Jack Ray Hammett<br/>March 22, 1920 - December 13, 2014
Jack Ray Hammett, 94, passed away peacefully in his Costa Mesa home of over 50 years on Saturday 12/13/14, with his family. He wanted to be remembered as a Patriot, “one who supports and defends his country”. That was his life’s passion. As 17 years of age he joined the U.S. Navy in Cleveland, Ohio where he was born and raised.
He enlisted as an apprentice seaman in 1938 and retired after 23 years as a Warrant Officer. He was stationed at the U. S. Naval Hospital in Pearl Harbor on that fateful day, December 7, 1941. As a survivor he went on to serve in all the theaters of war as a navy corpsman, the invasion of Europe on D-Day and was stationed with the U. S. Marines during the Korean Conflict. Prior to his retirement in 1959 he attended and graduated from El Camino Community College and entered civilian life.
His life in the City of Costa Mesa began in December of 1960 when he arrived from Torrance, California to build a medical clinic for doctors to practice in a group setting. He founded Bristol Park Medical Group and served as Administrator and CEO for 26 years.
From January 1, 1961 until the present he has served the City of Costa Mesa in a variety of ways, nearly all in civic involvement. His contributions include, Police Reserve for 22 years, Planning Commission for 7 years including two as Chairman, Chamber of Commerce as a Director for 34 years with two terms as President and City Council member for 8 years including two as Mayor.
Other involvements include: Five years on the California Committee to establish the “Physician’s Assistant” program, appointed by Governor Reagan. Vice Chairman on the California Aeronautics Board for five years, appointed by Governor Reagan. California Department of Transpiration Advisory Board for two years, appointed by Leo J. McCarthy, Speaker of the Assembly, Member for two years on the Committee for Rehabilitation in Orange County. Eleven years on the Orange County Coast Association, Chairman of the World War II Commemoration for 4 years. Founder and Publisher of the “Red Barons of Orange County” history of aviation in Orange County book entitled “From Jennies to Jets”.
He was Founder and Chairman of the Freedom Committee of Orange County. He tirelessly spent the last 20 years of his life dedicated to teaching “Living History” to Orange County school children.
He devoted his live to civic and community service, while running a business and raising a family In Costa Mesa.
He married Mary Jo Goncalves in February 1940 and just prior to her passing in 2011 they celebrated 71 years of marriage. They had four children: Bruce Hammett, Angelica Sage, Mark Hammett, and Jill Marvin; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Services will be at St. Joachim Church in Costa Mesa, Friday 12/19 at 11am.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 2:30pm at the Orange County Fair Grounds in the Hanger, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.