John W. (Jack) Pocock of Eaton passed away on July 1, 2011 in Hospice at North Colorado Medical Center Inpatient Unit. He was born October 7, 1923 in Big Springs, Nebraska to John W. and Ruth (Wilbur) Pocock. He attended elementary schools in Big Springs and in Greeley. He attended junior and high schools in Eaton, until the 11th grade. He then joined the U.S. Navy in January 1940 at age 17.
On December 7, 1941, his ship, the U.S.S. Helena (CL-50) was involved in the attack at Pearl Harbor. During the war, he participated in 13 major engagements against the Japanese Navy. He survived the sinking of the Helena on July 6, 1943. Jack had many stories that he loved to share about his experiences. In April 2009, he participated in the Honor Flight and was a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
In March 1945, he married Betty Scher. From this union they had two sons, Don and Glenn. She passed away in February 1951. In May 1953, he married Pauline (Babe) Andolsek. They had two more sons, Terry and Jeff. She passed away in December 1986.
Jack had numerous professions throughout his life and retired from Eastman Kodak in 1986. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling around the country during his retirement. His passions in his later years was baking bread and cutting firewood. He was very proud of cutting, splitting and stacking six cords of wood just last summer.
He is survived by his sons Don of Snellville, Georgia, Terry of Greeley and Jeff of Eaton; sister, Evelyn Honstein of Washington and brother Tom Dannatt of Greeley; 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and special friend Ruby Neff. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, son Glenn and four sisters.
Visitation 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday followed by funeral service at Stoddard Funeral Home. Interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
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