Jack G. Mcaleer, Jr.

Jack G. McAleer, Jr., age 69, of Novi, passed away on May 4, 2020. He was born on July 22,1950 in Lansing, Michigan, son of Jack G. and Vivian (nee Bennett) McAleer. Jack proudly served his country in the Army National Guard. He was united in marriage to Linda Leeson and they were devoted to each other for many years.

Jack was a 1968 graduate of Mason High School. Following graduation, he attended Lansing Community College and Eastern Michigan University. Jack began his career with the Michigan State Police Department in 1972. He had a decorated career with the State Police receiving many awards including Life Saving and Meritorious Services among others. He also developed and headed a multijurisdictional narcotic interdiction team for the Michigan State Police. After retiring in 1997 as a Detective Lieutenant, he founded Strictly Confidential Investigative Services in January 1997. He was an innovative and tenacious investigator, inspiring mentor and devoted friend to many throughout his career.

Jack had an amazing love of life...he enjoyed playing sports, listening to music, watching movies, hiking and traveling, but most of all, he enjoyed sharing those activities with the people around him.  He earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do with his son, visited Disney World several times with his grandchildren and went scuba diving and hiking often with his wife and friends.  His enthusiasm, sense of humor, and friendly demeanor made him well loved and a quick friend. People naturally gravitated to him and genuinely enjoyed spending time with him.  And while he was a devoted friend, his family meant the world to him; he relished his role as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle and finally as a papa.  He was a guardian, both of his community and of his family and friends, always ready to help others with unlimited kindness and generosity.

Jack is survived by his wife Linda Leeson McAleer; his children Jason McAleer and Lisa (Matt) Gdowski; his mother Vivian McAleer; his sisters Faye (Mark) Oyer and Donna (Steven) Hall; his sister-in-law Beth Leeson; his grandchildren Zach, Sam, A.J. and Tim and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father.

The family looks forward to celebrating Jack’s life with friends and family at a time in the future when all can laugh and hug together. During this difficult time, if you wish, reach out to the family by leaving your thoughts online or with a card or a phone call.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to SowHope , PO Box 234, Rockford, MI 49341 or Center for Great Apes , PO Box 488, Wauchula, FL 33873.