Jack W. Millikan
June 30, 1919 - August 29, 2009
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Jack W. Millikan
June 30, 1919 - August 29, 2009
Obituary
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.
13 responses to Jack W. Millikan
O'Connor Mortuary says:
September 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jack Millikan.
Laurie Schoner says:
September 3, 2009
I can’t believe it’s been almost 1 week since we lost grandpa. I think we all knew the end was coming, but it still came a bit too fast. I have so many great memories of grandpa. He was such a character!!! These days when I think of him I seem to be laughing through tears. His family was the most important thing to him. I’ll never forget our cross country drive from Texas after I graduated from college. Be loved to tell that story & how the back of the car was “so low” because it was packed with all my stuff. I still smile when I remember those rides up the mountain road to Big Bear. I would be in the back seat terrified as he sped up the mountain & when someone was driving too slow for his taste he would call them a “chicken hearted mountain driver”. Also, according to my dad, even when he had trouble speaking in the past couple of weeks his middle finger functioned just fine!!! I will miss grandpa so much, but take comfort in knowing he’s been reunited with all his family & friends that have gone before him!!!
Michael & Gerry says:
September 3, 2009
Gerry,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss of Jack.
Patrick Millikan says:
September 3, 2009
My Grandpa was a kind and loving man and I am thankful for the long and happy life he was blessed with. Family was always first with Grandpa and we all have plenty of wonderful memories and stories to remember him by. One memory I have is when I was little Grandpa and Uncle Kenny taught me how to water ski at Big Bear Lake. When I fell or was unable to get up out of the water after I had said ” Hit It” Grandpa would turn his boat Saw Dust around to get me just as fast as he would drive up the mountain. I will miss you Grandpa and I will always love you. Your Grandson, Patrick George Millikan.
Martin Rasnick says:
September 5, 2009
I spoke with Jack several times at the annual Burke/Schoner Family St. Patrick’s Day gathering. He was always in good spirits and enjoyed the event. I offer all of my prayers to his wife, Gerry, and the family. I know he’ll be watching over everyone with happiness.