John “Jack” Dunbar Roney

John "Jack" Dunbar Roney, 39, passed away tragically and unexpectedly on July 5, 2026.

Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Jack later moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he discovered his passion for swimming. He quickly excelled with their neighborhood pool, Mountainbrook Swim Club, before becoming a standout swimmer for New South Swimming and Myers Park High School. He held numerous North Carolina age-group state records along the way. His success earned him a swimming scholarship to North Carolina State University, where Raleigh quickly became home and where he built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

While at NC State, Jack earned a bachelor's degree and distinguished himself as an exceptional student-athlete. He broke the school's 200-yard Breaststroke record, holding it from 2008 to 2011. It was also at NC State where he met the love of his life, Maresa, as they swam together on the Wolfpack team. They were married for 15 wonderful years and built a beautiful life together.

Swimming remained one of Jack's greatest passions throughout his life. After college, he shared that passion by coaching and mentoring young athletes with the YMCA, Raleigh Swimming Association (RSA), and eventually returning to his alma mater, NC State, as the Director of Operations and volunteer Assistant Coach. 

After becoming a father, Jack transitioned into software sales, where his work ethic, leadership, and genuine care for people quickly set him apart. He began his software career at Pendo and most recently served as a Senior Sales Manager at MaintainX based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Throughout his career, he earned President's Club honors four times, a testament to both his talent and dedication.

Jack lived life with enthusiasm and purpose. He loved his 5am CrossFit class at Triangle CrossFit, volunteered at Hope Community Church, served as the swim meet starter for the Hampton Ridge Swim Team, and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children at their games, meets, performances, and activities.

He loved aviation and Beechcraft Bonanzas, meteorology, smoking meats, NC State athletics, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, caring for the family's farm and animals (dogs, horses, and chickens), playing the drums, music, traveling, and watching just about every sport imaginable. If there was something to learn, build, fix, or explore, Jack was all in.

Above everything else, Jack loved his family. Being a husband and father was his greatest joy and highest calling. Every decision he made and every goal he pursued was rooted in providing for, encouraging, and loving his family. He was endlessly present, deeply devoted, and fiercely proud of his wife and children. His legacy will live on through the countless memories he created with them and the example he set of unwavering love, generosity, and faith.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Maresa, and their five children: Gunnar (11), Scout (10), Beau (8), Archer (5), and Crew (3); his parents, John and Anne Roney of Charlotte, NC; his sisters, Katie Roney Corum and Amber (husband Zach) Moore; his Uncle Mike and Aunt Maureen Roney and family of Fairlawn, NJ; his Uncle Doug and Aunt Chie Dunbar and family of Schaumburg, IL; his father and mother-in-law, Dave Mathews and Deborah Like-Mathews; his sisters-in-law, Frankie Like-Mathews (fiancé Kevin Wulchin) and Courtney (husband Paul) Wayand; his cherished nieces and nephews, Max Moore, Riley Wayand, Dean Wayand, and Scotty Wayand; along with countless friends from his years at NC State, his professional career, Hope Community Church, neighborhood, gym, and the many communities he faithfully served.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27604. A Celebration of Jack's Life will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11:00am at their home church, Hope Community Church, 821 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh, NC 27606. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family simply asks for your continued prayers as they navigate the days ahead and seek comfort in the hope and promises of their faith.

Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com