Jack Port

1922 - 2021

Jack Port
1922 - 2021
Oceanside
Jack Port, a lifelong resident of North County and well-known World War II veteran, loved by family and friends, passed away peacefully at home in Ocean Hills on March 16. He was 98 years old.Jack grew up in Escondido, the youngest son of Charlie and Rena Port. Although not himself observant, he remained proud of his Jewish heritage. He was a graduate of Escondido High School and attended UCLA for 2 years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943 during World War II. Like so many in his generation, World War II was a defining moment in Jack's life. After enlistment he was assigned to the Army's 4th Division, 12th Regiment, and participated in some of the most intense battles of the war. Landing on the D-Day beaches of Normandy, he was on the front lines through France, Belgium and Germany. For his service, Jack was recognized with numerous decorations, including a Purple Heart and five Bronze Stars. After the war, Jack returned to Southern California. In 1947 he married Elaine Eichman and settled in Escondido to raise a family. They had three daughters, Deborah, Marcy and Nancy, and two sons, Jeffrey and Alan. The family eventually grew to include 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Jack purchased the family store, Port's Menswear, and operated it until 1975, when his interests turned toward investment projects and community activities. In 1973 Jack co-founded the North County Bank and served on its Board of Directors for twenty-five years. He was also the Director and Founder of the Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido, a founding member of the Escondido Charitable Foundation, Director of the Escondido Boys and Girls Club, and Director of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce Board, among other positions. The highlight of Jack's community contributions was his commitment to education. After serving on the Orange Glen School District Board, he was elected to the San Diego County Board of Education in 1963. He was re-elected six times and would serve on the County Board for thirty years. His leadership was recognized at the White House in 1983.In the 1980s Jack began to make regular trips back to France to visit the places where he had fought in the war. Returning each year for annual commemorations, he was warmly welcomed by French citizens grateful for his role in the liberation of France. Three towns in Normandy made him an Honorary Citizen. In 2009 the French government bestowed Jack with its highest order of merit, the Legion of Honor. In 2018 schoolchildren in the town of Saint-Pois voted to name their school the Jack Port School, in honor of all American soldiers who liberated their town. Jack said it was the greatest honor of his life.Jack was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, and his son Alan. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Escondido Charitable Foundation or Brother Benno's of Oceanside.