Resident of San Leandro

So handsome, but he was much more than that. John (Jack) was a truthful and extraordinarily honest man, dependable, supportive, always ready to help at a moment's notice. But most of all a loving father, husband and friend. Born in a small town, Union, South Carolina in 1931, he joined the Navy in 1950 at the start ofthe Korean War. He served as a radar man on the destroyer U.S.S. Phillips in the Pacific.

In 1952 he met his future wife Joyce Andersen at a roller rink, neither would take the blame but they kind of "fell" for each other and married two years later. Making the Bay Area their home, they lived mostly in San Leandro, while raising three children. John liked diving, poker and traveling, but also was quite involved with not only the Boy Scouts, but one of the few fathers that helped the Girl Scouts. He also earned the nick name of "Mr. Fix It" and "MacGyver" as it was claimed that if he could not fix anything he could make it. He is survived by his wife Joyce of 71 years, two daughters Deborah Wilder (Russell) and Yvonne Nickles (Mark) and 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnny and Della Gregory, his siblings, Edna &Frank, and the great loss of his son, John.

Donations can be made to Scouting America or (particularly) Girl Scouts in his name. A Celebration of Life will be on Monday, July 21st at Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi's Too inDublin at 6pm. If you think you would be able to attend, please message, Yvonne, Deborah or Joyce.