Jack Venables

1926 - 2017

Jack Venables
September 1, 1926 - April 1, 2017
Jack passed away peacefully on April 1. He was born in Visalia, CA September 1, 1926. His early years were spent traveling around rural California with his brother and itinerant father. In 1942 at the age of 15, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marines as his brother had the year before. There was a courthouse in Texas that burned down and as potential underage heroes learned about it, they said they lost their birth certificate in the fire so they couldn't prove their age. They were accepted and shipped out. Jack fought in the South Pacific at Guadalcanal, Saipan, Tarawa, and Tinian before transferring back to the states with a severe case of Malaria.
After the war, Jack met and married Esta, the love of his life for almost 70 years. Two babies quickly followed, and while working as a waiter and helping raise two youngsters, went to school and earned his college degree. He went to work for Farmer's Insurance Group in the claims department and worked his way up for the next 41 years to an Executive Director of Life Sales position in the home office. He retired n 1991 in Merced and he and Esta spent their active retirement traveling the country in their RV as well as other activities such as swing and square dancing. 
Jack will be remembered by his ever present smile and positive attitude. He has been an inspiration and a role model to all who have known him. Jack is survived by his wife Esta, daughter Gaye Garrison and Janet (Jan) Walsh, son-in-law Jim Walsh, grandchildren Gwen Garrison and Grant Garrison, and great-grandchildren Natasha Garrison and Gavin Garrison.
Jack requested that he not have a funeral. There will be a private burial at the VA Cemetery in Santa Nella where Jack will be buried with military honors. Thank you to all his many friends; The Quail Park staff, and to Hospice for your caring support. You loved him and his family appreciates your kindness and prayers. 
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