Others saw a more militant man especially when it came to advocating Chicano causes: Jack, dressed for the occasion in a tuxedo, would picket the Academy Awards each year urging that the film industry hire more Latinos. He also was at the forefront of the successful effort to create a stamp honoring the late labor leader Cesar Chavez.Jack’s table at Joannafina’s - a popular Seaward Avenue eatery - was filled with political and community activists each Saturday and Sunday where he held court for the last 14 years.A dedicated family man, advocate and patron of the arts, Jack was somewhat of an artist himself with his at times flamboyant ties and extensive wardrobe. He knew that garnering attention to his self would also focus attention on his causes.He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Margaret V. Nava; son, Danny Ray Nava; daughters, Yvonne Nava Mora (Mark) and Jeri Jo Nava Maynes (Ricky); seven grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; a brother, Henry Nava of Ventura; sister, Margret Garcia (husband Julio) of Ojai; and numerous other relatives and friends.Visitation was held at Funeraria del Angel Stetler Mortuary. A recitation of the Rosary and a Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Paula.Jack was interred at Santa Paula Cemetery.
Jack Nava: Chicano activist at the forefront of Chavez stamp passes away
February 03, 2006
Santa Paula News
Whether it was picketing the Academy Awards on an annual basis to urge more Chicano representation in the film industry or urging the creation of a stamp honoring labor leader Cesar Chavez, Jack V. Nava - always sporting his trademark sunglasses - was constantly on the go.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesWhether it was picketing the Academy Awards on an annual basis to urge more Chicano representation in the film industry or urging the creation of a stamp honoring labor leader Cesar Chavez, Jack V. Nava - always sporting his trademark sunglasses - was constantly on the go.Nava, an at-times flamboyant activist who grew up in Santa Paula, passed away Jan. 26 at the age of 68.A native Californian born in San Fernando on Aug. 16, 1937, Jack was a Chicano labor activist and retired barber who had lived in Ventura for more than two decades.Latino Town Hall President Robert Borrego said he has known the Nava family for many years.“I knew Jack very, very well...what struck me was that he was so sincere, a very honest and humble man.”Jack had a “Unique personality,” that allowed him to treat all that he met as “Long-lost friends...” Borrego added.
