Jack Arthur Genter

Jack Genter passed away peacefully at home on February 11, 2025, at the age of 99. He will be remembered by family and friends for his love of life, often regaling those around him with a joke, a story, or a song. Jack was raised in San Pedro, California, to Arthur and Charlotte Genter. He was last one living of four siblings, most recently preceded in death by his beloved brother, Robert Genter. Growing up near the home port of the Pacific fleet, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving as a Fire Controlman, 3rd Class on several ships in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. He proudly shared several medals earned, including for Philippine Liberation, but was quick to note with a gleam in his eye, none were for the “good conduct medal.” After an honorable discharge in 1946, Jack worked as a weatherman, park ranger, and other jobs while attending Long Beach State College, earning a M.A. in Education in 1953. Over a long career, he worked as a teacher and school administrator in the Yorba Linda, CA area and several small communities in northern California. He later settled in the Fresno, CA, where he finished his career as maintenance man for CA State Parks. Following his retirement, he continued to work odd jobs to support his many travels around the world. Jack moved to the Placerville, CA, area in 2002 to be closer to family and started working for Story Winery, becoming known there as the tasting room poet. Throughout his life, Jack loved being in the outdoors with fishing, gardening, photography and birding some of his favorite pastimes. He was also a world traveler, sharing many adventures with his brother, Bob. Later in life, he self-published several books, including documenting his travels in “From the Indies to the Andes in my Undies.” In his final years, he kept his mind busy with crosswords and jigsaw puzzles and his social life full including weekly sessions with the Lincoln Manor “bingo ladies.” Jack was thrice married and divorced, preceded in death by his three ex-wives, Vivian, Anne, and Nora. He is survived by his daughter Alexis Kleinhans (husband Tom) and grandson Tanner Galbreath; daughter Charis Parker (husband Eric) and granddaughter Elli Parker; nephew Rick Genter (wife Martina) and niece Linda Alsalihi (husband Mohammad, kids Omar, Adam, and Hannah); members of the Kelly family. He lived a long life full of adventures and positivity and will greatly missed. There will not be a formal memorial but those wanting to celebrate his life, please raise a glass of his favorite wine, Pinot Gregio, and toast to one of his favorite sayings - every day is a gift so, “Thank God for the Present!” If you like to share a memory or a message, visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/placerville-ca/jack-genter-12254594