John Eddy Tanney II (Jack)
June 22, 1946 - June 6, 2024

Fresno, California - Oldest of seven siblings, passed away in Fresno, Ca. on June 6, 2024 at the age of 77.

Born June 22 1946, in Oakland Ca. Jack graduated from Clovis High School in 1964 where he was on the debate and swim teams. After graduation Jack found his dream job at Millerton Lake.

He continued his education at Chaminade University of Honolulu, where he fell in love with surfing, a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

His time in Honolulu was cut short by the draft. He then decided to join the Army and served as a Medevac Helicopter pilot in the 236th Danang Dustoff unit in Vietnam from 1971-1972 achieving the rank of Warrent officer.

After his service he graduated from UC Riverside with a degree in History. He returned to lifeguarding at Millerton, always seeking to be near water, which was second nature to him.

After the sudden passing of his father, Jack took over his manufacturing business. He and his brother Kerry turned it into a thriving success. He was a self taught engineer, who always stepped up to the plate and went on to build thousands of packaging machines, most of which are still active in plants all over the world.

Jack met and married Jennifer Telford in 1976, they spent many good years together and raised three wondeful children whom are thankful to have such amazing parents.

In the last 11 years of his life, Jack shared his days with his significant other Jeannie Turner.

He welcomed two grandsons Jet & Rylee and they were the light of his life. Jack and Jeannie cherished taking the boys to lunches and dinners, proudly showing them off to anyone who looked in their direction.

Jack enjoyed visiting Laguna Beach every chance he got and loved a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, whitewater rafting, parasailing, bare foot water skiing behind his Sanger boat and paddle boarding to name a few. Water was definitely his happy place. He also had a passion for cars, especially Woodies and anything fast. He loved all music and going to concerts. Jack had a zest for life!

We have no doubt that his beloved in-laws Mon and Jerry Telford greeted him at heavens gate. He is survived by his love Jeannie Turner, Jennifer Tanney, his children, Ryan Tanney, Cookie Tanney-Shriver, husband Ryan Shriver, Samantha Tanney & two grandsons Jet & Rylee Shriver, siblings Sean and Kerry Tanney, sister Maureen Say along with his favorite niece Danielle Tanney, Michael Tanney and many nephews.

His legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and adventurous spirit. He was the BEST friend, boss, brother, Dad and most definitely the most amazing Grandpa.

He was our personal Hero and will be missed by all who knew him. We know he will continue to live through the many lives he touched and the adventures he inspired.

Graveside services will be held at Sanger Cemetery on July 18th at 10 a.m.

Jack was a proponent of water safety and underprivileged youth. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to the Jr. Lifeguard Program in Newport Beach, Ca. through the Ben Carlson foundation.

https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/donate .