Well Known Santa Cruz Deputy Dies Months After Teenage Son Receives Heart Transplant

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputy George “Tony” Jack died unexpectedly on Saturday while he was working out at a local gym.

Tony recently celebrated his 50th birthday and was able to see one of his sons get a life saving heart transplant.

From the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department

Tony, who was born in Los Gatos, CA, recently celebrated his 50th birthday. He spent a good part of his life in Santa Cruz County, attending Soquel High School and Cabrillo College. Along with his family, he was very involved in 4-H and the Santa Cruz County Fair. Tony attended the Gavilan College Police Academy in Gilroy, CA and held Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory certificates. Tony enjoyed teaching, and would later go on to become an instructor at Cabrillo College.

Prior to joining Santa Cruz County, Tony worked for Pacific Security and Investigations where he made many lasting friendships and developed a sincere interest in helping others. He could often be seen counseling a troubled youth or spending time with the elderly or homeless. He treated others with dignity and respect and knew early on that law enforcement was his destined career.

Tony joined the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in 1985 and served until 1987 when he decided to return home and join the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office. He was hired by the late Sheriff Al Noren and was a 28-year veteran of local law enforcement.

While with Santa Cruz County, Tony had a remarkable service record in a variety of assignments. He held positions in patrol and investigations and worked as a gang investigator, field training officer, SWAT team member and firearms and driving instructor. He also served in the administration bureau working in the recruiting, hiring and training division and in 1998 he supervised the Sheriff’s Live Oak Service Center.

Tony’s personnel record boasts numerous commendations from co-workers, members of allied law enforcement, the faculty of multiple school districts, numerous County Supervisors and many, many members of our community.

Most recently, Tony was pleased to serve as Superior Court Bailiff for the Honorable Judge Timothy Volkmann.

Tony was devoted to his children and was an involved member of the community. He often bragged about his three sons and the love of his life, Narine Kadekian.

Deputy Jack leaves behind (Brin Jack (Father), Gavin Jack (Son), Owen Jack (Son), Kyle Jack (Son), Wendy Jack (Sister), Narine Kadekian (Girlfriend).

The entire Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office and its extended family mourn the loss of Deputy Tony Jack. We share in the sadness felt by the Jack family and all of the Santa Cruz Community.