and he never minded yard work, in fact, he took pride in it. That active outdoor spirit stayed with him through the years. And after he returned to Richmond, long walks became routine each day.

A scholar and a gentleman, Jack graduated among the top 10% of both his high school and college graduating classes. Upon graduating he was immediately drafted into the Army during WWII.

Jack in uniform, a snapshot from his service years

Jack’s love story with Gerry is one of fate and friendship. They met in college and reconnected when Gerry came to Richmond to teach Home Economics at Hibberd Junior High. They married and built a life together filled with love, laughter, and wise advice: “Never argue, and never let something negative carry over to the next day.”

Together, Jack and Gerry raised two children, son Kim and daughter Karen, and are incredibly proud of them. With five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one more on the way, their legacy is full of joy.

Jack in Gatlinburg on his honeymoon

Jack and his brother, Jim, represented the second generation to operate Bullerdick Furniture, a beloved local business with deep family roots. Originally founded by their father, the store remained a cornerstone of the community for an impressive 92 years. Over that time, three generations of the Bullerdick family proudly carried on the tradition of quality service and hometown values.

Jack’s philosophy is simple but powerful: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” Whether greeting fellow churchgoers with a smile or finding something good in everyone he meets, Jack lives this message every day.

He’s seen the world change in countless ways with some for the better, like medical advancements and modern cars, and some not so much (he’s not a fan of fast food or cell phones!). But through it all, Jack has stayed grounded, grateful, and active. Golf became a favorite hobby later in life, and yes, he’s made a hole-in-one.

Jack celebrates his 100th birthday

These days, Jack enjoys life at Friends Fellowship, where he’s made new friends and appreciates the care and community. 

His message to us all? “Make the most of every day and take it one day at a time.”