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
Chris Millikan says:
September 7, 2009
Jack and Gerry will always be dearly remembered in our family. Being an uncle to my father, Richard L. Millikan, my father always looked up to Jack and shared wonderful memories with me during my years growing up. With Jack being one of five brothers to my grandfather, Chuck, whom I never knew, it was always a wonderful treat to enjoy another connection to my grandfather when he and Gerry would visit during their many years of traveling. I will always have cherished memories of our last visit with he and Gerry in Mission Viejo last year where they were able to meet our 4-year old daughter, Alexandra Beverly Millikan, for the first time. It was a truly special visit. Thank you, Jack and Gerry, for always being a part of our family and an important connection to my father and grandfather. Jack, you have our love, you will always be remembered, and we will miss you. God Bless. Our deepest love and sympathies to his wonderfully devoted wife, Gerry. We are thinking of you.
Cynthia Burke says:
September 7, 2009
All I can say is I enjoyed and loved him from day one to the end. He was a man of integrity and instilled family values that will follow through the generations to come. I have so many good memories about him and grandma. And two days before he died he remineded me he had never cheated on Grandma. The kids are looking forward to GiGi taking over the halloween hat and passing out the candy. We will see if she needs as large of a trash can for all her wrappers. I can only hope my children carry his memory and drive for execllence throughout their life. We love you and miss you. Cyndi, Matt, Riley, Thomas, and Paige
Rich DeGrey, Jr. says:
September 7, 2009
On behalf of Dick and Shirley who are unable to respond, as well as my wife Lien and our children, Jennifer and Michael, we offer our deepest sympathies to the family following the passing of Jack. Always a friendly gentleman to me, my only regret is that I didn’t get to know Jack better. I recall talking about the hardwood business and some military stuff. He lead a very successful life in all aspects of a what a good life is. We were lucky to have known Jack. Rich
Glenn Heithold says:
September 15, 2009
I enjoyed being around Jack and hearing his Hardwood and Navy stories
Edith Millikan says:
September 16, 2009
Lynne and I won’t be able to come to the memorial, so I’ll use this guestbook to send love to Aunt Gerry, Nancy and Ken, to Cindy, Laurie, Patrick and Ryan, and all the grandkids and great grandkids I haven’t met. I can truly say how much my dad Bill looked up to his big brother Jack for his entire life! That’s a great legacy – to be a hero in Bill’s eyes for over 85 years!