Jack Alexander Bader

Born in Aberdeen, Washington on June 15, 1931, he was raised by Dorothy and Arnold Bader. Jack moved to Tacoma with his parents and attended St. Patrick’s grade school, before graduating from Bellarmine High School in 1949, having earned varsity letters in football and baseball. He also dedicated his time to being editor of the school yearbook – The Cage. Jack spent his summers working for the Washington Forestry as a volunteer fireman in the Elma fire department. When not fighting fires, he pitched for the Elma City baseball team. In high school, Jack met his future bride Giovanna (Johnny) Goeger who was “the girl next door.” Jack and Johnny enjoyed spending time at Ocean Shores and going on family picnics together before tying the knot on September 9, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic church in Tacoma, Washington. They honeymooned along the Oregon coast. Jack went on to manage his uncle’s grocery store, Strubel and Glancey’s, in Elma. In 1952, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was commended as an honor student of Class 01052, Aircraft Mechanic Course at the Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He served active duty as a mechanic crew chief on B-36 airplanes, otherwise known as the “peacemakers,” until 1956, upon which time he entered the Air Force Reserves as a Staff Sergeant. He had fond memories of his time in Greenland, Texas, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Guam, before being honorably discharged in 1960. Once he was discharged, Jack managed the Shop Rite grocery store in Tacoma for ten years. He went on to work for West Coast Grocery as a warehouseman, which was later bought out by Super Value, and retired from there after 27 years in 1993. Throughout this time, Jack raised his three daughters, Tracy Jean, Kimberly Ann, and Nannette Marie, alongside his wife Johnny in their home in Tacoma. He loved to go boating with Johnny, take his family on camping trips all over the Pacific Northwest, and go on weekend excursions to Hood Canal. He played multiple games of double solitaire, badminton and croquet, played catch with Tracy, taught Kim the inner workings of a car and how to fix things, and enjoyed clamming with Nan. He loved his seafood and going to Shenanigans for escargot and oysters on the half shell. And mushrooms!! How he loved mushrooms! In his retirement, Dad belonged to the Tacoma Eagles Aerie #3 along with Johnny. Jack was also a member of the local AMVETs organization. Jack and Johnny participated in bowling tournaments together and he played golf as well. Jack took his wife dancing, and spent 10 consecutive Octobers in Hawaii celebrating their anniversaries. In fact, Jack and Johnny won a dance competition at the Ilikai Hotel. He had the enjoyment of having three granddaughters, Tiffany, Lindsey, and Jamie, one grandson, Casey, and one great grandson, Kayleb. Jack enjoyed playing Battleship with Casey, giving and getting back scratches, watching the Mariners and Seahawks, and was ALWAYS interested in hearing about or watching the grandkids’ sports and activities. Jack held a great deal of love and respect for his brothers Richard “Rick” and David Bader. He cherished his relationship with his son-in-law Doug, whom he considered his only son. Four o’clock was a special time for Jack—this is when cocktail hour would commence and he enjoyed his daily martini. Jack leaves behind a legacy that solidifies his place in the hearts of those he affected. His gentle spirit, warm laugh, and lion’s heart will continue to touch the lives of his family and friends. In honor of Jack, raise a glass and toast a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Cheers Dad, we love you.