Obituary for John Richard "Jack" Hawkins
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John "Jack" R. Hawkins at the age of 77. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his daughter, Melissa Hawkins and grandson, Braydon Sexton.
He was born in Illiopolis, IL to the late Emmanuel F. and Georgianne L. (Welch) Hawkins. John was predeceased by his former wife Setsuko. He was the loving father of Takako "Taka" Kealoha (Danny), John “Johnny” Hawkins II, Linda Hawkins (Albert), James A. Hawkins (Seiko), Robert “Robbie” Walker, and Melissa Hawkins, grandfather of Samantha, Braydon and Lucas and great-grandfather of Haley and Matthew. Jack was the devoted brother of James “Jim” Hawkins (Sandy), Joe Hawkins (Martha), Mary Hawkins, Mike Hawkins (Susan) and the late Charley Hawkins. Jack is survived by his former wife and friend Rosey along with many neices and nephews.
John enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 at the age of 17. After his service for his country, he continued his dedication by working as a military contractor. John volintarily took a job in Vietnam where he was a military helicopter electrician. He then worked as manager for AFFES in Okinawa, Japan and Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. John worked for the Virginia and Maryland Army National Guard. He retired at the age of 67 as a truck driver and transportation manager for JB Hunt.
John loved fishing and passed it down to his son, daughter and grandson. He enjoyed driving around and exploring new scenery. He especially enjoyed the Susquehanna State Park and River where his late dog companion, Captain would tag along. John enjoyed watching comedy and telling jokes. When things were too serious, he found a way to make everyone laugh. John loved telling stories about "the good old days." In particular he liked to reminice with his siblings about their time growing up.
John's happy place was Okinawa, Japan. He loved the culture, the weather, the island scenery, and most importantly, his family and friends there. John spent the last 6 weeks in Okinawa and was able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine, traditional Okinawan cuisine, and quality time surrounded by those he loved the most. He truly lived his last trip to the fullest through simple pleasures; driving around the back roads of the island, wearing his warm fuzzy socks, having family dinners, and enjoying the company and conversation of his children and grandson.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD. Where a funeral service will be held at 4 P.M. A celebration of life will be held after the funeral service at the Hawkins household.
John was passionate about childrens health and regularly donated to its cause. Memorial donations in John's honor may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Messages of condolences or memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com
He was born in Illiopolis, IL to the late Emmanuel F. and Georgianne L. (Welch) Hawkins. John was predeceased by his former wife Setsuko. He was the loving father of Takako "Taka" Kealoha (Danny), John “Johnny” Hawkins II, Linda Hawkins (Albert), James A. Hawkins (Seiko), Robert “Robbie” Walker, and Melissa Hawkins, grandfather of Samantha, Braydon and Lucas and great-grandfather of Haley and Matthew. Jack was the devoted brother of James “Jim” Hawkins (Sandy), Joe Hawkins (Martha), Mary Hawkins, Mike Hawkins (Susan) and the late Charley Hawkins. Jack is survived by his former wife and friend Rosey along with many neices and nephews.
John enlisted in the United States Army in 1963 at the age of 17. After his service for his country, he continued his dedication by working as a military contractor. John volintarily took a job in Vietnam where he was a military helicopter electrician. He then worked as manager for AFFES in Okinawa, Japan and Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. John worked for the Virginia and Maryland Army National Guard. He retired at the age of 67 as a truck driver and transportation manager for JB Hunt.
John loved fishing and passed it down to his son, daughter and grandson. He enjoyed driving around and exploring new scenery. He especially enjoyed the Susquehanna State Park and River where his late dog companion, Captain would tag along. John enjoyed watching comedy and telling jokes. When things were too serious, he found a way to make everyone laugh. John loved telling stories about "the good old days." In particular he liked to reminice with his siblings about their time growing up.
John's happy place was Okinawa, Japan. He loved the culture, the weather, the island scenery, and most importantly, his family and friends there. John spent the last 6 weeks in Okinawa and was able to enjoy the warmth and sunshine, traditional Okinawan cuisine, and quality time surrounded by those he loved the most. He truly lived his last trip to the fullest through simple pleasures; driving around the back roads of the island, wearing his warm fuzzy socks, having family dinners, and enjoying the company and conversation of his children and grandson.
A viewing will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at the Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, MD. Where a funeral service will be held at 4 P.M. A celebration of life will be held after the funeral service at the Hawkins household.
John was passionate about childrens health and regularly donated to its cause. Memorial donations in John's honor may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Messages of condolences or memories to share may be made to www.zellmanfuneralhome.com