Tribute to Jack W. Millikan 6-30-1919 to 8-29-2009

Jack was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, the fourth of six boys. The family moved to California when Jack was a young boy, settling first in Glendale and later moving to Huntington Park where he attended public school from elementary through high school. After attending Compton Junior College he transferred to UCLA in 1939. His college interests included his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, and rowing for the UCLA Crew Team where he earned three varsity letters. Most importantly, the love of his life, Gerry, was waiting to sweep him off his feet. They married on April 11, 1942. This union was blessed with three wonderful children: Nancy, John, and Ken.

Jack enlisted in the US Navy in 1941 after Pearl Harbor. At the end of the war, he continued serving in Naval Reserve Intelligence for 32 years and retired from his military career with the rank of Captain. Meanwhile, he was building a career in the hardwood lumber business. He was a founding partner of Lane, Stanton, Vance Lumber Company, serving as Executive Vice President of LSV and President of Custom Mills, Inc., a milling company associated with LSV. He served the Pacific Hardwood Lumber Association in various capacities and eventually became President in 1975. He was also President of the International Hardwood Lumber Association headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Jack was a proud and honorable man who was dedicated to his family. He spent many hours teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, water and snow ski, and drive a boat during weekend and holiday visits to the Big Bear Lake cabin. He also enjoyed his work with the Boy Scouts of America, Lions Club, woodcarving, RV trips with friends, and was an enthusiastic world traveler, with extensive travel to destinations in the Pacific for both business and pleasure. He was blessed to live long enough to be ‘Papa’ to his six great grandchildren, ages 1 through 11.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Gerry, daughter Nancy Bob, son Ken, and preceded in death by son John Linda; grandchildren Cynthia Burke Matthew, Laurie Schoner, Patrick Millikan Wendy, and Ryan Millikan Christine; great-grandchildren Riley, Thomas, and Paige Burke, Jarett and Kaelynn Millikan, and Madison Millikan; brother, Robert and many nieces and nephews.

Jack loved and cherished each and every member of his family. We will all miss his presence and wisdom in our lives.