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JACK MOWER Obituary
JACK H. MOWER (Age 94)
Died peacefully at his home in Washington, DC on Thursday, December 1, 2016. A native of Sacramento, CA, Jack moved to the area in 1952 to work for the CIA. An expert in African affairs, he served as an intelligence officer in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Nigeria. He traveled extensively in Africa. At the CIA, he headed a major training directorate, and was on the Inspector General's staff. After retiring from the CIA, Jack worked for the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corp., and as a private consultant on African issues. He was a lecturer at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Jack received his Ph.D from Harvard University in political science. He was Fulbright scholar at the London School of Economics. During World War II, he served as a 2nd lieutenant with the U.S. Army Air Corps where he was a twin engine pilot. An avid tennis player, Jack belonged to St. Albans Tennis Club and played in USTA matches until he was over 85. An active member of his community, Jack served president of the American University Park Citizen's Association and as chair of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.He is survived by his daughter, Joan Mower (Richard Billmire) of Arlington, VA; grand-daughter, Alice Billmire; and longtime companion, Mary-Louise Butkiewicz. His wife, Barbara Mower, died in 1990. The burial is private, with a Memorial Service planned for January 2017.In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a charity of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for JACK MOWER
Lucy Lowenthal
January 12, 2017
Dear Joan
My thoughts are with you during this time. Your Dad was a wonderful, generous and giving individual. He will be sorely missed by many. Let us know how we can help.
December 14, 2016
Joan and Bunny,
Jack was a strong influence to my former wife, Ann Miller. And a good friend at the University Club for many years. He will be missed. We hold you close, and i our prayers. Sky
Sharon Basso
December 9, 2016
Dear Joan, I was saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. He was one of the greats at the Agency, as was your Mom. May the wonderful memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Sharon Basso
Traveling the world with Bunny
Joan Mower
December 9, 2016
Kirk Mower
December 8, 2016
As they say in Australia "That was a very good Innings".
Jack, Joan & Rhonda in Nigeria in 1971
Rhonda Rundle
December 8, 2016
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Uncle Jack will be missed! My father was proud of his service during the war and his continued commitment to freedom with the CIA. He made Washington DC a rite of passage. When I was on my way from Arizona to my Senior year as an exchange student in Germany, Uncle Jack and Aunt Barbara opened their home to me. They felt it was important for me to see Washington DC before I left to see the world. After I was married, he welcomed us all and was a wonderful ambassador to the nation's Capitol. As my father's younger brother, he researched the family tree and made us proud to be Mowers!
Jack and brother Dick Mower at Masonic Memorial, Alexandria VA 1967
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Jack, Barbara and Joan Mower - Phx AZ 1966
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Jack 1944
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Jack 1944
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Jack and younger brother Bud (Chester) Mower
Terry (Mower) Davis
December 8, 2016
Jack, Joan & Rhonda in Nigeria 1971
Rhonda Rundle
December 8, 2016
December 8, 2016
Dear Joan,
Once again, please accept my heart felt sympathy over the irreparable loss of Daddy Late Jack. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. My mother and family also joined me in commiserating with your family. Late Jack was so nice to me during my short visit to his residence in DC. In fact I still emerging how he would have received me for the second time.
Prominent Nigerians who knew him during his stay in Nigeria will continue to remember his numerus contributions to the development of our country.
Sani Malumfashi
Jim Rubin
December 7, 2016
Joan,
Jack was a wonderful and friendly neighbor, always willing to tell an amusing anectdote. But like so many folks you meet in brief moments, I had no idea about how rich a life he led. My family sends our condolences to yours.
Walter Voskian
December 7, 2016
Jack and Barbara were truly wonderful people. Both befriended me early in my career. Through the years they were trusted friends and colleagues, always eager to help along the way. I remember them fondly as a warm and generous couple. We are all better for having known them.
Judy Dollenmayer
December 7, 2016
Joan, it was inspirational to learn about your father's life and service. I love the photo of you and him in Corfu. . .puts "The Durrells on Corfu" in perspective. Reading about him, I better understand your devotion to Africa and the new nations. Blessings.
Dan Rutz
December 7, 2016
Dear Joan, I remember, several years ago, riding around Lagos with you and standing on those very tennis courts where you and likely your father enjoyed some tough competition. Although I never met him, I know Jack Mower to be a great man, through his service and his ability to pass along his best traits to his wonderful daughter, you. May you find comfort in his good life and fond memories.
Katharine Koch
December 6, 2016
Jack was upbeat & seemed ready for the next challenge. I knew him over the years through Joan. She got her dad's pragmatism & love of Africa; they have served her well. Jack made a difference in America's Cold War, yet remained a sunshine man.
Mel Gamble
December 6, 2016
Jack was very special to me. As a young officer, Jack and his wife, Barbara, taught me a lot about Africa from the cultural and historical aspects. I will never forget Barbara, who was also an African specialist, telling me about the Ibo and the interpretation of IBO "I Before Others". This was with humor but some truth. As an officer, Jack did not hesitate to help the younger officers--regardless of race--become a better officers, and he did so during a time when mentoring was not the thing to do.
When I became a senior official, I asked Jack to stay on to teach and mentor the younger officers. Jack did so and a lot more. I regret not visiting him at his residence as I had hoped but I was always thankful that Bunny was there with him. I will truly miss Jack, but I hope he will be honored for his great contributions to the CIA and his country.
December 6, 2016
Hello, Joan - The loss of parents is really the ultimate loss, I think. I'm so sorry you are having to experience this pain. My father died when I was 21, and I grieve for him today. Fathers are always so special!! I'm thinking of you and praying for your heavy heart!
December 6, 2016
A great American!
With his last wife, Barbara, in Ife, Nigeria
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
With daughter, Joan, in Corfu
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
With Marine Gen.Paul X. Kelley, his brother in law
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
Retiring from the CIA with his good friend, Frank Carlucci
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
Playing Tennis at Dennin Van der Meer's camp in Hilton Head
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
Dad in Sicily
Joan Mower
December 6, 2016
We look forward to hearing from my father's friends and fans around the world. I'll be adding photos to the page! Thanks. Joan
Dianne Rankin
December 6, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the Mower family.Always find it so inspiring to learn what rich,full lives former Agency officers lived outside the organization and after retiring.As a colleague noted, he was a talented,dedicated officer and a true gentleman.
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