Jack was born to Verna and Virgil Johnson in Fresno, California on December 2, 1936. He grew up with a very strong Northern European work ethic from his recession-era parents. He was determined and gregarious. As a young man, Jack visited Cresses hardware store every day until they agreed to give him a job sweeping the floor. He worked there for many years through high school. After high school, Jack joined the Navy because he was worried about being drafted into the Army and did not want to sleep in the mud. He said at least in the Navy you always get a cot. He also loved boats and water from his time in Sea Scouts, which is surprising given that Fresno only has a small reservoir and no access to the sea. During his two years in the Navy, Jack learned to be a machinist, gaining the skill that later got him a job at the Byron and Jackson Pump company. With his outgoing personality and a few college math courses, Jack transferred to a technical sales position at the same company; a position he held for over thirty-five years.
Jack met Jean when he was home from the Navy one weekend and they dated throughout his service. They married after he was discharged and were together for an amazing 61 years. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Julie and Jeff, who were both born in the same Fresno hospital as Jack. Working hard and raising a family in Fresno, they lived a simple life. Jack joined the Bahá'í Faith after marrying Jean, who was raised a Bahá'í, and they worked tirelessly to support the young institutions of their Faith. Jack’s work later transferred him to Stockton, California, and then to Richland, Washington, and finally to the Seattle area where he retired. Jack loved being on the water, both sailing and motor boating on rivers, lakes and the Puget sound.
He is survived by his wife Jean, two children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren (with two more arriving soon), and many friends. He will be greatly missed.
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