Jack William Langley

Jack William Langley, 97, passed away in his home in Shady Cove, Oregon on Monday, December 20, 2021 in the comfort of his caregivers and hospice. Jack was born August 31, 1924, to Lorraine Clair Lyons and John Sydney Langley. He was preceded in death by two children, Michael James Langley and Mary Kathryn Langley. He is survived by his five remaining children, Carol Elizabeth (Beth) Langley-Berg (husband Jim Berg), David Ingham Langley, John Patrick Langley, Paul William Langley and Peter Rae Langley (wife Cathy Langley). His progeny also includes nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Jack attended school in Burbank, California, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his mother's permission, because he was underage. He served from January 5, 1942 to October 11, 1945 as an aviation Machinist Mate First Class in World War II aboard the aircraft carrier, Saratoga. Jack loved the Navy and proudly carried his experience and education to each following endeavor.

Jack was truly a "Jack of all trades." He was a man of many words with a brain like none other. With dedication and persistence, and a strong desire for knowledge, he excelled in many fields of work, often leading or owning his new found venture. Working in the industries of Forestry and Logging, Road and Boat Building, Home Construction, Commercial Floor Covering, Fuel Services, Hotel Ownership and almost everything in between.

As captain, Jack sailed the coastal waters of Washington, Oregon, California and Mexico with his family as a crew. A father to 7, Jack was considered a "Free Range Father," always encouraging his children to follow the beat of their own drum and take the road less traveled, motivating them to be independent and self-reliant.

His interests included geology, cosmology, aviation, fishing, golfing, construction and outdoor adventures. He was an avid reader, often engaging in several books at the same time. He thrived on intellectual conversation, especially if it included a good debate. And he challenged his mind to think outside all boxes, often joking that he hadn't yet invented all the boxes he was outside of. Jack leaves behind a vast legacy, a desirable rock collection, and many wonderful creations. From hand-built rock walls to full-sized family homes, un-permitted home wells, to a seafaring yacht built for his large family.

In Jack's final years his eyesight and hearing deteriorated and his active hobbies were replaced with more leisure activities: watching sports and history on TV, cooking, visiting scenic areas, and sharing stories while engaging in more meaningful conversation. He loved to share his vast knowledge, often of the lives of trees and then segue to facts about oceanography or outer space. Jack's stories became his essence, captivating an intrigued audience everywhere he went.

It is with this, and more, that we celebrate his life, his spirit, and his greatest contributions. As father, husband, grandfather, friend and veteran, he will be deeply missed by many.

As military memorial has been established at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon. The memorial will be held on Friday June 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., section 38, site 54. 2763 Riley Road, Eagle Point, Oregon 97524. A Celebration of LIfe will follow at Mac's Diner, 21900 Highway 62, Shady Cove, OR 97539.

In lieu of typical donations, please bring a rock, something that caught your eye, to be added to Jack's final stone memorial, built as a reminder of his strength, resilience and overarching curiosity.