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John Caldwell Hessin

1926 - 2016

John Caldwell Hessin obituary, 1926-2016, Fairbanks, AK

John Hessin Obituary

John (Jack) Caldwell Hessin, 89, died peacefully Saturday, March 26, 2016, from complications of cancer. He was the first of two children born to Caldwell (Coke) and Harriette (Hattie) Hessin on May 22, 1926, in Hollywood, California.
Jack and wife Nancy (Needler) Hessin Graves moved from New York to Fairbanks in January 1960 to start the biggest adventure of their lives. It was here that they raised their family and grew to love all that Alaska had to offer. Jack and Nancy adopted Lynn and Lori in Anchorage on Feb. 25, 1963, and on Nov. 25, 1963, Nancy gave birth to Pam at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
Jack attended Hollywood High School and graduated in 1944. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII from 1944-46 as a radio operator and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal. He attended and played football for the University of Southern California graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science. He received his law degree in 1958, passing the New York Bar Exam in 1959, and was a registered attorney in the state of New York until he died. He was a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1951 to 1980. For his second career, he was a magistrate with the Fairbanks District Court until his retirement in 1996.
His compassion for people and his deep understanding for the law helped him to become one of the fairest and impartial magistrates on the bench. Jack loved life and he enjoyed all activities associated with nature … skiing, fishing, hiking and camping. He was a pilot and volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol doing search and rescue. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol. He was a stock car driver. He loved football and was an avid Seahawks fan. He was active in Rotary. He was even an actor in the movie "Walk East on Beacon Street." He was dedicated to exercising and always had a dog by his side.
Jack's greatest love in life was his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He is survived by his daughters, Lynn Hessin-
Caron (Michael), Lori Hessin and Pam Blanton (George); and grandchildren Vanessa Reinhardt (John), Nolan Smith (Ellen), Jack Anderson, Levi Blanton, Rachel Blanton and Austin Blanton; honorary grandson Christian Coughlin; great-grandchildren Hannah Reinhardt, Jacob Reinhardt, Abigael Reinhardt and Abel Smith; honorary great-grandchild Sophia Coughlin, his favorite nieces Lisa Satter-Shaw, Heidi Kemper (Satter), Daphne Dixon (Satter) and Rachel Satter; as well as his brother-in-law, Erby Satter. Jack was preceded in death by his sister, Jill Satter, his niece, Hollie Bolen (Satter), and lifelong friend and confidant, Nancy Hessin Graves.
A celebration of life will be held on 3-7 p.m. Saturday, July 16, 2016, at the Lakefront Anchorage, 4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to one of Jack's favorite charities: The Children's Lunchbox and Bean's Café

Published by Daily News-Miner on Jun. 26, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jack was a family friend and former co-worker of my father. When my mother Jackie passed away in 2009, Jack flew from Anchorage to Tucson to attend the celebration of life for my Mom.

I have always been impressed and touched that he would travel that far at age 80, simply to say hello to an old friend and pay respects to my Mom.

Farewell Jack.

Jeff Smith

July 19, 2016

A good man gave me a break almost 33 years ago by allowing me out of jail to go to rehab. Haven't had a drink since.

David Roberts

July 10, 2016

Judge Hessin you were a kind man, and a compassionate magistrate/judge. I remember one day in your courtroom a young guy smarted off when he got his sentence, and I will never forget, after he said "awww I could do that your honor standing on my head" everyone laughed but not you, you said okay then young man "Hows about 30 days in an upright position, so funny we all laughed" and that was when the gavel came down, then came me, you took it really easy on me, and were very much like what a dad would do, so I appreciate your service to this town, you were a good man too. I am sure. Well that's all, may you rest in peace your honor. Renee Bullock N. Pole

RENEE BULLOCK

July 5, 2016

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Selina and Bill DeValcourt

July 2, 2016

Thank you for your service to our Country.

L Groh

July 2, 2016

My dear JCH, I enjoyed being his in court clerk for over 10 years. He was so compassionate, just, nonjudgmental,upright, patience, good listener and he NEVER talked negative about others. I only seen him raise his voice once and that was defending ME :-)
Soooo man good times, we laughed daily. He ate a lot of HONEY sandwiches, those case files would be so sticky.
He loved the simple things of life and HIS GIRLS (daughters). XOXO

Anita McCormick

June 30, 2016

Humble, wise, and compassionate are three of many positive characteristics of my Grandjack. His sense of humor could catch a person off guard, and he was kind and thoughtful in conversation with everyone. I am grateful I had the privilege of growing up knowing and loving him.

Vanessa Reinhardt

June 29, 2016

With sincere sympathy may you find comfort in your memories and may the remembrance of a life you cherish fill all your days with love. May our almighty God continue to comfort you and your family2 Coriinthians 1:3

June 29, 2016

Memory Eternal.

Christian Mandregan

June 29, 2016

I worked with Jack at the FBI for several years. He was a great person.

June 29, 2016

As an Alaska State Trooper I was in his court many times over the years. A consummate professional. You had to have all of your "ducks in a row" that's for sure. Old school, I learned much for him. God speed judge.

Gary Tellep

June 26, 2016

I worked beside "Jack" for ten years throughout the 1980s and developed the highest respect for him. He was always hardworking and absolutely honest. He was also generous and kind. My wife and I will never forget the day we arrived in Fairbanks with our three young children from Southern California. The temperature was in the minus 40s and within 30 minutes Jack had our family at a local store getting "moon boots" for the kids. Jack lived a full life and will be missed by more people than he would imagine. I pray for comfort and peace for all those who loved Jack.

Don McMullen

June 26, 2016

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Memorial Events
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Jul

16

Celebration of Life

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Lakefront Anchorage

Anchorage, AK

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