Jack Thomas Colman
Obituary
Jack Thomas Colman
January 15, 1927 – June 7, 2017
A long life, well lived.
A true son of Seattle, Jack lived all over the Central area and south end as a youth, raised his family in Montlake, and lived out his retirement years in the Belltown and Cascade neighborhoods.
He was employed at the Boeing Company, retiring after 34 years as a Senior Security Supervisor. He previously served as a King County Deputy Sheriff and Kitsap County Deputy Sheriff.
Jack was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. In 1943, at age 16, he dropped out of Garfield High School, lied about his age, and enlisted in the USMC. He served in the South Pacific including Saipan and Kwajalein. He served in the USMC Reserve and was called to duty for the Korean War. In Korea he led Howe Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, one of the most iconic battles in the history of warfare. In addition to numerous campaign medals and citations he was awarded three Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star with a “V”, for Valor. In retirement he was very active with several veteran’s groups including the Chosin Few and the Marine Corps Honor Guard at Tahoma National Cemetery. He was honored by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for his fundraising efforts which were instrumental in building both the Washington State Korean War and World War II Memorials.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Margaret Prosser, his sisters Patricia Cuen and Joann Parry, his brother Bryce Dickgeiser, his daughter Margie Colman, his son Jack Colman, Jr., and his grandson Jackson Joseph Heavey. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Thelma Peterson Colman. He is also survived by his brother Craig Dickgeiser, his children Michael Heavey (Connie), Karen Haines (Paul), Thomas Heavey (Nancy), Kristi Colman (Fred Williams), and 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren – all of whom he loved greatly.
Jack Colman was one of the many who defined the Greatest Generation. A genuine war hero, a loving father to a family he chose; a coach, mentor, volunteer, artist, and so much more. He was raised in the Depression, did his duty, went to war, came home, and built his family, community and life. He coached baseball and football, he supported his kids through Scouting and Campfire, he rang doorbells for Democrats. He modeled volunteerism and community service, a lesson which is not lost on his children, who continue in his example. He was dedicated to the ideals of hospitality, honesty, and inclusiveness. All were welcome at his table.
Viewing: Bonney-Watson, Capitol Hill, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday June 14th.
Burial Service: Tahoma National Cemetery, Thursday June 15th at 10 a.m.
Memorial Service: Saturday June 17, 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1215 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109.
Remembrances can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, where Jack and Thelma have been members since 1957.