BATEMAN, Jack J.

Parker Pioneer, Parker, Arizona - Published Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Jack Joe Bateman, the morning of March 25, 2010. Born June 3, 1933 to Della and Van Bateman in Oklahoma City, Okla. Jack was half Irish and half Native American (Cherokee). He later joined the US Navy, which brought him West. He eventually made his home in Parker, Ariz. and retired to Salome, Ariz. with his wife, Yvonne in 1999. Jack was a patriotic American who served in the Navy from 1951 to 1959. Jack was recipient of several Navy medals including two Korean Service medals, a National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and a United Nations Service Medal. Jack was a lifetime member of the VFW and served as Post Commander two years and Quartermaster for one year. He proudly flew his American flag at his home in Salome. Jack often spoke of his time and work on the Central Arizona Project as well as his affiliation with the Carpenter's Union. He was a proud card-carrying member of the NRA. Jack may have been known best as "Jackson" bartending at many bars and restaurants in town and along the river, where everyone knew his name. Left to cherish Jack's love and memory are his wife of 22 years, Yvonne Bateman; children, Christina (Bush) and Leo Jimenez and Wyly (Bush) and Chris Wallace and grandchildren Leonardo, Steven, Emily (Jimenez), Maxx (Wallace) and great-grandson Jaden (Jimenez). He is also survived by his eldest sister: Helen Baker, of Oklahoma; his nieces Karen Warren, of Arizona; Linda McMahill, of Oklahoma; Pat Brodie, of Texas; and nephews Van Bateman, of Arizona; Lynn Baker and Wesley Haggard, both of Oklahoma; and many others. Jack was outgoing, energized by people/activities, action oriented Jack relied on clear, concrete information, used common sense, lived in the present Jack made decisions based on facts and logic, noticed when action was needed, was objective and accepted conflicts as normal in relationships Jack planned everything out, worked to stay ahead and used deadlines, dates and routines to manage life Jack was the youngest of five children: Helen, Ralph, Veryl, Leon and then Jack. Jack made life-long friends in the Navy and regularly gathered with them at USS Mansfield annual reunions throughout the country. Many of his closest friends have passed in recent years, but Jack kept them close in his heart and memories. He treasured his neighbor, John Stendal, often saying he looked upon him like a brother. But his best friend, was his wife, Yvonne. They were married August 21, 1987 at the Hearts of Reno Chapel in Reno Nev. He enjoyed playing darts and collecting everything from cigarette lighters to model cars and antique tools. He loved to hit the dance floor to show off his jitterbug. Jack played a mean ukulele. Jack enjoyed his time on the local baseball leagues in Southern California, where he broke his ankle ultimately retiring him from playing. He still loved to watch his Atlanta Braves and rarely missed the opportunity to see them play (on TV). He also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, who he followed religiously. He was affiliated with the Carpenter's Union. He was Commander at the Parker VFW post for two years and Quartermaster for one year. He was a member of the American Legion. Jacks favorite vacation was a trip to Branson Missouri. He also loved New Orleans, and the drive down the coast of Northern California. Jack's favorite pet was Alice, a Llaso Apso mix. She was their baby for 18 years. Other members of their animal family included Lady, a Heeler mix, in Salome and Grey Dog the cat from his home in Branson's Resort. Jack had a way with animals. Grey Dog was potty trained to use the toilet instead of a litter box. Jack's walks home from the river often found him being pursued by the local river ducks, which he could feed by hand. The range cattle at his home in Salome were often found waiting for him outside his fence. He seemed to be able to charm animals of all kinds from tarantulas to bobcats! Jack retired from La Paz Country Parks Dept. in 1998. Jack frequently visited the Bouse VFW and always made time for trips to Big River for his custom haircuts by Linda to maintain his famous silver hairdo. Jack passed away at home in Salome. He fought a long four-year battle with both prostate and lung cancers. A celebration of Jack's life and service to our country will be held Saturday, April 10 at 1 p.m., at Parker Funeral Home, including VFW and American Legion ceremonies. All are welcomed.