Jack "Sonny" H. Mc Dowell

Jack was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 18, 1932. He was captain of his high school ROTC, and served in the US Navy as a sonar operator until 1955. Jack graduated from the University of Tennessee, and worked on a Masters of Business Administration at Syracuse University.

On September 15, 1956, he married Helen Marie Goolsby of Ringgold, Georgia. His business career took him from Chattanooga to Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Waco, Texas, working as an executive for such companies as Central Soya, Fairchild, ITT, and eventually as a Vice President of Certain-Teed Corporation. Jack worked in consultant operational management, project management, acquisitions, divestitures, new business formation and start-ups. He served as Vice President of Wiggins Lift Co., Inc., located in Oxnard, California since 1988.

Jack was an active member of churches throughout his life, serving as a deacon and an elder for many years. He was on the board at a number of Christian schools. He enjoyed travelling, fine food and wine, golf, and especially spending time with his family and many friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Helen, on June 4, 2003. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Markus and Michele; daughter and son-in-law, Jacqueline and Mark ; grandchildren Micah, Maya, Sarah and Hannah; his beloved Cynthia Swift of Waco, Texas; sister Dani of Newby, Tennessee and many, many cousins, nieces, and nephews of numerous generations in Tennessee and other parts of the country. A funeral service will be held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 2:00pm. Jack will be laid to rest beside Helen in Coachella Valley, an area that they both loved so much.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Brethren Schools in Simi Valley, California, and Texas Christian Academy in Waco, Texas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.