CENTURY 21 ELITE celebrates the extraordinary with The Relentless Campaign. In a community of exciting projects, progressive movements, and exponential growth, relentless leaders and community members are found at its core. Now more than ever, we want to recognize these leaders. The Relentless Campaign aims to celebrate those making waves in the Wabash Valley Community by honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations who truly give the word "relentless" its meaning. This month, we are excited to announce our February nominee of The 2023 Relentless Campaign, an individual who truly gives 121%.
John “Jack” Gettinger was born the fourth boy to his family in 1932, growing up in the small community of Sullivan, Indiana. He says many know him as “Jack” in Sullivan county and “John” in Vigo county. Residing in Merom, Jack was a very active boy. He was involved with football and student council, among other extracurricular activities. Jack also served two years in the United States Army. He was married to his lovely wife Martha for 62 years, after only knowing her for six weeks. Together they created a wonderful family with 6 kids and 20 grandkids. He thought he wanted to be a farmer but later graduated from Indiana State University with his Masters degree in Education. He taught for 39 years, holding a special place in his heart for his 6th graders. Helping others was always a passion for Jack, even at a young age he was influenced by Scout Masters and Sunday school teachers. .
Jack knew his passion for helping others was growing and he wanted to put his energy into the greater good. In 1983, he started Our Fathers Arms, an emergency food bank in Sullivan, Indiana. In 1993, they were able to add a clothes closet for those in need as well as assisting with utility bills. This resource has helped many over the years, and to this day, continues to grow. Jack still serves twice a week and is also on the PACE Board out of Vincennes. Being a teacher meant enriching the lives of not only his students, but all students. He helped organize the 8th grade rafting trip, which was a huge hit and continued on. He also served on the Wabash River Heritage Committee for 13 years. Jack stated that he “put his passion into everything he did.” He was very involved with education and led over 300 teachers on a strike down Ohio Blvd. He wanted to fight for what was right.
Jack enjoys every day of his life as a retired teacher. He spends his days with his family and says he “thoroughly enjoys people.” He spent three summers building homes with Habitat for Humanity and also taught Sunday school for many years. Now, he gets to enjoy traveling and attending his great-grandkids activities and watching them grow. He attends Kingsley United Methodist Church in Fairbanks Township and enjoys the occasional nap. Thank you Jack for being “relentless” all these years. Your passion is inspiring!
We are honored to recognize an extraordinary dedicated individual like Jack. CENTURY 21 Elite will continue to recognize relentless individuals, businesses, and organizations like him in 2023. Nominate a relentless individual, business, or organization that gives their dedication, time, and expertise within the Wabash Valley community at The Relentless | Century 21 Sullivan.