In memory of Jack Bousian
HAYWARD, Calif. — A memorial service for Jack Bousian of Hayward, one of the oldest World War II veterans and artists in the San Francisco Bay Area, was held on Oct. 24, 2026. Family and friends gathered at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland on the one-year anniversary of his passing.
Jack passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 105 on Oct. 22, 2025. In recognition of his military service, an Honor Guard was performed at his memorial service. With the participation of the American Legion, the solemn ceremony included the folding of the American flag, the presentation of the flag to the family and a firing party that rendered a traditional three-volley rifle salute. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church in Oakland conducted the memorial service.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather and dedicated Armenian American community member, Jack lived a life defined by creativity, discipline and devotion to family.
A California native, Jack was born on Jan. 14, 1920, in Sanger (Fresno County), Calif. His parents, Boghos (Paul) and Zarouhie (Rose) Bousian, had narrowly escaped the Armenian Genocide, in which Jack’s grandparents were killed. At age 5, Jack moved with his family to the Bay Area, working in his father’s grocery store during the Great Depression.
Jack graduated with honors from the California College of the Arts (CCA) in 1942 and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. Recognizing his graphic design talents, the Army assigned him to Company B, 660th Engineers Topographical Battalion in London. Operating in strict secrecy, Jack drafted the critical maps used for the June 6, 1944, Allied invasion of Normandy. Following D-Day, his unit mapped Allied movements through France and Germany, eventually relocating to Paris until V-E Day.
After the war, Jack enjoyed a prominent advertising career as an art director in New York and San Francisco, working as one of the original “Mad Men” at the industry-leading firm BBDO. In 1965, he married Barbara Boyajian at St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco. They lived on Diamond Heights, welcoming their son Mark, before relocating to Westport, Conn., in 1970, where their daughter Adrienne was born. In Connecticut, Jack founded and led Graphics One Associates in Stamford as creative director.
In the 1980s, Jack matured into a prolific abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. Over the decades, his works were showcased at the CCA alumni exhibit, Gump’s San Francisco, Fresno State, Silvermine Guild Arts Center and the Armenian Museum of America. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while isolating in Hayward, Jack produced over 400 unique pieces — often using paper grocery bags when supplies ran low. In his final years, he created a groundbreaking mixed-media series depicting the 1915 Armenian Genocide. In 2024, CCA honored him as their oldest living alumnus at age 104.
An avid runner who jogged daily until age 100, Jack continued walking daily until he was 105. He credited his longevity to vigorous exercise and lifelong creativity. He was a member of the Armenian Triple X Fraternity (Golden Gate Chapter), St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland and St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco.
Jack was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lee. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara Bousian, and son Mark Bousian of Hayward; daughter Adrienne Bousian, son-in-law Alex Long and granddaughter Sophia of Berkeley; brother-in-law David Boyajian; and three nieces.
Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Armenian Triple X Fraternity Golden Gate Chapter, St. Vartan Armenian Church, St. John Armenian Church or the California College of the Arts.
