July 20, 1929 - February 6, 2015

Jack Nevins, of Costa Mesa, has passed away, leaving behind his loving wife, Dolores, to whom he'd been married for 63 years and Tootsie, his beloved cat. Jack is also survived by his devoted children: Jon (Terri), Joel (Nancy) and Julie (Steve: his "favorite"/only son-in-law and best friend), and was preceded in death by his first-born-son, Jay. Jack also had six grandchildren: Cory, Daniel, Laurie, Brooke, Julia, and Carly, along with one great-grandchild, MaryJane. Jack joined the US Navy in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He then joined the Air Force in 1955 and retired from active service in 1972 after a tour of duty in Vietnam. He had a long and varied career in the Armed Forces and was awarded the Airman's Medal for his bravery during one crisis - a very distinguished honor awarded for actions involving voluntary risk of life under conditions other than combat. After retiring from the Air Force Jack and Dolores settled in Arkansas on 5 acres of land. He went to school to become an automobile body repair expert, rebuilding cars that had incurred major damage and to which he "brought back to life". He built a beautiful modern repair shop in which to accomplish his "magic" on the vehicles. After about fifteen years, he and Dolores moved back to California. Jack started a new career at Alton Geoscience, which he enjoyed immensely. He retired from that company, but kept in touch with many of his co-workers, who were dear to him. Jack rode motorcycles, which some of his children enjoy as well. In 1979 he and Julie took a trip on their bikes, riding from Arkansas to Florida; it was a trip of a lifetime and created many happy memories. Jack was a train buff - he built a beautiful "N" gage railroad layout and an outdoor "G" scale railway, along with many wooden buildings that added to the charm. His gardening skills were exceptional - he grew delicious tomatoes, peas and string beans; we looked forward to his "bounty" each year! We all loved and miss Jack so much. In his honor Dolores requests that donations be made to the National Parkinson Foundation.

Published in Orange County Register on Feb. 22, 2015