Jack H. Hansard

Jack H. Hansard, 88, of Yreka, CA died January 24th 2011. His self-made hero's memorial, honoring the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, honoring his brothers, his fellow United States Marines in the love and service of humanity, in the "Can Do Spirit" of America victorious, honoring God and all mankind, and all life and the living, in honor of the spirit of freedom for all time, on his mountain top just north of Oberlin Road, is a monument to greatness. It was, and is, and forever shall be, a labor of love! Jack was born January 3rd, 1924 the third of 5 children born of the Christian marriage of Ruby and R.L. Hansard in Breckenridge, Texas. In the early 1930's shortly after the tragic death of the oldest son, Junior, age 16, the family packed up and moved out to Hollywood, California. Jack's grandparents were already there, and he was about 9 or 10 years of age at the time. Hollywood, North Hollywood, Los Angeles, like Texas, in those days, was a great place to be as a child! Among other projects, the Hansard family helped to build the First Christian Church in North Hollywood. The Hansard family loved to work with their hands. Though they helped with the building of all aspects of the church, their chief accomplishment and responsibility was putting in the sound system. The First Christian Church, and its high quality sound system still stands (and sounds) rock solid to this day. Jack had a great love of freedom, and had a special love for nature and all creatures, "except for snakes, bugs, and disloyal women" as he once wrote in a rough draft for an ad. Jack, though serious, had a great sense of humor! His nickname at Universal Studio's was "Jake the Snake." Jack's motto was the Early American Patriots flag that reads, "Don't Tread on Me!" (The same motto of the American Tea Party to this day!) Jack lived and breathed and acted in the spirit of the Early American Patriots. (Particularly the Boston Tea Party fellows who dressed up like Indians and threw the British tea into the water!) Jack loved life and the living, and though tough as nails, he would just as easily cry at the loss of a friend or family member. He loved talk radio to keep him company at night, and couldn't live without reading the daily newspaper or want ads. He kept a close eye on the news, had a keen sense of Government and saw through the liars in office and in the media. He believed in the United States of America and her Constitution, and knew that there were some bad ones, without heart, in leadership positions in both Hollywood and the media as well as government, especially in Washington D.C., that needed to be ousted from office, and that pronto. Jack, though carrying a heavy cross, lived and died a free man. In faith, he died in the arms of God. Jack served on air, land and seas in combat. He served in the 142 Airborne Division, First Marine Air Wing in the U.S. Marines as a rear gunner and radio man in the Pacific Theatre, among other duties. Jack had searing memories of those days, both good and bad that never departed from him. Some manifested as nightmares that would wake him in a sudden jolt and leave him in a sweat. However, Jack wasn't able to talk about any of it until he was in his 80's! (Thus one of the reasons that he always had to keep moving!) Jack was sustained by his love and appreciation for freedom, for his project, along with his love and appreciation for his friends and family and even strangers, to the end. Jack is survived by many friends and family and will be sorely missed. May his dream of completing his Iwo Jima Monument live on. His family is committed to continuing his dream, and welcome any help in support. Please leave your name with Tim Grenvic at the Siskiyou County Veteran's Affairs Office at the Yreka Armory to offer your assistance, and/or for more information. Interment with Military Honors will be at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 2:00 PM. A memorial service at Dad's Iwo Jima Memorial honoring our father, his life and work in honoring his friends and family in support of Dad's dear heart and herculean efforts to give tribute to America and the United States Marines (Iwo Jima) will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.

Jack H. Hansard

January 3, 1924 - January 24, 2011