He was born in Chicago, IL to John Henry Bannon II and Ellen (Swett) along with three siblings Carol (Mason), David and Gerald(Jerry). His sister Carol sadly passed away March 25, 2020.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Nancy (Venti) and 15 nieces and nephews.
He was born into an Irish and Italian immigrant culture in the Westside of Chicago. The Great Depression hit when he was about 4 years old.
Growing up was filled with poverty and struggle. At the same time some of his unique talents were evident. He displayed an ability to draw and write creatively. Jack emerged from these challenges with a strong religious faith, resilience, humor and a positive disposition.
As a junior in high school, Jack enlisted into the Army Air Corps and trained to be a P-38 fighter pilot in WWII. His war service took him to Texas, then California, and finally to combat in the South Pacific.
After the war Jack attended Marquette University under the GI bill with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He and his wife Nancy moved to California where he built a flourishing engineering sales representative business and enjoyed the delights of California. He enjoyed visits with friends and family. Jack was a fountain of business ideas, researching, designing and promoting. He loved oil painting, writing , and sports. He had a passion for movies and wrote a screenplay that came close to being produced. Occasionally he "played the horses" and sports gambled with his friends. He was engaging, witty, private, courageous, likable, and fun to be with.
Jack also held a strong Catholic faith and personal spirituality that directed his life. He practiced contemplative prayer and reflection which seemed to carry him through his difficult encounters in life..
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