John A. HAWKINS Jr.

HAWKINS, Jr., John A.
Known as Jack Hawkins, he lived fully until his last breath at the age of 78. He died peacefully with his three daughters by his side in Santa Barbara, California on the morning of November 2, 2011. He was born on the epiphany, January 6, 1933 in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was lovingly raised by Helena and Al Hawkins in the wonderful neighborhoods of Boston. After his high school graduation, Jack served in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War where he was stationed in Trinidad. During his duty, he developed a jazz radio station and became a popular disc jockey and community figure. He was awarded the National Defense Metal of Good Conduct. Upon his honorable discharge, he spent four years in Andover, Massachusetts, where he received his bachelor's degree from Merrimack College. In 1960, Jack Hawkins began a long and respectable career as a corporate insurance broker starting out in San Francisco, then onto Sacramento, and finally in Santa Barbara, California. Though his life's pleasures were many, his most precious were in the creation of his family and the gifts it brought to him. He is survived by his daughters: Laura Burton, Elizabeth Slaught, and Stacey Cox; his former wife and the mother of his 3 daughters: Margaret Messina; his sons-in-law: Bruce Burton, Kenny Slaught, and Bob Cox; his 11 grandchildren: Ashley Burton, Andrew Burton, James Burnell, Carly Burnell, Meghan Cox, Christopher Cox, Tanner Slaught, Crosby Slaught, Casey Slaught, Madeline Cox, and Connor Cox; his long term companion: Deanna Hanson, and his sweet dog Albert. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, November the 26 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 1300 East Valley Road, Montecito, CA. The celebration of his life will be held following the service at his beloved home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Academy Foundation, 218 West 40th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10018.