John Penprase

Family-Placed Death Notice

PENPRASE, John N. JOHN N. PENPRASE John N. "Jack" Penprase, of Marietta, died on Jan. 30 in Wellstar Tranquility Hospice in Austell after a long fight against illnesses that included diabetes, leukemia and cancer. He was surrounded by family members who included his wife of 60 years, Jean Kumpfer Penprase, daughter Victoria, son Timothy and his wife, Paula, and son Michael and his wife, Carol. Jack was born on Aug. 6, 1925 in Kansas City, Mo., to Leticia Scoles Penprase and John Richard Penprase. As with many children of the Great Depression, Jack helped his family by working as he went to school. His first job involved helping deliver ice from a horse-drawn wagon. He also shined shoes, delivered newspapers and worked as a soda jerk. On Sundays, he sang in the choirs of several churches. Along with earning money at those jobs, Jack gained an appreciation of hard work and self-reliance. Using electrical training received at Manual High School, Jack joined the U.S. Navy in 1940. After graduating from boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, he earned his dolphins, qualifying for duty in the Sub marine Service. In later life, he enjoyed talking about going through the escape tower during training. During the war, he served primarily on the U.S.S. Sailfish and the U.S.S. Bergall. He was discharged from the Navy in 1950. He also was in the Air Force Reserve for several years. Once again using his electrical training, Jack worked a variety of jobs after his discharge, including several years at the Standard Oil refinery in Sugar Creek, Mo. Eventually, he got into sales, first working for electrical contractors and supply firms such as Greybar Electric. In 1964, he began working for Gordon Johnson Inc., selling poultry equipment. His career in the poultry industry spanned four decades. During that time he saw the industry transformed from a business centered on small poultry plants to an industry that gained a national scope. He contributed to that growth, including holding one patent. Although he enjoyed sales and was a fierce competitor, Jack maintained high standards. His jobs often required Jack to do a lot of traveling, but he most enjoyed being at home with his family. He enjoyed classical music, but later developed a liking for the Beatles. He also was a voracious reader. When his sons got involved in Boy Scouts, he participated as an adult leader. He was a member of Mic-O-Say in the Kansas City scout council. In later years, he enjoyed taking Jean on business trips around the country. Jack and Jean have lived in Marietta for the last three decades. After his retirement, Jack became interested in woodcarving, and was an active member of the Cobb Carvers. He most enjoyed carving holiday Santas, which he gave as presents. Survivors include his devoted wife and companion, Jean, of the home; daughter Victoria and her husband Darryl, of Marietta and Ashburn, Va.; son Tim and daughter-in-law Paula of Thomasville, Ga.; son Mike and daughter-in-law Carol of Springfield, Mo., five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, a sister, Sue Grant of Raytown, Mo., and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tranquility Hospice or Cobb County Humane Society. A graveside service with military honors will be held at the GA National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Jack was cremated under direction of the Cremation Society of the South at Marietta (770) 420-5557. Express condolences at ajc.com/obits