John Denmore “Jack” Ziegler Jr., 74, Lawrence, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at The University of Kansas Hospital.
He was born July 13, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of John Denmore, Sr. and Kathleen Clarke Ziegler.
Mr. Ziegler served in the US army and he worked as a cartoonist for the New Yorker Magazine for over forty years. He has been a member of the community of Lawrence for the past six years.
He enjoyed music, art, reading, and he especially loved spending time with his family and friends, preferably with a good martini in hand.
Jack is survived by his wife, Kelli Ziegler, and his first wife Jean Ann Ziegler. Other survivors include sister, Beth Meehan (Richard) of Palm Beach, Fl; daughter, Jessica Ziegler (Gregory Casey) of Denver CO; son, Benjamin Ziegler of Boulder CO; son, Maxwell Ziegler (Jennifer) of Newington, CT; grandchildren, Holden Casey, Emma Ziegler, Maisy Ziegler, and Annabelle Ziegler.
The link below is for the New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/31/arts/design/jack-ziegler-dead-new-yorker-cartoonist.html
I first met Jack in 1966 when we ended up in the same class at the Army language school in Monterey, what good fortune for me. In the year we were there an unlikely friendship developed between two individuals with vastly different personalities. When I returned to San Francisco around 1970 I discovered that Jack and Jean Ann were living there and they came to our wedding in 1971. When we both later ended up on the East coast we stayed in touch and in 1980 I visited him in Connecticut. That was the last time I saw Jack but I always followed his work in the New Yorker. I have saved a hilarious letter I received from Jack in 1967 after we left Monterey and several Christmas cards he later sent us with his unique drawings and holiday greetings. From time to time and again on this sad occasion I have pulled them out and just smiled. From Jack I learned that there was a zany and joyous side of life and that we should learn to enjoy it. I will be forever grateful that I was able to meet and call a friend this kind and decent man and an inspired and creative artist. My wife Maureen joins me in sending our condolences to Kelli, Jean Ann, and all of the Ziegler family.
I’m one of Jack’s CBS-TV usher friends mentioned in an earlier post. Not only did he usher audience members to their seats at Studio 50 & 52 while studying at Fordham University, but Jack also was an usher at my wedding in January 1965. I have 1 or 2 funny photos Jack posed for with my bride and another photo along with fellow CBS ushers at a network or Sullivan show season-ending affair. I would love to share these photos with Jack’s family if possible. For me, Jack was always a prince of a fellow. His quiet wisdom, gentle affect and hilarious irreverence that always transcended bitterness was a gift to all who called him a friend. What a treat to have shared even the little time we spent together. Our deepest condolences to you all.
From Joel Kosofsky, Warren Master, Howard Friedlander, and Bob Spitzer
Our condolences to the entire Ziegler family. We will miss him. He was a special human being.
We were all together for many years on the CBS Page staff, also experiencing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, probably in awe over what was occurring. Many years ago, I noticed that a Soho gallery was showing many of Jack’s cartoons and chanced to call the gallery to see if I could get a message to him. He was there, and a minute later, they handed him the phone and we immediately talked as if there hadn’t been a 40-year gap in our conversations. Some friendships never change.
Before he moved several years ago, we had a CBS Page reunion in Rhinebeck, NY and spent the afternoon reminiscing and roaring with laughter about those early years. Again, for the five of us, it was as if we picked up where we left off yesterday. It was a delight to relive our youth (we were just kids in our early twenties). Jack’s irreverent humor, as well as his humanity, served to offer a wonderful perspective on our lives.
His body of work stands out as a testament to the joy he provided to millions.
Note: Warren has a picture from that era. We’d like to post it, if possible.
I am not a man who generally writes condolences. However, in this case, I felt I had to. Sincerely,
My prayers & hopes to “Jackie” ‘s family. My family and I grew up across the street from the Ziegler family in Forest Hills. Jackie was one of my first real friends…spent hours in his home and summer days at the Ocean Club . I still have memories of the walls of his room covered with sketches of planes, of how cute he looked in his Xavier uniform , and of his great sense of humor…and real friendship through those tough teenage years. I think the last time I saw Jackie was at his father’s funeral. We journeyed apart, but I never forgot my friend, & often saw his cartoons,shared them with my family, and spoke of our lives as children in the 50’s. It sounds like he left our world better than he had found it….through laughter, and love. I am gifted to have known him.
Jack and I worked together at CBS TV studio 54 and indeed were both on duty when the Beatles came to town for the Ed Sullivan show. Jack was such a funny and witty guy, and such a pleasure to have as a friend during those few years when we were both doing double duty as students and employees and, occasionally, rabble rousers. I am sorry we did not keep in touch. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
Dear Kelli, Jessica, Ben and Max,
Heartfelt condolences to each of you. Simply stated – Jack was a great guy! He made us all laugh, think, and be real.
Jack loved each of you deeply, treasured your individuality and saw the best in each of you.
Myself and all of us that had the privilege of loving Jack, grieve with you, and for you. In the days to come, may wonderful memories of your husband, father and friend bring comfort to soften the pain in your hearts today.
Jack and I were Xavier High School classmates and we may not have seen one another since graduation in 1960, although it is possible Jack and I may have spoken briefly at a alumni reunion and it has skipped my aging memory. Of course I followed and admired Jack’s life and work in the New Yorker and through our alumni news. I was always proud to point out to friends/relatives that the noted cartoonist was a classmate. I admire his love of family and my wife appreciates his fondness for martinis. I salute his Army service at a time when that was most unpopular. Well done, Jack! RIP
Memories of Jack’s quick wit, knack for the absurdities of life and the crinkle of his eyes when he’d laugh, will live on forever. We are very sad for your loss Kelli and family. Prayers for comfort and peace.
To Kelli and family. My sincere condolences to you all. Although I haven’t seen Jack, and you Kelli, since you moved I thought of you both often. I had great times and many laughs with Jack. He is going to be sorely missed
Kelli and Family: We were fortunate to have met Jack in the recent years. He was a true gentleman.
It only took a brief “Hello” from my roof where I was working, to begin a fast friendship; Jack, easy going and approachable and Charlie steadfast walking companion and similarly easy in nature. A matched pair that became welcome fixtures of our neighborhood. Memories of our too few Martini chats, (Jack in chair, Charlie on lap) will be cherished. The world is most fortunate that Jack recently donated a great amount of his incredible work to the OSU Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. Wherever you are Jack, I know you’re getting those around you to smile…and think.
I am still shocked and very saddened to learn this. My deepest sympathy to Kelli and all of Jack’s family. He was a great and funny guy.
I haven’t seen Jack since he and Kelli moved to Kansas…have missed him very much and will always remember him with much love and laughter…..our(Ed & my) condolences to all family members.
We were very saddened to learn about Jack’s passing. As a neighbor, we always enjoyed visiting with him on the sidewalk as he walked Charlie. We already miss seeing him drive by, and walking Charlie either on the golf course or on our street. We will miss him.