After a valiant fight with cancer, Jack Hollis Arbogast, Jr., 70, of Williamsburg, Virginia, died peacefully at home on April 25, 2026. Born March 31, 1956, in Beckley, West Virginia, he was the son of Jack Hollis Arbogast and Doris Dacel Arbogast of Dayton, Virginia.
Jack is survived by his loving partner Sharra Kelly of Williamsburg; his daughter Andie Arbogast of Los Angeles, California (Will Westwater); and a sister Deborah Newman (Robert) of Roanoke, Virginia; Nephew Jeremy Newman (Kristen) and niece Brett Newman.
While growing up in Dayton, Virginia, Jack enjoyed playing football, baseball, tennis and basketball. In 1973 he was the City and County’s 18-under Table Tennis Champion. But it was basketball where he found his stride.
At Turner Ashby High School, Jack graduated with a 23-point scoring average and a record-setting 56-point game. A member of his school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and Honor Student, Jack received offers to play at several small colleges. However, he took a chance at trying out as a walk-on at the College of William and Mary. Coach George Balanis gave him that chance and with Jack’s determination and skill, he earned a starting position and scholarship.
In an era before 3-point shots, the NIL, or the portal, Jack, Class of ’78, played 4 years at William and Mary along with his best friends, John Lowenhaupt ’78, and Mike Enoch ’78, with whom he shared one of the greatest William and Mary basketball moments in history. On Dec. 7, 1977, William and Mary beat UNC at “The Hall” (now Kaplan Arena) in front of a record-setting crowd of 10,000. While those watching share the excitement of the on-court play, John and Mike love to tell the story of Coach Bruce Parkhill’s half-time speech in the locker room… ‘we’re ahead right now and if Arbogast can hit a jumper, we could win this game’. And that’s just what Jack did on the first play of the second half. He went on to score 14 points, including the final lay-up to lock in the Tribe 78-75 win!
Jack’s professional life began with a variety of endeavors in the financial field, the furniture business and some retail undertakings, but it eventually culminated in his return to the financial industry. In 2002 he joined The Barnes Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors alongside fellow hooper and W&M Alumni, Billy Barnes, Class of ’82. As a Financial Consultant for the last 24 years, Jack was able to leverage his uniquely analytical mind to successfully meet the investment needs of clients and help them reach their financial goals. Jack would often be seen about town with a group of handsome guys from the firm at various lunch spots they frequented, sporting their coats and ties, and enjoying some camaraderie out of the office.
Never content to just sit around, Jack’s can-do attitude and attention to detail was most evident in his self-taught carpentry skills. Just out of college he gathered friends together to assist as he added a DIY deck to his apartment. Those skills developed into a life-long love and passion for woodworking. During COVID Jack’s fascination with creating river tables with resin and epoxy grew and ArboWoodworks was born. Jack’s artistry became well-known not just among his friends, but through his participation in several art shows. Jack’s handiwork was recognized as high-end furniture and most of his free time was spent building stunning commissioned pieces.
Friends described Jack as a kind-hearted, calm, generous, determined, passionate, steady guy. At his 70-birthday dinner, stories were told of Halloween and Super Bowl parties, watching movies in his home theater, skiing in Vail, hiking through Wyoming, his backgammon prowess, trying his hand at driving a racecar and even taking voice lessons. Jack was a man of many talents and fearless when trying new things. Toward the end Jack remained positive and reflected on his full life. So many experiences and accomplishments. A life well lived.
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A Celebration of Life service will be held at the College of William & Mary’s Alumni House on June 5, from 5:00 – 7:00.
