Jack Jacinto

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Jack Jacinto who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jack was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jack knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Jack was born on January 18, 1933 in Manila, Philippines. His parents were Marcelo Jacinto and Natividad Villacencio. Jack was raised in Manila, Philippines. Even as a youngster, Jack learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Jack was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Jack was raised with six siblings. Jack had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Jack, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

In school, Jack was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Jack was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Jack’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Fort Bonifacio Makati High School. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was politics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. Gapasin. Jack was also the president of the PTA at Fort Bonifacio Makati High School.

Jack’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Jack’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Jack saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Arellano University. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Masters of Business Administration in Arellano University. His favorite course was political science.

An objective and conscientious individual, Jack reveled in the security of his family. On August 25, 1955 Jack exchanged wedding vows with Urbana Nabung Cortez in McKinley, Fort Bonifacio, Makati, Manila, Philippine Islands. One of Jack’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Jack was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Jack would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Jack was blessed with three loving daughters, Myrna Dela Serna, Marylin Jacinto, and Marilou Blase. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Patrick Dela Serna, Avery Jacinto, and Thomas Blase.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Jack was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Jack was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jack upheld his standards. Jack was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Jack was in the Philippine Army. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the military from 1952-1987. Through his hard work and dedication, retired as a Major.

Jack approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were watching action and classic movies. Jack was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Jack to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Top of his list was watching wrestling.

A civic-minded person, Jack was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Jack was a member for the Barangay Councilman in Fort Bonifacio, Makati, Manila, Philippine Islands. During these years, Jack applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

Faith was important to Jack. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was devoted Catholic.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Jack used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Jack had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included traveling around Europe and Asia during his work at the National Defense College of the Philippines.

When Jack’s retirement finally arrived in 1987, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to California. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working at Northside Community Center. In many ways, Jack loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Jack passed away on November 23, 2013 at Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City, California. Jack fought a brave battle through multiple organ failures. He is survived by his wife Urbana of 58 wonderful years; his three loving daughters Myrna Dela Serna and husband Franco, Marylin Jacinto, and Marilou Blase and husband Oscar; and his three wonderful grandchild Patrick, Avery, and Thomas. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Jack was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

All who knew him would agree that Jack was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jack Jacinto did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.