John Martin “Jack” Sanders

life story

Jack. Dad. Pop. 🕊️

Known by many names, loved in countless ways.

"So many people have come and gone, their faces fade as the years go by. Yet I still recall as I wander on, as clear as the sun in the summer sky." - More Than a Feeling, Boston

Remembering Jack

John Martin “Jack” Sanders, age 63, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, passed away on January 5, 2026, in Chapel Hill.

Born on October 22, 1962, in Southern Pines, North Carolina, Jack grew up in Chapel Hill, a place he loved deeply and called home throughout his life. He attended Chapel Hill High School, where he was well known and well liked — athletic, social, and full of personality. Even then, Jack had a natural way of connecting with people and a light-hearted knack for getting into just enough trouble to make for great stories later on.

Jack was an entrepreneur and the owner of Jack Sanders Paint Company, a business he built through years of hard work, determination, and pride in his craft. He was respected for his work ethic, his reliability, and the relationships he built along the way.

Jack loved telling stories — stories about growing up in Chapel Hill, working and living all over town, traveling, and the many adventures he shared with friends over the years. He loved golf and treasured the trips he took centered around the game. He found peace at the beach, joy in watching UNC sports, and endless laughter in time spent with those closest to him. His stories were rarely rushed and always entertaining, often told with humor, warmth, and just enough embellishment to keep everyone listening.

Above all else, Jack was devoted to his family. He shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Amy Sanders, to whom he was married for 39 years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared memories, raising their children side by side and supporting each other through every adventure and challenge. Jack was incredibly proud of his children — Sean Sanders, Cameron Sanders, and Sydney Barrier — and nothing brought him more happiness than being with his grandchildren, Hayden, Eli, Ewan, Callan, and Nathan, who lovingly knew him as “Pop.” He delighted in playing with them, making them laugh, giving big hugs, and simply being present in their lives.

Jack is also survived by his siblings, Cary Louis Krueger, Kurt Krueger, Beth Conner, Donald Sanders, William Christopher Sanders and Patrick Sanders.

A celebration of life will be held at Pantana Bob’s on January 23, 2026 from 4:30-8pm. Address: 300 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jack’s memory and support his family may do so through the following GoFundMe page:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-jack-sanders-supporting-his-family

Jack will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and the way he made people feel seen and welcome. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, stories that will continue to be told, and a family who loved him deeply.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

January 23, 2026

Pantana Bob's 300 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

Join us in celebrating and remembering Jack on Friday, January 23rd from 4:30-8pm