John R. West

Jack died at home in Hawthorne, CA on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Chicago, IL to John R. West and Agnes Burkhart West, on June 15, 1926. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1932. Jack served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He worked in the Photo Lab at Northrop Aircraft Corporation for 46 years and retired in 1991. He was a member of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach and the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy, son John G. West (Veronica), granddaughters Vanessa and Melinda of Gardena, CA, daughter Mary K. Johnson of Florida.

Jack also leaves a sister Virginia Burkhart, of Thousand Oaks, CA, two nieces, Joy Jolissant (Ralph) of Thousand Oaks, and Jackie Lombardi (Richard) of Irvine, CA, 5 great nephews and nieces, and 2 great-great nephews and one great-great niece.

Jack was an avid movie fan and also loved to tell funny stories to his many friends.

The Visitation will be held at the White and Day Manhattan Beach Chapel on Sunday, May 7, from 5 to 8pm, with a Rosary at 7:30pm. Mass will be held at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach on Monday, May 8 at 10am, with burial following at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Martyrs Catholic Church, P.O. Box 3639, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.