John Philip Jensen

Obituary John P. Jensen, Jr. John Phillip Jensen, Jr. is "Knock, Knock , Knock'in on Heaven's door." Born August 7, 1948, in Kearney, Nebraska, he passed away January 14, 2013 in Tacoma, Washington. The youngest child of a Nebraska lawyer and an English teacher, John was a musician, pilot, sharpshooter, sailor, writer and lawyer, not necessarily in that order. He was passionate about everything he did and lived his life with gusto. In high school, John excelled in music and debate. He continued his love of music at the University of Nebraska as principal cellist in the University Orchestra and also wooed many a young preppie with his guitar or harmonica. John sailed the Atlantic Coastline down to the Caribbean and into the Virgin Islands, and traveled to Costa Rica, Ireland and across the country, making his unforgettable mark along the way. He loved to cook delicious meals for friends and cheer for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Huskies, Seahawks and Mariners. He often announced his arrival at friend's homes or at work with: "Here's Johnny!" To the end, John was an old-fashioned gentleman who refused to use computers, opened doors for women, and savored a good shot of fine whiskey. A 1985 graduate of the UPS School of Law, John spent nearly three decades litigating civil and criminal cases. As a zealous advocate, he would take on any challenge to protect the injured, the poor, and the innocent. Standing 6'6" tall with a loud bass voice and intense arguments, it was impossible for anyone in the courtroom to ignore his presence. One of his major legal accomplishments was championing the "Knock and Talk" rule, requiring that police knock and announce themselves properly before entering a residence without a warrant, in the Washington State Supreme Court case of State v Ferrier. John is survived by sisters Kay Maser (Ore.), JoAnn Entwisle (Ill.), Ruth Jensen (Neb.) and beloved niece Lee Anne Maser (Greece), as well as many friends and extended family. A Memorial Service will be held at the UPS Kilworth Chapel, 3410 No. 18th St., Tacoma, WA on Saturday February 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.; with a wake to follow at Duke's Restaurant, 3327 Ruston Way, 2:30-4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's honor (John P. Jensen Donation Account) at any Columbia Bank branch, to assist in defraying the cost of his last illness. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home (253) 572-6003, www.gaffneycares.com.