John (Jack) Stevens

John Barton Stevens, also known as " Handsome Jack," passed away peacefully on February 26, 2023, with veteran honors, in Loma Linda, California, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.

Jack was born on a ranch in Hettinger, North Dakota, on July 30, 1932. He was the son of Thomas and Helen Stevens and grew up alongside his sister Patricia. Little Jack was a natural adventurer and learned to fly planes at the young age of eight. This skill served him well as he went on to become a decorated Army Ranger and pilot in the Korean War, where he saved lives by following his instincts.

After his military service, Jack continued to pursue his love of flying by becoming a commercial pilot. He eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he ran a successful company, Burly Seal Products, employing hundreds of people. His business acumen and dedication to his employees were second to none.

Jack had an optimistic outlook on life and believed in the power of a positive mental attitude, “PMA.” He was known for his mottos and pearls of wisdom, such as "like a turtle, to get ahead, one must stick out its neck." He was always looking onward and upward, and his infectious positivity and sense of humor brightened the lives of everyone he met. He had high expectations and belief in the people he loved.

Jack is survived by his loving wife Betty, his son Terry & wife Kim, his brother-in-law Daniel, and his nieces Sarah and Marisa, their husbands Adam and Tim, and great-nephews Julian, Luke, Dominic, and Damian. He is also survived by his brother Barry, brother-in-law Joey & wife Tosha and niece Cheyenne, nephews Joshua and Jordan, nephew Tim and wife Lisa, nephew Dan and wife Janet, nephew Ren and wife Annie, niece Kerry, sister-in-law Liz (Shugie), mother-in-law Sylvia and other family and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter Sherry, sister Patricia and her husband Don, as well as his former wife Peggy and his sister-in-law Julia.