Obituary of John Jesse Havens

9:30 AM Thursday prior to the funeral service at the Masonic Center John Jesse Havens Sr. passed away at his family’s homestead on Friday June 29th, 2006. John was born in Tacoma on June 3rd, 1929 to James Jesse and Bertha Marie (Gulbraa) Havens. He attended the Collins School in Thurston County and graduated from Yelm High School in 1947. John served in the U. S. Army as a medic during the Korean War. With the exception of time spent on foreign soil, John lived his entire life in the Olympia area. He made his home on the very land that his maternal grandmother homesteaded; the same home that his parents occupied when he was born. John carried on the family tradition of hard work, even to the day of his death. In his early years, John was a painting contractor, responsible for painting such local landmarks as The South Sound Mall, the Governor’s Mansion and many homes. Later he bought into a radiator repair shop, at which time he had 4 children at home. After his father’s death in 1976, in conjunction with his other business ventures, John continued the family cattle ranching tradition. Over the years that followed, he owned and operated several towing companies and an auto wrecking yard. John enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, being particularly fond of the Hood Canal area. He loved antique automobiles, his collections and The Grand Old Opry. In years past, he also belonged to the local CB radio club, a local boating club, and learned and enjoyed SCUBA diving. His family and friends knew a quiet man of great integrity who could always be counted on. A strong patriarch and provider, John loved and always cared for his family. He leaves behind his wife of 22 years Sarah, his sons John Jr. (Susan) and Gary (Sandy), his daughters Carolyn and Catherine, his sister Marie Cody, his grandchildren Christopher (Toni), Nicholas, Katie, Zachary, Leia (Ahmad), Kelsey, Jesse, Tiffani, Amber, Darrell and Alex, and his great-grandchild Kateri, all from the Olympia area, and a huge hole in the hearts of many. The funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 AM Thursday, July 6, 2006 at the Masonic center, 521 North St. SE, Tumwater. A viewing for friends and family will begin at 9:30 AM prior to the service. Interment will follow at Pioneer Cemetery in Lacey. Please leave your condolences for the family by clicking on the "view Guestbook" link below.