Jack Lee Elgersma was born on August 14, 1952, in Sanborn, IA, one of five children of Jake M. and Nellie (Zonnefeld) Elgersma. He spent his youth in Sanborn and received his early education at Sanborn Christian School, graduating in 1970 from Western Christian High School in Hull, IA. Jack furthered his education by attending Northwest Iowa Technical College in Sheldon, IA, completing the Auto Body program in August 1971.

Following graduation, Jack was united in marriage to Nancy Kroese in September of the same year; the union later dissolved. He was employed as a truck driver for Woudstra Packing Company out of Hospers, IA from August 1971 until October 1973. He then worked with Spencer Foods (Beef Specialists of Iowa) as a beef boner until 1981 when he moved over to John Morrell Company in Estherville, IA, working in the same capacity. From 1983 to 1992, he also acted as part-time police office for the city of Sanborn. When the John Morrell plant closed, Jack was gainfully employed at Don’s Co-op Service in Sanborn, doing automotive service and light mechanics. He became proficient in the operation of hydraulic pipe bending and eventually began working with Rosenboom Machine and Tool in Sheldon, IA, retiring in 2012.

Jack married Carol (Hakeman) Holz on May 8, 1993; they made their home in Sanborn being close to children and grandchildren. During his working years, Jack never had much free time, but when he could spare a few hours, he enjoyed rebuilding and selling used cars, or working part time in construction. Somehow, his favorite hours were always spent with family - his children, grandchildren and good friends. He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Sanborn.

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Jack passed from this life with his family close by; he had reached the age of 73 years. Keeping his memory close in heart are his wife, Carol of Sanborn; his children: Brent Elgersma of Sanborn, IA, Shannon (Brian) Letsche of Marcus, IA, Shane (Lanea) Elgersma of Otsego, MN, Stacey (Roy) Eeten of Sioux Falls, SD, Joshua (Angie) Holz of Larchwood, IA, Brandi Wright of Sanborn, IA, and Alissa (Jeff) Holland of Buffalo Center, IA; 26 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Brian Buren of Sanborn, IA; brother-in-law, Rudy Jacobsen; sister-in-law, Betty Elgersma; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Bethany Buren (2025); his grandparents; his parents, Jake and Nellie Elgersma; one brother; three sisters; two brothers-in-law; two nephews; and his mother and father-in-law, Don and Marna Hakeman.