PC mourns the loss of Rev. Dr. Jack Presseau

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. Jack Presseau, professor emeritus of religion and the founder of Student Volunteer Services. Jack served as chaplain and professor for more than 30 years and, for many, was the embodiment of the Presbyterian College motto, “While We Live, We Serve.” In addition to SVS, Jack also started PC’s Christian education program, which graduated 160 church educators during his many years of faithful service. He taught our community that answering the call to serve others and acting on their needs is essential to our faith – and he lived it as a teacher, father, husband, mentor, preacher, author, and friend.

In 1998, he retired as the Emma Bailey and the Rev. George H. Cornelson D.D. Professor Emeritus of Christian Religion after 33 years of service to PC.

PC will continue to honor and remember Jack’s astounding legacy. In 2021, an anonymous donor established the endowed Jack and Jane Presseau Associate Chaplain position, while the Presseaus themselves established an endowment that will continue to support SVS in perpetuity.

We offer our deepest condolences to all of Jack’s family, including his beloved wife, Jane; daughters, Dr. Susan Presseau ’77 and Cara Presseau; and stepdaughter, PC professor Dr. Suzie Smith ‘82.

A memorial service honoring the remarkable life and witness of Dr. Jack Presseau will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, N.C. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service from 3-4 p.m. at the church.