Jack Thomas Burgan

Jack Thomas Burgan, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather is now with our Lord Jesus Christ. Jack had a full life, serving our country in the US Navy, enjoyed a career with Shell Oil, and then retired to Grants Pass, OR to enjoy retirement with family and friends.
Dad was born on February 11, 1924 in Harbor City, CA graduating from Narbonne High School in Lomita, CA in 1942. In high school he was on football and track/field teams, excelling on these teams. There he met Martha Rose Ferguson and later married the love of his life on December 3, 1943. He joined the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Doyle DD494 and was on her maiden voyage, becoming a plank owner. Dad was proud of his naval service, including the participation of D-Day activities at Normandy. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Jack joined Shell Oil Company rising to a position of supervisor before retiring in 1983.
Mom and Dad moved to Grants Pass, OR, a town they fell in love with during one of their family vacations. Their home is filled with many memories of their family and adventures. During his time in Grants Pass Dad would meet and talk with anyone. He was so proud of his naval service and very proud of the young men and women serving today. He was passionate of the US flag, even going into a McDonalds to tell the manager about the condition of the flag flying, offering to buy a new flag. The manager was so impressed he immediately replaced the weathered flag and it flies today.
Dad was the proud father of two children – Joanna and John. He was thrilled when Joanna followed his military footsteps and joined the US Air Force, retiring to begin a second career as a paramedic, currently living in Mesa, AZ. Joanna has fond memories of joining her father at the naval reunions and meeting the men who shared the same experiences as her father. During her visits home they would frequently play cribbage and enjoy watching football games together.
Dad was also proud of John and his accomplishments as a musician and mechanic. John has the ability to pick up music quickly and write songs. His skills as a mechanic are equally impressive. John married and Dad became the grandfather of three beautiful nieces – Corina, Elizabeth, and Jackie. He was the typical grandfather, spoiling the kids (although he would deny it) and doing whatever was necessary for them. For the past several years Jack and Martha have raised the kids, with Corina now on her own, confident knowing what her grandfather taught her will help as she continues in life to be successful in the path she chooses. He is very proud of the beautiful young lady she has become. Lizzie and Jackie have some of his traits ingrained in them (some stubbornness mixed with sassiness and kind hearts), and you can see him in them each day.
Dad was involved in the Tin Can Sailors, a naval destroyer group, attending USS Doyle reunions in locations across the country. He last attended the reunion with Joanna in San Diego two years ago. It was rare to see him without his Tin Can Sailor or USS Doyle hat.
Dad was a man of high morals, outstanding integrity, and complete honesty. If you didn’t want the hard truth, you wouldn’t ask Jack – he would tell you exactly what he thought or what was right.
There are so many memories of Dad it would take several days (and lots of paper) to note them all. The wonderful vacations, memorable holidays, coming through in a pinch for his kids or grandkids, and just being a good person will live in the hearts and lives of his family forever.
Dad is remembered as a kind man who would do anything to help someone. He attended church at Walteria Assembly of God in CA and then College Heights Baptist in Grants Pass - always a man who could be depended on for any need.
The family would be honored if you would like to share your feelings about him and what he meant to you by adding your thoughts on this website. If you would like to honor him with a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project, it would be wonderful. He has supported this organization for the past several years and considers their support of our wounded men and women and their families a high priority. If you are interested please visit the website at https://woundedwarriorproject.org .
Dad you are missed, but knowing you we expect you to be talking to everyone in heaven. You are loved and forever in our hearts, minds, and souls.