It is with great sadness and broken hearts we say goodbye to Jack Martin Motherspaw, beloved husband,
father, and grandfather. Jack passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving wife and family by his side. Staying true to his fine character and his deep selflessness, he celebrated his 88th birthday the day before he left this earth, on September 30th, the birthdate he and his granddaughter Noelle shared. Their birthday celebrations were something they each looked forward to each year. Jack is survived by his cherished wife of 51 years, Joanne, his devoted son, Jason & wife Amy, and his adored grandchildren: Noelle, Dalton and Giana and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Meller of Texas, along with many other beloved relatives from Texas.
Born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Uvalde, Jack was a true Texan at heart. He graduated from Uvalde
High School before attending Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering
in 1959. While at Texas A&M, then an all-male military academy, he proudly served in the Corps of
Cadets and upon graduation, was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army.
After his service, Jack and Joanne settled in Vacaville, California, where they raised their son, Jason.
Jack had a distinguished 28-year career working for the Naval Command, Control, and Ocean
Surveillance Center, where he retired as Department Head. A man of deep faith, Jack was an active
member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Vacaville, where he served as an elder for five years.
In his retirement, Jack spent most of his time with his grandchildren attending all their events and
always recording with his video camera. He remained active as a substitute teacher and started his
own computer business. He was fondly remembered by all who knew him as a "gentle giant" and a
gentleman in every sense of the word. Those close to him often spoke of his kind spirit and unwavering
faith, believing he was truly one of God’s finest.
A private celebration of Jack’s life will be held at First Lutheran Church in Concord on November 23,
2024, at 11:00 AM for friends and family.
“This is the day the lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036
