John Jack C. King's Obituary
Yuba City, California John A. C. Jack King, 85, of Yuba, California, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at his residence in California. He was born September 2, 1923, in Clinton, Michigan, the son of Edgar and Katherine (Browning-Frugali) King, and graduated from Clinton high school in 1941. In high school, Jack was a member of band, orchestra, chorus and glee club. He also had his own jazz band, The Starduster. Following graduation, he entered Michigan State University on a music scholarship in 1941 and was a member of the MSU band. During WWII, Jack left school to serve in the US Army and was stationed in Burma. He drove a truck for a portable surgical hospital. Jack was awarded the Bronze Star. After the war, he returned to Michigan and performed with several local bands and organizations. He later returned to school and graduated from Central Michigan University. For 10 years, Jack taught and was principal at Pine View School and later moved to California, where he taught 6 more years. Upon semi-retiring, he took a trip to Alaska where he earned the handle, Yukon. Unfortunately, Jack suffered a heart attack that prompted his full retirement, although he substituted until the age of 83 in Texas and California. Jack was a member of the Shriners and other Masonic bodies; and was a former Master of the Big Rapids Lodge. He volunteered his time as a Cub Scout advisor, a Little League Coach, music instructor for both public and private schools and helping conduct a summer music camp. His abilities included playing the clarinet, all saxophones, the oboe, and the trumpet. Performing in many music organizations throughout his lifetime, Jack, founded many including a clown band. He even played in orchestras, pit orchestras, and several choirs all across the country. Jack had also been the oldest member of the Ferris State University summer band. Jack and his wife, Wanetta (a US Air force counselor) lived, worked, and made music in Avenal, California; Wichita Falls, Texas; Fallon, Nevada and Yuba City, California. Surviving are wife, Wanetta of Yuba City, California; sons, John, Gregory, Robert, Richard, and Russel; daughter, Laurie; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and hundreds of former students. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions for the Ferris State University Band Scholarship may be left at the funeral home, where Jacks family will greet friends from 11-1 p.m. prior to service on Thursday.
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