Ernest “Jean” Giraud Jr., 72, of Cottage Grove, Ore., passed away June 9, 2021. Jean was born Oct. 17, 1948 in Pocatello, Idaho, to parents Ernest and June (Stevens) Giraud. Jean graduated high school in 1967 and received his associates degree from Lane Community College, Sept. 1992 in computer programming. He joined the Navy on Dec. 1, 1970 as a sonar technician. Jean received the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and good conduct. Jean married Mavis Ione Couser Jan. 16,1976 in Las Vegas.
He worked as a millworker for Bohemia Lumber Company for 18 years, and then for Peirce Irrigation and Fittings as a fabricator where he retired in 2013. Jean enjoyed woodworking, remodeling, painting, gardening, landscape design, rock hounding, gold panning, mushroom picking, and hunting. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to France, Hawaii, Alaska, and all the Utah state parks. Jean was an avid reader and golfer. He loved the theatre and acted in three plays at the Cottage Grove Theatre. He was a long-time councilman at the Cottage Grove Faith Center. His greatest passion was helping others. He and his wife were volunteers with the local help line in Cottage Grove.
Jean is survived by his wife of 45 years Mavis Giraud; daughter Tracy (John) Silva of Cottage Grove; son Clay Thornburgh of Las Vegas; sister Tillie (Brad) Stewart of Las Vegas; grandchildren Brandon, Chelsy, Brittany, and Cameron; great-grandchildren Malaki, Josiah, Easton, and Naomi; nephew Dustin and niece Erin. Services will take place at Roseburg National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove.
