John J. "Jack" Walklet III

Jack Walklet, 73, formerly of Concord, passed away on October 24, 2022, surrounded by the love of his wife, Judy, and children Lara, Benji, Merav, Johanna and Sophia.
Jack described himself as equal parts executive leader, entrepreneur, adventurer and storyteller. As the oldest of nine children raised in Williamsburg, Virginia, Jack developed an early love of books from his father, who was director of publications at Colonial Williamsburg. Recruited as a competitive swimmer, Jack attended Virginia Military Institute, which provided the strong foundation of resilience that has served him throughout his life.
After hitchhiking west in 1975 to explore the cultural transformation following Berkeley's Free Speech Movement, Jack landed at a small printer in San Francisco, working closely with leading winemakers throughout Napa and Sonoma to create wine labels that reflected the growing quality reputation of California's wine industry. He remained in the printing and publishing industry for over 30 years, holding executive leadership positions in global firms, and helping introduce emerging technologies as they transformed the traditional world of print.
In 2013, Jack left the printing services industry to pursue his long-time vision, capturing personal and family stories to preserve them for future generations. In 2014, Jack completed his first book,, recounting his adventures on the Mississippi River with a group of 13, on a raft they built themselves using giant oil drums -- a story built upon a backdrop of challenging times in the world and all they were escaping as they took on the nation's mightiest river. While completing the book in late 2014, Jack suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, which transformed his life and those around him, but he approached each day with resilience, gratitude and good humor.
Jack was a passionate self-taught photographer, gifted storyteller, avid basketball player and Golden State Warriors fan. He loved hiking with his family in Point Reyes, Peet's Coffee, fine wine, obscure movies and books.
Most of all, Jack adored his family. His most incredible legacy is his five children, and each continues to bring elements of Jack's many passions to life in beautiful and different ways and he was so proud of them all -- Lara (Aviad Rubinstein), Benjamin (Veronica Martinez), Merav, Johanna and Sophia. Jack also leaves four grandchildren who loved their Grandpops, Milan, Jupiter and Boaz Rubinstein, and Dezi Martinez Walklet, and his first life partner and mother of his first three children, Karen Kaufman (Tom Singman).
Jack was pre-deceased by his father, Jack, and also leaves his mother, Gretchen (Peggy), siblings Philip (Lulu), Debbie Smith (Jim), Preston (Flo), Colin (Heather), Richard, Keith (Annette), Chris (Sandy) and Megan Tighe (Chris), brother-in-law Lars Kula (Amy), sister-in-law Julia Miles, aunt Ruth Crowell, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family throughout the world.
Jack's wife of 28 years, Judy, extends her deepest thanks to all the family, friends, colleagues, healthcare providers and caregivers who helped support her in providing Jack the best possible care during his long illness.
A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor Jack's memory may donate to the Point Reyes National Seashore Association at www.ptreyes.org to help protect this beautiful place and provide access for children who might not otherwise be able to experience its stunning beauty and peace.
"So, go out and raft your Mississippi, and don't wait. Our time is beyond precious."
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.