John R. Hancock

John R. Hancock born 11/26/1921 died 7/23/2013. John (Jack) Hancock was born in Seattle Washington on November 26, 1921 to Otis and Louise Hancock, the eldest of 3 sons. Twin brothers Robert and William (Bill and Bob) followed a few years later to round out the busy family. John attended and excelled in Seattle schools, as well as having a paper route, through the difficult years of pre and post depression era as his father struggled as an architect and his mother tried to manage a home and feed 3 boys. His attendance at the University of Washington and work at Boeing was interrupted by WWII. Soon after he married his lifetime partner of nearly 70 years, Florence, he volunteered for the Navy. Due to his excellent test scores he remained in the states and he and Florence were stationed in Florida and Oakland California. After his service they returned to Seattle and he began his career in the automobile industry and daughters Linda and Jill were born. Jack, Florence (fondly called Sam by friends) and their girls moved to Napa California in 1956 where Jack went to work at Sullivan Ford and he soon became the general manager. They loved Browns Valley and made their home there for many years in several different homes. Jack was very instrumental in the development of the town of Napa as he worked as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of Napa Valley Mortgage, Vice President of IASCO and commercial Real Estate Broker of Premier Properties. He was responsible for bringing in many businesses such as Denny’s, Longs, the Saki Plant in the Napa industrial park, Chardonnay golf course, and IASCO with the training of Japan Airlines pilots. He loved his work and he was committed to the Napa community as he also participated in service clubs including Elks and Kiawanis, often as president. Florence and Jack traveled extensively both for business and pleasure and especially enjoyed their time in Japan as he interacted with Japan Airlines. They visited many countries across many continents and liked experiencing many cultures. Jack’s love of fishing, which began in Seattle with large salmon, continued in Alaska, Belize, and anywhere he could land a big fish. He and Florence joined Napa Valley Country Club and later Silverado Country club to pursue their love of golf, which began for Jack in Seattle in college where he worked as a caddie and had a 4 handicap himself. Jack’s lifelong love of cars began with a model T that he co-owned when he was very young and continued through his entire life from working in the automobile industry to owning over 88 cars in his lifetime and subscribing to Car and Driver and attending many car shows. The most difficult time for him in recent years was his inability to drive due to health issues. He loved driving, whether for business or pleasure. John Hancock is survived by his wife Florence, children Linda Pidgeon and Jill Hancock, grandchildren Kelly Pidgeon- James, Diane Pidgeon, and Jonathan Pidgeon, great grand children Angel, Lily, and India Pidgeon-James, Cadie, Jack, and Elliette Pidgeon, brother Bill Hancock, cousin Dorothy Paterson and several much loved nieces and nephews. Memorial remembrances can be made to Queen of the Valley Hospital Foundation or any Napa Valley nonprofit.

John R. Hancock

November 26, 1921 - July 23, 2013

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John R. Hancock

November 26, 1921 - July 23, 2013

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