Jack Seal

September 17, 1936 - February 15, 2026

Jack passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. He spent his last week at home in Folsom with his family, able to enjoy some foods he liked, and having conversations with those around him.

My father, Alan Ishikawa '54, and Jack were friends in South Pasadena (Marengo, SPJHS and SPHS). They were friends at a time when it wasn't always easy to be friends with a Japanese American boy and his family. They were fast friends, none the less, with activities like YMCA Camp, baseball, and chasing down Babe Ruth for an autograph transcended race and stereotypes. My father was grateful for this friendship, and through the SPHSAA website, I connected with Jack and his family. We shared some good meals together, reminiscing, and reminding ourselves of what a special place South Pasadena can be. A place where "lasting friendship seeds are sown...". I will always be grateful for his kindness. May Jack rest in peace.

Son of Alan Ishikawa '54

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Jack's incredible life story began when he was born to Julia Quinn and Thurman Seal in Tupelo, Mississippi where he spent his early childhood. An only child, he spent his formative years in South Pasadena where he was raised by his mother. He regularly attended Baptist and Presbyterian churches, both of which played a significant role in shaping his early life, and instilled in him a lifelong faith and devotion to Christianity.

Chasing the dream of becoming a professional baseball player, Jack was a pitcher for the USC baseball team and a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. He graduated from USC in 1958. After graduation, facing the risk of being drafted, Jack chose to enlist in the Army, and was assigned to Ford Ord for basic training as an Army infantryman in 1958. He continued his service until 1965, finishing as an Army Reservist.

Making Monterey his permanent home, Jack had a storied, 41-year career as an insurance investigator, and owned his own business for many of those years. Eventually, he became a private investigator as well. His diligent work and impeccable ethics earned him widespread respect among his colleagues, and throughout his career he helped hundreds of people recover and move on from oftentimes heartbreaking loss and injury.

In this chapter of his life Jack also raised four children, sharing with them his passion for the outdoors. He took them on frequent camping trips while introducing them to the gift of the Sierra. Always a fisherman at heart, he caught countless steelhead and trout along the Carmel and Big Sur rivers, but the streams and lakes of the Sierra were what captured his heart. 

The second half of his life's story took a remarkable turn when he met the love of his life, Anne Sheck, whom he married in 1986. Together, they relocated to Folsom, California where their home was always open to their blended family, friends and neighbors, and where decades of celebrations of milestones and life events took place. Jack and Anne also had the time of their lives traveling to places near and far - tropical destinations being among their favorites. One of Jack's proudest moments took place in Mazatlan, Mexico, where he fought and landed a 240-pound marlin, the exact likeness of which still graces one entire wall of the family room.

Jack discovered a new passion for golf after retirement. Over his golf career, he earned numerous awards with the Springfield Seniors Golf Club in Rocklin, including Iron Man, Points Champion, Match Play, Most Improved and Most Single Round Points. He took immense pride in his hole-in-one, recognized by Golf Digest in 2002. In 2015, his ultimate golf dream came true when he got to play a round at Pebble Beach under epic, bluebird conditions rare for the Central Coast - a forever memory he cherished and recounted to anyone and everyone who would listen, right up through his final days.

Jack was known for his unwavering loyalty. The friends he made were friends for life. Intelligent, yet humble and unassuming, he was a great storyteller, often recalling minute details of events that escaped others' memories. His extraordinary memory was especially remarkable when it came to sports. He was arguably the most comprehensive walking encyclopedia of sports statistics the world has ever known! Most importantly, Jack had a unique ability to find humor in the daily absurdities and frustrations that are often out of our control. This gift brought laughter and light to those around him, especially during the challenging final years of his life.

Loving husband, Dad, Grandpa, Papa - Jack was so many things to us, his family, and he loved us fiercely. His was the advice we always sought, and gave the most weight to. We never tired of his stories, no matter how many times we had heard them. He was famous for his pecan pies made from scratch. We will sorely miss exchanging daily texts with him, including real time play-by-plays during any given baseball, football, or golf games being televised at that moment.

Jack leaves behind his beloved wife, Anne; sons, Keith (Sarah) Seal and Kent Seal; daughters, Wendy (Tom) Lang, Kelly (Mark) Miller, and Cynthia (Rob) McEwan; and eight grandchildren.

Dignity Memorial, February 2026