Jack William

Cousins

In Loving Memory of Jack William Cousins

August 2, 1937 – November 6, 2026

Jack was born on August 2, 1937, in Oakland, California, to Annie Lee Brown and Jesse William Cousins. He also shared an important part of his upbringing with his stepfather, Marvin Rendrick Lee. Jack spent most of his life in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he grew up, attended school, and began building the foundation for a life of hard work, dedication, and service. He graduated from Alhambra High School in Martinez, California, where he discovered his passion for working with his hands and pursuing a career as a machinist.

It was also during his high school years that Jack met the love of his life, Greta Roanne Youngberg, his high school sweetheart. Their love story began at a young age, and on December 17, 1955, at just 18 years old, they married and began a journey together that would last for over 70 years. Their marriage became the foundation of a family built on love, commitment, faith, and devotion to one another.

Prior to Jack and Greta’s marriage Jack entered the United States Navy, where he pursued his career as a machinist. Over the course of 21 years of honorable service, Jack traveled the world and experienced adventures that few could imagine. His naval career took him to many countries and across countless miles of ocean. He completed two tours in Vietnam, spent 13 months in the Antarctica, and served aboard numerous ships, truly sailing the seven seas. Through years of dedication and service, Jack rose to the rank of O3/Lieutenant before retiring from the Navy in 1976 in San Diego, California. Following Jack’s retirement from the Navy, he took his skills and worked another 20 years for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) in Antioch, California.

Jack and Greta made their home in Concord, California, where they raised their six children: Jeanette, Michael, Jacqueline, Matthew, Aaron, and David.

Their home was a place filled with laughter, love, discipline, family activities, and, above all, a strong belief in Jesus Christ. Jack believed in raising his children with strong values, teaching them the importance of family, responsibility, faith, and doing what was right. His love and influence extended well beyond his immediate family.

Jack had a special place in his heart for helping young people. Through the Boy Scouts of America program, he dedicated more than ten years to mentoring and developing young men. He regularly took the scouts to Camp Wolfeboro, where he helped create experiences and memories that would last a lifetime. Those camping trips became legendary, filled with adventure, friendship, and stories that have been passed down through the years. And, as the saying goes, what happens at Camp Wolfeboro stays at Camp Wolfeboro!

Jack's faith also became an increasingly important part of his life. He developed a strong religious conviction through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith was more than something he believed; it was something he lived. Jack and Greta shared their faith by serving for 10 years in the Oakland Temple as well as serving a two-year church mission in Salt Lake City, where they devoted their time to genealogy work, helping others discover and connect with their family histories. It was a fitting mission for a man who understood the importance of family, heritage, and the generations that connect us.

Because two people fell in love, Jack and Greta built a remarkable family legacy. Their six children grew into families of their own, blessing Jack and Greta with 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandchildren on the way. The family Jack and Greta began grew into generations of people who will continue to carry their names, values, stories, and memories forward.

Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Greta, and their six children: Jeanette Gardner (Kevin), Michael Cousins, Jacqueline Harrison (Scott), Matthew Cousins (Veronica), Aaron Cousins (Stephanie), David Cousins

Jack's life was one of service, adventure, faith, and love. He served his country, stood beside his wife, raised a family, mentored young men, strengthened his faith, and helped build a legacy that will continue for generations.

His journey began in Oakland, took him across the oceans of the world, and eventually brought him home to the family he loved so dearly. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, the faith he shared, and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jack's greatest legacy is not measured by the miles he traveled, the ships he served aboard, or the rank he achieved. It is measured by the family he built, the young lives he influenced, the faith he strengthened, and the generations who will forever call him Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.

Fair winds and following seas, Jack. Your watch is complete. You are loved, you are remembered, and you will never be forgotten.