John Robert "Jack" Mayer

Jack Mayer passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, at his beloved Highlands, North Carolina family home in Webbmont, surrounded by his “three girls,” Sara, Carrie, and Betsy. He is survived by his wife, Sara Catlett Mayer; daughter Carrie Mayer; daughter and son-in-law Betsy and Frank Bishop; two grandchildren, Everett and Cate Riser; and sister, Carla Huber. He was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Beverly and Ramon Roig; father, Jack Mayer; grandson, Harlan Riser; and brother-in-law, John Catlett, who lived for many years with Jack and Sara.

Jack was born on December 13, 1939, in Louisville, Kentucky. With the exception of brief times of living elsewhere with his mother, he grew up in Louisville. He attended the University of Louisville, where he earned a degree in Mathematics, and it was there that he met his wife Sara. He then graduated from U of L School of Law.

Jack and Sara were married in 1967. In 1970, they set off on the great adventure of moving to St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., where Jack practiced law and Sara taught school. Their daughters were born in St. Thomas, and the family lived there until returning to the states in 1980. After briefly living in Chapel Hill, Jack took off on a weeklong driving tour of western North Carolina, with the goal of finding a good place to live and work. Jack chose Highlands and moved the family here in the summer of 1982, where he practiced law with Bob Butler, and later with Rod Magie. Starting in 1997, he also enjoyed five years of practicing law with his daughter Betsy and former son-in-law Christopher Riser. His daughter Carrie also worked a few years at the law office.

Jack greatly enjoyed the practice of law, specializing in real estate, business, and estate planning. He was a member of the Kentucky, U.S. Virgin Islands, and North Carolina Bar Associations. In Highlands, Jack served for several years as the Highlands Town Attorney and as counsel for the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, among other local nonprofits. Jack and his much loved and appreciated assistants, including Sherry Gibson and Gibby Shaheen, were known for their attention to detail, races to the courthouse in Franklin, and good humor. After Sara’s retirement from her long teaching career, she worked at the law office as well. In 2016, Jack retired and closed his law practice.

Jack loved God, the church, and life in the mountains. He loved working outdoors, riding and caring for his horses, and hiking. He was also an avid reader and volunteered behind the scenes at the Bookworm and Food Pantry for several years. However, most of all Jack loved his family and spending time with them. Known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor, he kept everyone around him entertained!

A celebration of Jack’s life will be planned for this spring, with the date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Highlands United Methodist Church, or to Life Challenge of Western North Carolina, a Christian residential program for young women.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Mayer family. 

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