John "Jack" Stanley

John "Jack" Stanley, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully left this world on August 21, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on April 21, 1937, in San Francisco, California, Jack was surrounded by his loving family, including his devoted wife Caroline, to whom he was married for 68 remarkable years. Jack was the cherished son of John Henry Stanley and Ruth Murray Stanley, who predeceased him in death, along with his sister, Jean Carol Mozes. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol "Caroline" Campagna Stanley; his devoted daughter, Kelly Stanley Huddleston, son in law Jeffrey Huddleston; and his adored granddaughter, Avalon Fair Huddleston. Jack also leaves behind his brother in law and sister in law Joseph and Marcia Campagna, brother and sister in law, Jerry and Lucy Stanley, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his great grand dog Frank. A proud graduate of Willow Glen High School in 1955, Jack attended every class reunion! He was proud of the Willow Glen Community and has collected every Willow Glen yearbook from 1951 through 1970. He was a Cherrio and Duncan Yo Yo Champion and was proud to wear the sweater with all the titles he had won! He played basketball through out his schooling and also played for a city wide basket ball team. His team took 2nd place in the 14 and under county finals. Jack also was an amazing baseball player and was scouted by the San Jose Bees. Jack went on to serve his Country in the U.S. Navy, enlisting with his friend Mel Saccamano to see the world.... they ended up in San Diego. His service was cut short due to a severe illness, leading to an honorable discharge. Jack's career included working at the American Can Company before dedicating over 36 years to the Campbell Union High School District, where he found joy as the District's one and only Postman. A man of many passions, Jack was member of the Rod and Wheelers Club in San Jose, California, founded in 1952. He was so proud of the accomplishment of the club when they were Car Club of the Year 1960 By Car Craft Magazine. He is shown in the magazine with his 1956 Chevy known as the "Cheese Grader" as it had 147 custom louvers on the hood and trunk. He cherished his honorary membership and contributed vintage original club items to ensure the club's continued success. It is still one of the oldest active car clubs in California. He restored his coveted 32 in the 80's. He also found camaraderie in the Italian Men's Tricarico Social Club, the Brown Bus Club and traveling to Bonneville Salt Flats. He was also a member of St. Christopher's Church in San Jose. Jack's early days helping his father in the Hauling business taught him the value of a dollar and ignited a lifelong love for buying and selling antiques, miscellaneous items and books. He did a door to door sales with a glass candy dish that looked like grapes raising money for Camp Campbell. He said "Thats where it all started." His passion for automobiles made him a well-known figure in the swap meet world, where his wit and charm made every deal a memorable encounter. Whether you were Big Daddy Don Garlits getting some Halibrand wheels or a newcomer, everyone was treated as an equal. Jack had a remarkable ability to make people laugh, whether through his playful pranks or his air guitar renditions of "Blueberry Hill." Jack was an avid reader and loved history, and read the Mercury News every day that was delivered to his door. Everyday at 2:00 you would find Jack on the couch watching Judge Judy he was truly her biggest fan! Coffee with his friends, affectionately known as "The Pathetics", was a daily ritual that brought him happiness and time to hang out with the boys. His vibrant spirit and infectious laughter touched everyone he met at coffee. Jack Stanley's life was a testament to love, laughter, and the enduring power of friendship. The stories will only live on if we continue to tell them. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Always remember "Be bad, anyone can be good!" Jack's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses at El Camino Hospital in Los Gatos for their compassionate care. A service to celebrate Jack's life will be held on August 31, 2026, at 12 noon, at Lima Campagna Alameda Mission Chapel 600 S Second Street, San Jose, CA. Entombment to follow Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted to create the Jack Stanley Memorial Car Show. Please email JSMCS32@yahoo.com for more information.