John "Jack" Joseph Drees was born on April 5, 1931 to Peter and Elsie Drees in Crookston, Minnesota. He passed away on July 13, 2015 in Lompoc, CA. Jack grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota where he went through school. He graduated from high school and joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Germany for all of his four years.

After His service to our country, he attended and graduated from the University of North Dakota. He then continued his education by completing his Masters at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In 1960 he started teaching and coaching with the Lompoc Unified School District and continued to do so until his retirement in 1992.

Jack is survived by his wife of 60 plus years, Ann; Son Jeffrey (Gayle) Drees,Daughters Julie (David) McAninch and Catherine (Chris) Silva ; eight grandchildren Cody, and Jason Drees, David, Scott, Elizabeth and Michelle McAninch and Christopher and Austin Silva; one great-granddaughter Justyne Silva. He also leaves behind two sisters and one brother.

Service will be private at a later date. Please join the family for the "5th Quarter, a celebration of the Life of "Cactus Jack" on Monday, July 27, 2015 from 12:00 (noon) to 3:00 pm at the La Purisima Catholic Church Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Lompoc High School Athletic Department or La Purisima Catholic Church.