2001
2020
William ("Jack") Green
2001-2020
Our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and teammate William ("Jack") Green of Huntington Beach, CA tragically ended his life at the age of 19 on September 5th in Walnut Creek, CA. His rapid decline in mental health was caused by many factors, central to which was the Covid19 quarantine. Jack's family and friends struggle to understand the delusion and despair which lead to this, when his life held such promise.
Jack Green was a handsome, charismatic and loving young man with an engaging demeanor, and an ever-present smile that could light up a room. Compassionate, caring and loyal to his many friends and family, Jack's passing has affected people in several communities where he was well-regarded. He was born in Newport Beach, and lived in Huntington Beach until his father's work took the family to Napa. It was in Napa that Jack discovered his first true love, water polo. He played center and excelled, becoming a national class athlete in junior high school. Jack's parents moved the family to Huntington Beach in 2015 in order to give him a shot at his father's life experience in athletics.
At Huntington Beach High School, he made varsity his sophomore year, playing with a group of athletes among the best in the country who narrowly missed becoming the top ranked high school water program in the nation in 2016. His tenacity and endurance under a grueling training regimen earned him a starting position and recruitment to the University of California, Irvine water polo program. Jack was in the middle of his freshman year at UCI when the quarantine was declared. He was passionate about exercise and weightlifting, working hard during the pandemic to maintain his fitness level and physique acquired from years of water polo. A true athlete, Jack was always challenging himself.
Jack loved his family's traditions, particularly their historical cabin at Fallen Leaf Lake in Lake Tahoe which his great grandfather built in 1945. He often spoke of fond memories made there, and a future where he would inherit the cabin and pass his family's tradition to a fifth generation.
Jack Green is survived by his parents William Sr. ("Bill") and Julie Green, sister Victoria ("Tori") and half-brothers Joshua Haynes of Huntington Beach and James Shortt (wife Melony) of Humboldt County. Jack is also survived by grandparents Pat and Larry Mertens of Huntington Beach, and Barbara Green of Truckee. Also, his aunts Sarah Green of Truckee and Carolyn Westgaard of Palo Alto, and Erik Van Pelt, his uncle, of Arlington, Texas. Jack is also survived by his girlfriend of almost two years, Madisynn Habibi of Huntington Beach.
In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made in the name of Jack Green to the Youth Outreach Program at St. James Episcopal Church at 3209 Via Lido in Newport Beach, CA 92663 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, September 19 also at St. James Episcopal Church. For those who can't attend, the service will be live streamed at the church's website stjamesnewport.org. A Huntington Beach traditional paddle-out will be held Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 PM at Tower 3.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
JOHN MICHAEL MAAG
February 14, 2021
Dear William and Julie:
It is Sunday evening (2-14-21), and I found your beloved son Jack's obituary among my papers. What a
handsome young man. In many ways, he reminds me of my son Jeffrey, who also took his own life. It was in 1996, the day after his high school graduation party. Jeffrey was a good swimmer and water polo player. He was somewhat quiet and a loyal friend to many. I'm sure I don't have to tell you the pain his death caused our family. My wife and I are still married after going through some really tough times. Personally, I have come to realize that God's master plan is a mystery which often doesn't makes sense to us. I will be praying for you and your other family members. If you would like to talk, just call me at 714-847-0377 or send me an email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
John M. Maag
Huntington Beach
Sara Johnson
September 28, 2020
Julie, Tori, Bill,
My heart just aches for you. Iam deeply sorry for the loss of Jack, who was such an amazing child and always stood out in my mind at Vichy. He was adorable and chivalrous in our play Cinders. He was a kind and precious child. I will never forget him.
There is so much work to be done around mental health. We are all touched by it through ourselves or loved ones. The suffering is huge.
I pray for you all. Please know he was beloved in Napa and forever a memory of a truly amazing child.
Sara Johnson.
Laurie
September 24, 2020
Thank you for sharing your story I also loss my husband to suicide and think people need to be aware this is happening prayers to your family
Brewster Family
September 24, 2020
Sending our heartfelt sorrow to your family. We remember Jack and all of you as part of our Vichy family with Brody and Tori in the same grade. We are thinking of you and holding you close at heart. As commented by others, thank you for sharing Jack's story for how it will help others. May peace be with you.
Brad and Adriana Jones
September 23, 2020
We are so sorry to hear this. He was such a sweet boy and patient. Sending our Love to all family Members. <3
Sara Cakebread
September 22, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I don't know your family or this fine young man, I want to thank you for your honesty. If more families were open about mental health challenges and suicide being the cause of death, it would create much needed awareness and support. You are very brave and I thank you for making a difference. Will keep your family in my prayers.
David Litzelman
September 21, 2020
I did not know Jack, but very sad he will not live, love and enjoy everything that life has to offer. I'm sad that he will not marry the love of his life, work in job that he loves, meet and have wonderful friends and have a lovely retirement. Rip dear Jack.
Laura Schafle
September 18, 2020
Bill and Julie, my prayers, tears and sorrow are with you. I pray for healing for you and all of us at the loss of Jack.
James Lucero
September 17, 2020
I'm at loss for words but I will always remember and cherish the childhood memories with Jack. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Tami & Mike Heine
September 17, 2020
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss... Sending you our love and prayers. XOXO
Peggy James
September 17, 2020
Bill & family - I am just heartbroken for your tragic loss. We spoke often about your son, and how proud you were of him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Maria
September 16, 2020
Hello this is Maria from adventure time. I was so sad to hear about Jack. I remember him being such a sweet and awesome kid. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Renee Cazares
September 16, 2020
I offer you my most sincere condolences during this time or extreme grief.
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