Jackie Lee Hawks

August 27, 2026

Jack Hawks passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 27, 2026 at the age of 97. He left behind a remarkable legacy of courage, devotion, generosity, and quiet strength.

Jack learned to be resilient early on. Raised in difficult circumstances, he began working as a child to help support his mother and two sisters, taking any job he could find without complaint. When asked about those years later in life, he would simply shrug acknowledging that times had been a bit tough, then add with a smile, “But I was a smart kid, and I figured it out.”

At age 17, with his mother’s signature granting permission, Jack enlisted in the United States Navy. During his distinguished career, he travelled the world on the USS Valley Forge. While stationed in Philadelphia, he attended a USO dance and met the woman who would become the love of his life, Sara. Jack shipped out a few days later, but the two exchanged letters throughout the following year. They married the day after he returned in 1948 and shared the next devoted 75 years together before Sara’s passing in 2023. Jack spoke of her everyday for the rest of his life.

As newlyweds, Jack and Sara lived in San Diego before military assignments took their family to bases throughout the United States. They also lived in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

While at sea in the 1950’s, Jack was crushed between two gun mounts in a devastating accident. Doctors told him he would never walk again. Despite excruciating pain and with extraordinary determination, Jack taught himself to walk. His injuries caused him pain for the remainder of his life, but he rarely spoke of it and never allowed it to interfere with supporting his family or fully living his life.

Throughout his naval career, Jack hoped to return to San Diego. The Navy ultimately accommodated his wish, assigning him to San Diego for his final tour of duty. He retired from the Navy in the mid-1960s and began a second career in the construction industry where he worked as a tile estimator. Eventually, Jack became a partial owner of San Diego Tile Company.

Jack always had a smile on his face and an open heart. His co-workers affectionately called him “Mr. sunshine”. He quietly helped anyone in need, even when doing so meant taking on extra work himself. Gentle and unassuming by nature, he nevertheless loved his wife and family fiercely and always went above and beyond to protect and support them.

Jack shared his love of woodworking, building model airplanes, and fishing with his grandsons, passing along not only his skills but also the patience, care, and quiet companionship that defined him. He made a life-size doll house for his granddaughter. Jack enjoyed music. His favorite song was Frank Sinatra’s “My way,” a fitting reflection of a man who faced hardship with determination, and principle while remaining true to his own values.

Jack lived with dignity and integrity, earning the respect of everyone he met and the love of everyone who knew him. He is survived by his two daughters, Deborah and her husband Stephen, Donna and husband Bob, his grandchildren, Aaron (Kacy), Shawn (Becky) and Ali (Adam) and three great grand daughters, Mia, Kody, and Evelynn as well as his sister, Priscilla. He will be missed beyond measure.

Jack’s life was one of service, perseverance, and enduring love - and it was a life exceptionally well lived.