Jack LaRue Palmer

Jack LaRue Palmer, age 89, of Prescott, AZ, passed away on June 16th, 2024, after being involved in a vehicle accident on June 5th, 2024, in the Prescott area. 

Jack was born on July 23rd, 1934 to Adrienne and John Palmer in Spring Valley, Illinois. He was the first to share he was the oldest of four siblings, which he boldly did, often. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Marietta Palmer of Tempe, Arizona, and sister, Lana Weaver of Springfield, Oregon. Jack’s other sister, Alma Wimmer, passed away in 2013. 

Jack grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He adored his mother and remained close with her until her passing in 1982. In 1956, Jack married his wife, Bonnie, who he described as “the prettiest girl he’d ever seen!” They resided in Walnut, California, for 42 years, and thereafter, in 2004, moved to Prescott, Arizona, where they settled into their community and enjoyed the beautiful four-season climate and slower pace of life. This year, they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on the 18th of August. Unfortunately, Bonnie was also in the accident and did not survive. After 11 days in the hospital, Jack succumbed to his injuries in the early morning of Father’s Day, June 16th. 

Jack and Bonnie had two sons, Steven Palmer and Jack M. Palmer, who both preceded them in death, Steven in 2000, and Jack M. in 2015. Along with his previously mentioned siblings, John and Lana, Jack is also survived by his three grandchildren, Margaret (34), Jack (32), and Michelle (31), and his two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne (12) and Gloria (7 months). 

Anyone who knew Jack understood the depth of his love for God, his family, and his country. Jack’s patriotism was intense, and the profound impact his military service as a proud Marine had in shaping him as a young man certainly was evidenced throughout his life. Semper Fidelis, “Always Faithful,” the motto of every Marine was ingrained on Jack’s heart. Jack was a Corporal in the 1st MAF (Marine Aircraft Wing) unit of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956, serving in both Korea and Japan. Over the years, he remained involved and participated in several support groups for veterans and was particularly honored in 2019 when he was selected to stand as one of the Grand Marshals of the City of Prescott Veteran’s Day Parade. That year, the parade’s theme was, “Korean War Veterans: Never Forget Their Service” which brought remembrance to a largely forgotten war. Jack, along with 4 other fellow veterans, donned his military uniform to represent the men and women who served during that time. In 2019, Jack also held the position of 2nd Vice Commander of the Korean War Veterans Association H. Edward Reeves Chapter 311. Jack’s loyalty and commitment to those “who sacrifice and serve their country” transitioned with him as he completed his military career and extended his “service before self” mantra onward into his next chosen career of law enforcement. 

In 1958, Jack joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department where he dedicatedly served the people and communities in the area for over 29 years. Though Jack enjoyed all the positions he held with LASD, the one he was most proud of was his position as an Arson Explosives’ Detective out of the Headquarters Detective Bureau. Jack retired from the department as a Sergeant in 1987. 

Jack was a man of deep, sincere faith, and he was an active member in his church, Westside Christian, for over 7 years. He also enjoyed being a member of “Seniors…Tried & True,” a volunteer group of seniors who spearhead various charitable projects in the Prescott area including fundraisers and gift collections to benefit impoverished children of the American Indian communities. 

Jack’s heart was very tender, though, often times, concealed beneath his tough outward expressions of being “a man’s man.” Jack was not one to be disingenuous with his emotions. When he expressed love, he meant it to his very core, and those who were recipients of his love, were greatly blessed. He was loved deeply and treasured immensely by those he embraced in his inner circle. 

Jack will be terribly missed, but we take solace knowing he is now in the comforting arms of the Lord and rejoicing in heaven with Bonnie! The ache of not being able to listen to one of his stories, see his gentle smile, or share a laugh together or a loving hug will now have to be quelled with the joy of knowing he is finally “home” and at peace! He will always live on in our hearts…rest in peace, Our Dear Jack!