Jack Edward Seward

Jack Edward Seward, 78, passed away October 4, 2024, in Tumwater, Washington. He was born July 28, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio to Ruth (Huber) Seward and Walter Seward. They moved to Seattle in 1953 and then to West Olympia, residing on Foote Street. Jack graduated from Olympia High School in 1965.
After high school, Jack was drafted into the Army in November 1965, assigned to the 101st Airborne, 1st BN 327 Infantry ABU Company. He served in Vietnam for 13 months which took its toll both physically and mentally. In Jack's words, "I returned to the WORLD June 3, 1967, "and after other assignments around the states, he was honorably discharged November 1967.
Jack began at the Olympia Fire Department, August 1968 and retired as a Battalion Chief September 29, 1999. Upon retirement, one of Jack's greatest goals was to keep firefighter retirees together as a group, so he began a coffee group, meeting up for coffee every Wednesday. This coffee gathering began late 1999 and the last coffee gathering was at his home September 4, 2024. He was also a huge supporter of the local VFW Post 318 and served on the Honor Guard for many years.
Jack loved fishing, camping, sitting at the Cowlitz River and watching the river flow while listening to old country music, working in his shop, maintaining his yard, visiting with his neighbors, friends, and classmates, BUT his biggest love was that of his family. He loved his kids and grandkids more than life, and spending time with them was very special to him. He looked forward to Sunday family dinners as all the kids and grandkids came over until they were off to college.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Rhodetta, his son Todd (Nicole Newman) Seward, and his daughter Raquel (Shon) Carpenter; five grandchildren, Justin Seward, Julia Seward, Aly Carpenter, Jaidyn Carpenter, and Saige Carpenter, siblings, Lucille (Skeeter) Elder, Walter (Buddy) Seward, Dale Seward, Pete Seward, Scott Seward, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Walter Seward, siblings Carleen Waddell, Connie Raught, Leona (Toots) Collins, and Donald (Donnie) Seward.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM, at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98502.
Should you want to make a donation in Jack's name, donations may be made to Senior Services for South Sound, www.southsoundseniors.org or to Firehouse "5" at www.olympiafirehouse5.com.