Jack Erickson OBITUARY

Jack Erickson OBITUARY

JACK ERICKSON, passed away on the 14th of Oct, 2025 following a brief hospital stay. Jack was born on October 25, 1927, in Iron Mountain, Michigan and was raised in Chicago. He moved with his mother to California and attended San Mateo High School for his senior year. Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945, towards the end of WWII. He was once again called to active duty with the commencement of the Korean War.

Jack was one of the legendary 1st Marine Division, 5th regiment, which bravely fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart for his service. He returned to earn his Bachelors degree in advertising from San Jose State University. He soon met his wife and settled in San Carlos, California to raise their family. Jack went into the newspaper advertising world and worked for the San Francisco Chronicle and San Mateo Times until retiring. Jack adored his wife Joan of 65 years. They loved to travel and together saw many places across the globe. Jack’s love of baseball was never ending. He traveled the world playing softball well into his 80’s, playing for the team that won the international Senior World Series in 1997. He coached little league in San Carlos for 20 years, always saying it was more important that the kids learned to love the game rather than win championships. Even though he grew up a Cub’s fan he reminded people that the Giants were his team. He delighted in the 3 world series wins they achieved. Jack cherished the brotherhood of his Marine Corp family and was very proud to be called a Marine. He kept in touch with the fraternity of the “Chosin Few”, traveling to both coasts for reunions over the years.

Jack is survived by his wife Joan of San Carlos; children: Russell (Robin) of Stamford, Connecticut, their daughters, Rebecca, Emma, Sarah. Donald (Kimberly) of Bend, Oregon, and their son Lt. Cole Erickson USMC. Jack is preceded in death by his granddaughter Kelsey and mother Verna.