Jack Punton founded J Punton & Son Funeral Directors in 1956 after training as a carpenter with Hinsley's Funeral Services in Carlton, near Goole. As a Methodist preacher and businessman Jack became well known and respected in the community.

Jack was joined by his son John in 1979 allowing Jack to take semi-retirement. Jack then took up charity walking. He completed a number of marathon walks for the NSPCC including around the coast of England & Wales, Land's End to John O'Groats and many others. Jack never had back up services, or planned stops, he just walked, collecting money from passers by and staying where invited as he passed through. He continued walking into his 80's completing the London Marathon at 82. Jack raised in excess of £40 000.

Jack died in 1999 leaving his son John to run the business. John has now been joined by his son Mark, daughter Michelle and daughter-in-law Emie. John's other two sons (Nigel & Matthew) run their own hardware and houseware stores in Sheffield and York.