John T. (Jack) Bloom, reporter and copy editor for The Grand Rapids Press for 34 years, during which time he provided thorough coverage of the City of Wyoming, passed away Feb. 23 at home at the age of 92. He was born to John J. and Margaret C. Bloom on Feb. 7, 1929 in Omaha, NE. After graduation from Conception (MO) High School in 1946, he continued his education at Creighton University, graduating in 1951 with a major in journalism. Following his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951-54, he began his journalism career at the United Press International Bureau in Lansing in 1955, covering the state legislature. He came to UPI’s Grand Rapids bureau in 1956. In 1960, Mr. Bloom joined The Press staff as an assistant state copy editor and began covering Wyoming in 1962, a role he held for 16 years. He later covered Kent County government before retiring as a copy editor in 1994. Thomas Eardley, then mayor of Wyoming, spoke highly of him in 1972. “I think Jack Bloom is one of the most honorable members of the news media I’ve ever met. He’s a reporter who reports the news rather than creates it. In the 10 years that I’ve been attending city meetings, he has probably quoted me a hundred times. He has never quoted me wrong. That’s a pretty good track record.” Mr. Bloom was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine in 2017. He is survived by four sons, James, Peter, Michael, and Timothy, all of Grand Rapids; a brother, Thomas J. (Georgia) of Conception Junction; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Rev. James Chelich, presiding. Masks and social distancing will be required. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Wyoming. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Thomas Education Fund, 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506, or the charity of one’s choice.
