Jack Griffin Isaacson, '18
Jack Griffin Isaacson, '18, passed away on June 2, 2024 in San Diego, California.
It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our son, Jack Griffin Isaacson, at the tender age of 22. He was taken far too soon, and his time with us was marked by love, laughter, and extraordinary memories.
From the moment he was born, Jack was deeply loved. He looked like an angel with a halo of blonde curls - but we loved that he had a bit of mischievousness in him that led to endless funny “Jack stories”.
Jack's special gift was his warm and infectious smile that would light up a room. His hugs were frequent and legendary, filled with genuine warmth and affection – offered even when he was at odds with someone. Jack's intellectual development was far beyond his years, and he had a remarkable ability to express his views with clarity and insight. His sharp wit and impeccable timing were testaments to his keen mind and unique and often sarcastic sense of humor.
Jack's interests were diverse and interesting. He was fascinated with the struggle of good versus evil. His early interest in superheroes and villains grew to include Greek Mythology and a lifelong enjoyment of comics and graphic novels. Later it propelled his personal study of World War II. Jack loved to learn – was a voracious reader for a young person – and had something of a photographic memory. It allowed him to retain information that he was synthesizing into a personal philosophy. He enjoyed testing his theories in “bull sessions” with those with more experience and/or formal education than that to which he had yet been exposed. He was interested in fashion and had sketchbooks with garments he designed for young people. He occasionally displayed his considerable entrepreneurial abilities by generating clothing and related products and selling them online.
Jack had a deep passion for boxing. He developed it during his four years in the US Marine Corps which he joined at just 17½ years old. He enjoyed organizing family and his buddies to watch important pay-per-view matches and enhancing the excitement with his natural charisma. He loved the sport for its mind-body connection, the challenge of mastering complex combinations, and the strategic, chess-like nature of the competition. Boxing was more than a sport to Jack; it was a metaphor for life and its challenges and triumphs.
He encouraged his brothers to be themselves unapologetically and to pursue their dreams, even if they seemed difficult to attain. Jack loved Sam and Cole deeply and would reflexively be their supporter and their advocate in most any situation. Nobody messed with Jack’s brothers (but him - ha ha)!
One of his enduring and cherished legacies are the names he created for two of his grandparents. As a young child, Jack already had a strong personality, and when he was set on something, he wouldn’t waver. He decided that his grandparents shouldn’t be called grandpa and grandma but rather, how they came out of his mouth as he was learning to speak: “Baca” and “Beca”. No matter how many times he was corrected, Jack was set on calling them that. To this day, all the grandchildren refer to them lovingly as Baca and Beca.
He will be missed by many, but by his family most of all. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Kelly and Jim Myers, his father, Blake Isaacson, his brothers Sam and Cole Isaacson, his grandparents Patty and Joe Christenson, and Betty Isaacson, as well as his uncles, aunts, cousins, and all our extended family.
Jack, your memory will forever live in our hearts. We miss your warmth, your intelligence, your humor, and your loving spirit. Rest in peace, dear Jack. You will be with us always!
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 8th at the Church of the Nativity, 6309 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. The service will begin at 10:30am. A gathering will take place after the service at Vittorio’s restaurant 7875 Highland Village Place, San Diego, CA 92129. All are welcome to join in remembering and celebrating Jack’s life.