Jack K. Jensen

Jack K. Jensen passed away on April 26, 2026, at NHC Rehab/nursing home, 812 N. Charlotte Street, Dickson, TN at the age of 89.

He was preceded in death by his father, Einer V. Jensen; his mother, Cecelia Marie Jensen Matthiesen; his sister, Janet Adams of Long Prairie, Minnesota; his daughter, Lisa Jensen Chamberlain of Nashville, Tennessee; and Stepson Barry Wilson of Old Hickory, Tennessee.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara Siple Jensen of Senatobia, Mississippi; daughters Lea Ann Lewis (Mark) of White Bluff, Tennessee; Patricia Jensen of Nashville, Tennessee; and Stepdaughter, Caren Henderson (Duane) of Mississippi.

Jack was also deeply loved by his many grandchildren: Lindsy (Sean), Constance, Casie, Evan (Cameron), Jordan, Christy, Caitlyn, and Seth.

His legacy continues through his cherished great-grandchildren: Jaylan, Braden, Nathan, Grayson, Jesse (Destiny), Ciara, Makenzie, Ariyah, Karoline, Layla, Mia, Hadley, Rayla, Joseph, and Ryker.

Jack was born on April 20, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was proud of his Danish heritage and was born into a full-blooded Danish family. At the age of 11, he moved with his family to a farm in Clarissa, Minnesota, where life revolved around hard work and responsibility. The family raised cows, pigs, and chickens, and Jack spent his youth milking cows, feeding livestock, and helping work the farm.

After graduating high school in 1954, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served from 1954 to 1959 as an aviation mechanic. During his service, he participated in early guided missile testing and was stationed in Denver, Colorado; Germany; and Paris, France. While on leave in the spring of 1958, he met Linda Whitt in Panama City, Florida.

Following his honorable discharge, Jack married and relocated to Birmingham, Alabama. Welcomed his 1st daughter in late 1959, then In 1961, he moved his wife and daughter to Nashville, Tennessee, to open a new Belle Brothers Shoes location. During those early years in Nashville, he and Linda welcomed their other 2 daughters into the world.

In the fall of 1965, Jack founded Jensen Shoes, Inc. in Belle Meade Plaza, later relocating to White Bridge Road in 1985. Over nearly 60 years, he owned and operated the business, spending approximately 40 of those years working alongside his wife Barbara. Under his leadership, Jensen’s evolved in the early 80’s into a full-service footwear and pedorthic business focused on correctly fitting his clients to meet their individual needs for structural alignment, and orthopedic support.

Jack became a certified pedorthist and expanded his services to include shoe repair, custom orthotics, orthopedic buildups, and specialized footwear solutions. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he opened multiple retail locations throughout Nashville and surrounding communities. Eventually closing each to focus on his main location on White Bridge Rd.

He was an active member of the Nashville community and a passionate supporter of Vanderbilt athletics, the Nashville Sounds, and the Nashville Predators. He proudly held season tickets for many years. Jack was also an avid bowler, achieving several perfect games, enjoyed golfing whenever he had the opportunity, and was an accomplished duplicate bridge player who achieved the rank of master. It was through duplicate bridge that he met the love of his later years, Barbara.

He was known for his competitive spirit, enthusiasm for life, and lifelong passion for health and wellness. From the 1990s through 2024, Jack was involved in multiple health- and nutrition-focused ventures, reflecting his desire to help others improve their quality of life.

As a father, Jack was loving, driven, and devoted to his three daughters. He gave them opportunities that shaped their lives, including swimming, horseback riding, golf, and tennis. Their home was always filled with animals, many of them rescues. His daughters and extended family members spent years working alongside him in the family business, creating lasting memories together.

For the last 43 years, Jack shared his life with his wife Barbara. Though health challenges physically separated them during the final two years of his life, they remained closely connected through phone calls, video chats, and a cherished recent visit together.

Jack professed faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and that faith sustained him throughout his life. Though hearts are broken by his passing, his family finds comfort in the hope of seeing him again.

In his final season of life, his daughter Lea Ann had the privilege of helping oversee his care through his health decline. Though difficult, it was an honor to walk beside him during that journey.

A very special thank you is extended to Mark Lewis and Cathy Copella, who were instrumental in helping through this season. Cathy walked beside the family with compassion, strength, and unwavering support. Jack always lit up during her visits, and she remained faithfully by his side in his final days and at the moment of his last breath.

Deep gratitude is also extended to Mark, whose selfless support, visits, and steady presence brought comfort during a difficult time. Jack thought the world of him, and his love and support meant more than words can express.

Jack will be deeply missed in the quiet moments — the daily calls, check-ins, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there. The staff at NHC Dickson loved Jack and often shared what a pleasure he was to care for. He had favorite nurses and technicians who truly spoiled him. In true Jack fashion, he expressed his desire about opening a Jensen Shoes location there. He missed his longtime customers and associates — too many to name, but never forgotten.

His impact lives on through the many people he helped, the family he loved, and the memories he gave to those fortunate enough to know him.

A heartfelt thank you to Caris Healthcare and his amazing Jensen’s staff, past and up until its closing. Several made the effort to visit him in the nursing home and regularly kept in touch by phone. To him, they were never just employees—they were cherished and loyal friends.

Rest peacefully, Dad. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Celebration of life details are still being planned and will be announced.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville &  Bellevue’s only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.