 |
MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan 02
JACK LAWRENCE SCHRAM * '46
No. 15328 * 6 May 1922 - 14 May 2000
Died in Pacific Palisades, CA * Cremated, Ashes spread near Conness
Lake, CA |
JACK LAWRENCE SCHRAM was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. An excellent
student and athlete throughout his early school years, Jack entered and
graduated from UCLA before gaining his appointment to West Point. He joined
the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
His roommate, Jack Grady, on Jack as a cadet: "Being two years older
than the average classmate, he had a mature view of the plebe system. In
academics, Jack established his credentials as a charter member of the
first section. Learning was effortless for him. He quickly established
his leadership qualifications and became F2 Company Commander first class
year." At graduation, Jack became a second lieutenant of Cavalry, soon
to become Armor.
While attending the Armor Basic Officer's Course at Ft. Knox, KY Jack
met and married Barbara Axton, daughter of the Post Chaplain, in June 1947.
From Ft Knox, the Schrams went to Europe. While there, Barbara developed
cancer and Jack was reassigned to the States where Barbara died.
Jack's next assignment was to Fort Casey, WA in 1950. In 1951 during
the Korean War, Jack became Company Commander in the 6th Tank Bn., 24th
Division and then Bn S3, 19th Inf 24th Division. Jack was wounded in action,
losing his ring finger and his West Point ring. From Korea, Jack returned
to Ft Knox for the Armor Advanced Course. While there, he met and married
Jane Jarcho Gay, widow of classmate Hobart Gay, in April 1953. Later, in
1953, Jack returned to West Point as an instructor in Military Topography
and Graphics. Jack left the Army in 1956 to try his hand at civilian life.
His first position was with HR Horowitz Construction (HRH) in New York
with his classmate JR Horowitz. He transferred to Los Angeles with HRH
in 1963. From 1975, Jack spent ten years as CEO of two public construction
companies. In 1984, he retired and started a small construction firm with
his son, Jim.
As Jack pared down his construction business, he began to do the things
that interested him. He developed a strong interest in archaeology and
took classes at UCLA. He was active in the Boy Scouts and worked as a volunteer
for Recordings for the Blind. His loving wife, Jane, died in 1989.
Jack became even more involved in his volunteer efforts. He continued
to take classes and completed the work for a UCLA Certificate in Archaeology.
Jack was also active in his church, the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian
Church. During the last years of his life, he devoted himself to the construction
of the new church sanctuary and church campus. In his volunteer capacity
as the Church's representative, he worked directly with the architect and
contractors. The result was a beautiful majestic building. At his surprise
party, celebrating the completion of the project, Jack was presented a
ceremonial hammer inscribed, "The house of God that Jack built."
Jack was attaching a direction sign to a post near the Church when he
had a heart attack and died. Survivors include daughters, Lisa and Pat;
sons, Hobart Gay and Jim and his brother, Charles.
Jack Schram was a brilliant man, a proud son of West Point who lived
his life by its motto. His memory lives on in those who knew and loved
him.
Fellow archaeologist, Barbara Nielsen, remembered: "Jack was a brilliant
and powerful person and he had a gentleness and softness not readily apparent.
Although Jack had sadness in his life, his tendency was to look forward,
not back. He talked of streamlining his life, but still lived full speed
ahead."
Friend from his church, Robert Sussin, wrote: "From our first meeting,
it was clear that he was a leader of men, a decision maker and a devout
Christian. I am proud to have known him and I am certain God has called
him for his next assignment."
Daughter, Lisa, recalled: "I'm sure all children of West Point graduates
share similar experiences regarding the discipline with which our parents
lived their lives. My father certainly held high expectations for his children
in that regard. As a child, I thought him unfairly strict. As an adult,
I have a much greater appreciation for his approach. He allowed us the
opportunity to learn from our mistakes. I will always appreciate the wisdom
and guidance he brought to my life."
Son, Hap Gay, remembered: "He was the ultimate perfectionist. Life
to him was a constant search for knowledge and experience. He always felt
a need to do for others, to give back to the community and the country.
Duty, Honor, Country was not just a saying to him. It was a way of life,
ingrained in him and as much a part of him as breathing. He was a man of
Honor. I believe there is no higher praise one can give to another than
that."
Daughter, Pat, recalled: "I cherish the things he shared with me: a
love of art and music, an appreciation for the wonders of nature, a desire
and willingness to share with those less fortunate, a longing for knowledge,
a commitment to family and community. He lived a full and rich life; I'm
thankful to have shared it."
The Class of 1946 is proud to honor our classmate with those few words
that would mean so much to him: "Well Done, Jack; Be Thou At Peace!
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
|