Jack David Guttenplan was born in Baton Rouge, LA. He enlisted in the navy, v-12 program December 2, 1942 at age 17. He received a BS degree from Case Institute of Technology, attended Columbia university Midshipman School and became one of the youngest ensigns In t he Navy at 19. During World War II, he served aboard USS Athanasia AF41, USS Crockett APA 148 and USS Nespelen AOG55, remained in the Ready Reserve, and became commanding officer of Santa Anna, CA Naval Reserve Surface Div. 11-28 (L), commanding 300 men and officers. He retired from the Navy after 30 years in rank of commander. After WWII, he returned to Case, earned MS degree and completed all coursework for PhD in chemical engineering. He worked for Chrysler Corporation and Rockwell International before retiring in 1990. Jack helped organized and was commander of Oak Park, MI Post 716 in 1960 moved to Santa Ana and became a charter member of Orange County Post 760, serving four terms as commander. Was charter commander (two terms) of Southern Coast District council, and served two terms as Department of California commander. Organized and instituted California Posts 385, 595 and 680 during this period. He was co-winner of the Ed Nappen "Outstanding Department Commander" award in 1973, "California Man of the year" in 1977, and again Ed Nappen awarded in 1982. Jack served many years as NEC or on various national committees. Jack was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and is survived by his three children Mark, Stuart and Karen.