Funeral Alternatives of Washington

Jack Perciful

Birth: 11/26/1925

Death: 3/13/2008

Interred:

Service Information:
A celebration of Jack's life will be held on April 27th, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Olympia Golf and Country Club on Cooper Point Road.

Interment:

Visitation Information:

Obituary:

Jack Perciful

Long-time Olympia resident and noted jazz piano player Jack Perciful died Thursday at the age of 82. He was well known in the Olympia area after moving here in 1974 to join his friend bassist Red Kelly to play at Kelly's Tumwater Conservatory.

Born in Moscow, Idaho on November 26, 1925, to Bessie and Art Perciful, Jack went on to graduate from the University of Idaho with a Master's degree in Music Education. He entered the army in 1943, played in army bands, and served in Japan after WW II. In 1956 Jack married Dorothy Morgan with whom he raised his two step-children, Larry and Dottie Morgan, while living in Las Vegas, Nevada. They separated when Jack moved to Olympia, and later divorced.

Jack played with numerous musicians and bands throughout his life, most notably the Harry James Orchestra, where he was pianist, arranger, and music director from 1956-1974. During that time he performed on several television shows, such as Ed Sullivan and Johnny Carson, appeared in the Jerry Lewis movie "The Ladies' Man". Jack toured the world giving concerts, and even played Carnegie Hall twice.

Once settled in Olympia, Jack played nightly at the Conservatory, backing singers Ernestine Anderson and Jan Stentz, as well as the scores of talented Northwest players who'd come to sit in, and the occasional soloist or even busload of nationally renown musicians passing through the area on tour. He and Red created the OWL Party (Out with Logic, On with Lunacy), a satirical jab at the political process, and actually ran a campaign that garnered significant votes, with Jack as the candidate for State Treasurer. While playing in Tumwater, Jack met his future wife, Kathy Mell.

Kathy and Jack married in 1988. Jack continued playing piano in various settings up until shortly before his death. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, his former wife, Dorothy, step children Larry Morgan and Dottie Jean Brown, 6 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

The last days of Jack's life were spent in Sequoia Assisted Living Center, where he made several new friends and fans, playing the piano there with his good friend Joe Baque. Many friends helped care for him during his illness, including Joe Baque & Jan Hillman, Chuck Stentz, Art Mell, Drew Gibbs, and Sharron Coontz. Also helping Jack during his last days with concern and tenderness were Amy Robinson, the staff at Sequoia, and the people from Assured Home Health and Hospice.

Jack's talents were legion, and will be sorely missed. He will also be remembered for his quick wit and sly humor, which never deserted him, even at the end. Donations in his memory can be sent to the Jack Perciful Music Scholarship at SPSCC Foundation, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512.

To leave a condolence, click on View Guestbook below.

Guestbook Entries

Date: 4/2/2008 7:57:01 PM
From: Megan West
Message: It was an honor to share the bandstand with this wonderful man. Without a doubt, one of the finest big band pianists I have ever known. Playing with Jack, made me a better musician. God Bless Jack Perciful and my sincere sympathy to his family.

Date: 3/26/2008 3:49:52 PM
From: Cheryl Morris Monteiro (Harry James Vocalist)
Message: Dear Kathy, At this time there are no words to convey how deeply heartbroken all of us are, who knew and loved Jack, to hear of his passing; yet we long to send our deepest condolences. There are also no words to express the appreciation we have that dearJack had you these many years. Knowing both of you has been a special gift I will always treasure. Thank you so very much for being such an understanding friend to me and for the wonderful visits we all shared together. They will never be forgotten. Working with Jack for several years with The Harry James Orchestra was a joy, an education and a blessing that will always warm and bless my heart. I pray God will bless you and grant you his peace. With sincerest love, always. Cheryl Morris Monteiro

Date: 3/22/2008 1:15:18 PM
From: Tom Brown (Grandson)
Message: Kathy, we have not met yet but thank you for takeing care of my grandpa. Most of my friends never believe the things I have told them about him. I will see you soon. Grandpa I will miss you always. Tom

Date: 3/21/2008 7:41:15 AM
From: Wayne and Pam Estvold
Message: Kathy.....Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of your husdand, Jack. Although, we just met him once at the 40th reunion, he was quite a colorful person...Wayne and Pam

Date: 3/20/2008 11:27:22 PM
From: Amy Borst
Message: I will miss you Uncle Jack. I am so proud to have had you in my family. I will cherish all of the memories we had. I loved watching sports with you and drinking killians irish red on the back porch. I'll never forget you sweet man.

Date: 3/20/2008 11:42:59 AM
From: Doug Miller
Message: Bless you, Kathy. We will all miss Jack. Take care. Doug.

Date: 3/19/2008 12:03:37 PM
From: Dick Johnson
Message: Kathy, he had a full and complete life. Please accept our sympathies at your loss.

Date: 3/17/2008 11:16:01 PM
From: Jan
Message: I will miss the live concerts with you and Joe, the mexican food, the laughs and most of all the love. Thanks Jack I love you and Kathy lots and lots

Date: 3/17/2008 4:30:33 PM
From: Chris & Amy Brown: (Grandson)
Message: Grpa Jack, I will miss you as well as your music very much. You are the only real "Father Figure" I had growing up. I love to brag about you to my friends who like the "Big-Band" music. Kathy, you are in our prayers and may God bless and comfort you in this time.

Date: 3/17/2008 10:46:20 AM
From: Kelly Woomer & Family
Message: Thank you everyone for loving my Grandpa so much, and helping Kathy during his final days . It means so much to all of us to know how loved and respected he was. I Love you Grandpa, Kelly

Tumwater: 360.753.1065 • Lacey: 360.491.2222 • Yelm: 360.400.5400 • Toll Free: 888.753.1065