Birth date: Jan 14, 1920 Death date: Oct 22, 2025
Jack Bousian Obituary Jack Bousian of Hayward, the San Francisco Bay Area’s oldest World War II veteran and oldest living artist, passed away of natural causes at 105 years old on October 22, 2025. Jack was a beloved husband, fat Read Obituary
Jack was a tremendous friend of our family. When he and his parents moved to Oakland in the 1920’s his parents and brother Leo (Lee) became close friends of my Barsamian grandparents, my father and my uncles. I’ve known Jack for over 60 years. I’ve always enjoyed his artwork and our discussions about art and finance. He’d often call me and ask
“What the hell’s wrong with GE”: his stock wasn’t performing like he felt it should and since I worked at GE Healthcare he wanted my thoughts. We also enjoyed talking about ways to solve the world’s ills and our many upsets over what was happening in Washington DC. Even though we didn’t solve as much as we wanted, we would always feel better afterwards.
About one year ago I was fortunate to visit Jack at his home. I hoped to look at some of the artwork he created almost daily in his backyard/home. As Jack was a modern abstract impressionist he always had some very creative and thought provoking work; I thoroughly enjoyed my time viewing his work with him. I will try to attach a video he made when I was showing my iPhone to him that July afternoon.
I had started charcoal drawing and oil painting in college as an outlet, and means of relaxation to the stress of my medical studies. So I fully understood his passion and methods.
That July afternoon I was pleased to receive one of Jack’s paintings. It now resides in my home office.
Jack and his entire family will alway reside in a very special place in my heart. I hope to see him again one day: in a better place.
Rest well my friend.
Jack Bousian has been intertwined with my family since the 1920s in Oakland. He and his brother Lee were very close friends of my father, John. I will miss our telephone conversations. Jack always reminisced about the good old days with my family and his. His parents were very close with my Barsamian grandparents. I was so thrilled when he and his son came to see my show "Barry Sings Judy" in San Francisco at Martuni's in April 2024. He let me introduce him as my father's and my 104-year-old friend. Not even Bob Hope had lived that long ! He even attended the afterparty at my good friend Jerry's home, though he had to climb over 20 stairs in the rain to get to the elevator. The photos that I've attached are from that day and the last photo from my nephew's first birthday party. I will miss Jack and the many interesting conversations we had. Because of him, I pursued the field of advertising and public relations. Jack has always been a shining star to me. I miss him very much. Jack was my greatest cheerleader. I will always think of him when I see a bottle of cod liver oil. He was a firm believer in its health benefits. See you in heaven my friend. Love, Barry Barsamian
I've known Jack for over 70 years, as his parents were good friends of my parents. We also belonged to the same Armenian Church, St. John's, and were part of the Armenian community in the Bay Area.
Jack was a very good friend of my husband Ralph Kazanjian, and a fellow Trex Fraternity brother.
When I was younger I worked at J. Walter Thompson Advertising in San Francisco writing ad copy and running campaigns for JWT's clients. Jack worked at BBD&O as the art director and had many years of experience. When I ran into a problem, I'd call up Jack to ask his sage advice on how to continue campaigns I was working on. He was always kind and would offer help, and soothe my angst about my job.
He was a great artist, and modest about his talent. I'd tell him, "Jack, you need to display your art work in a gallery like Gump's," and he would smile and say "I don't think so but thanks."
He was a gentleman, and a gentle man. I will miss him and so will the members of my family. Elise Shabas Kazanjian
