John Jack F Gladson

John F. “Jack” Gladson was born in Yakima, Washington on February 28, 1944, to Mary Catherine Hawkins and Donald Marion Gladson, Sr. He passed peacefully in the early morning hours on April 4, 2012 surrounded by his family.

Jack's education began in the Yakima Schools prior to the family moving to a home on 60th and Lincoln which was 'out in the middle of nowhere'! He then attended West Valley schools where he played football and basketball. Jack was on the first West Valley basketball team to attend the State championships and return with a second place trophy. This was the beginning of the nickname 'Jumpin Jack Gladson'. Upon graduating in 1963, he attended Yakima Valley Community College for two years where he continued to play football and basketball. His love of basketball continued for several years playing for Seattle Lumber on a Renton Rec team. Jack joined the Marine Reserves on April 1, 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1972 with a rank of Sergeant. Many lifelong friendships were made during these years and the stories have been retold over and over and over again!

He married the love of his life, Denyse, on July 22, 1972 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Roslyn, Washington. To this union two daughters were born: Nicole Danielle in August 1976, and Erin Paige in December 1979. Jack was a very loving husband and father. The years with his girls were spent supporting West Valley sports for daughter, Nicole, and drill team for daughter, Erin. He was always so proud of his family.

Jack retired in 2008 after being employed as a sales rep for 38 years with Senco Products having travelled the last 25 years throughout Eastern Washington and Oregon. He was well respected by his many customers and colleagues. His accomplishments on the national level included the Senco Blazer Award in 1979 and being presented the Senco Diamond Level Vanguard Award in 1990. He received a number of district and regional incentives for exceeding performance goals.

In his spare time Jack enjoyed camping and going to the beach with family, golfing with his many friends, and was an avid reader......especially books by Clive Cussler. He loved barbecuing and particularly enjoyed “Beer Can Chicken”. His most recent activities included being a member of our Neighborhood Watch, and enjoying his membership to the Elks Lodge #318 in Selah, Washington.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Denyse; his two girls, Nicole Kennedy (Walter), Camas, Washington and Erin Pugh (Adam), Issaquah, Washington, his pride and joy grandaugher, Addyson Rae Kennedy who Jack called his “baby girl,”. Other surviving family includes his brother, Don Gladson (Kathi) of Vancouver Washington; niece, Jamie Cross (Roger), Katlyn and Zach of Brush Prairie, Washington and nephew, Scott Gladson, Vancouver, Washington. His special mother-in-law, Mary Zauhar of Ellensburg, Norine and Gary Hages of Ellensburg, nephews Brent Hages, Blain Hages (Annie Cooper) and Ferne Adelle Hages of Seattle, and Marilyn (Terry) Walderhaug, Ellensburg. He is also survived by many cousins on the Hawkins & Gladson sides of the family. Jack also leaves behind many, many wonderful friends, too numerous to mention, but you know who you are.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:00 am at Keith & Keith 9th Avenue Chapel.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Union Gospel Mission in Yakima or to a charity of your choice, c/o Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Please share a memory or condolences at KeithandKeith.com.